Lessons From Taylor Hanson…Just Show Up. Pay it Forward
The remarkably simple lessons I learned from the pop-rock star behind "MMMbop" about success and serving others.
An off schedule post
This is an off-schedule post. That means something different or interesting is going on that warrants paying attention to. So, my friends, read on to find out more!
Introduction
The primary principle of Afterburner Success Partners is not to reinvent the wheel or create something new and untested, but to learn from the masters who have been successful over time. And then just imitate what they did. Typically, that means first determining your individual gift and then, second, just go do it. Repeatedly for at least 10,000 times (remember that lesson?). Keep doing it until you are successful. Never give up, never doubt. Enjoy the journey (very important!). Accept that mastery takes years. Many years. And when you’ve arrived, never forget what we all were really meant to do in life and here on this earth.
Today, I’d like to tell you about a few simple lessons I learned from one of the greats in the music industry. His story and impact are far more meaningful than merely providing entertainment for music fans.
The Hansons everyone knows
The Hansons are a local Tulsa, OK, family, and the pop-rock band of the same name has been around since the late 1990s. As you can imagine, it has been a really big deal in Tulsa, where I live, to watch them first come on the scene and then make it big. The fact is, they were just a cute trio of brothers, Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, when they first became public. But the world loved their music! Just look at these statistics:
They have sold over 16 million records worldwide, achieving multi-platinum with their hit MMMBop.
When MMMBop was released, Isaac was 16, Taylor was 14, and Zac was 11.
MMMBop was a number 1 single in 27 countries
They have had multiple top 20 albums in the US and numerous charting singles in the US and UK
After their initial success, they founded 3CG Records and continue to release music and tour.
They have been going for over 28 years now
To say these folks were successful is probably quite an understatement.
The Taylor Hanson that most people don’t know
I periodically attend a breakfast for Tulsa-area businesspeople, where there is an opportunity to meet fellow businesspeople, have breakfast, and hear a speaker. The real purpose of the gathering is to learn how businesspeople can share their faith as part of their work. Speakers are typically local business owners or others who have achieved success and share stories of their faith and how they live it through their businesses. In a world that is often angry and negative, attending a positive event like this is absolutely refreshing.
A typical event sees people gathering early to enjoy coffee and meet one another. As I was standing in line to get coffee that November morning, I struck up a conversation with a fellow who did not look like the typical business person that day. He was not dressed like most of the folks, and his hair was a bit shaggier than that of many. I introduced myself, and we talked a bit. He seemed popular with others, and after a few minutes, I found a seat at a table near the back. Soon, he sat down at the same table. After returning from the buffet line, as I listened to the conversation at the table, I realized this gentleman was that day’s speaker. He was Taylor Hanson. He was asked about his childhood, growing up, and his family. I invite you to click on the link in Note 1 to learn more about him. It’s an amazing story.
This guy is among the most famous music personalities in the world, but that was not what he was primarily going to speak about that day. I could tell immediately his real passion is his faith and his desire to help people through his movement to end food deserts, Food on the Move. Food on the Move, according to Taylor, was a result of a figurative tap on the shoulder from God in 2014, telling him, “I have more work for you to do.” He described Food on the Move as a facilitator for a culture of service and dignity to others. Click on the link in Note 2 to learn more about this amazing organization and the great work they do.
Of course, when someone of this stature speaks, people want to hear how they became successful, and that has to be the lead-in. For this group, speakers are typically allotted 45 minutes, and as Taylor began, he said he was not sure how he would use the full time. Then, he spoke from his heart, and toward the end he realized he was out of time. He discussed growing up with a wonderful family, making it in the music industry, and his passion for helping others. It was an inspiring and riveting talk and I’m not sure where the time went, it went by so quickly.
If you know me, you know that in everything I do, I’m always looking for lessons from those who are successful in their passions. And the reason is so I can share those lessons with others who desire to be successful in their chosen field. And of course, so I can learn as well. Remember that we can learn from anyone and everyone and it’s surprising the lessons we can learn from the most unremarkable sources, if we just listen to understand. Today was not one of those unremarkable sources, obviously, and of course, Taylor Hanson and his family have a passion for music, but he also has a passion for helping others. Let’s look at some of the lessons I took from that day and see what we can learn from his talk to a group of Tulsa area businesspeople:
God is intentional
Just show up. Everything in business, in everything, starts by showing up. And continuing to show up
Accept defeat. Repeatedly. Continue to show up
Ask these questions of yourself: Why are you here? What are you trying to build? What is success? (Editorial note from Dave: Have you heard these questions before? They are very similar to what we discuss in the Afterburner Success Partners Course)
Have gratitude for the problems that you have
Humble yourself to learn about the people you serve
We need to meet people where they are
You will not agree with everyone. That’s fine, focus on what you agree on
People will come and go in your life. That part of life, and it’s OK.
Ask yourself, “Are we here for a reason?”
The opportunity to serve in our community, a chance to fail, is a gift
Summary
What a privilege to visit with and hear such a successful, humble man! What an opportunity to learn from him and then share those lessons with you! Interestingly, there is no real secret here. The themes, followed by the actions, that helped the Hansons rise to success are legendary, and I’ve spoken about them over and over again. What we have here is someone who has talent, the right attitude, who takes the right actions and, combined with a strong faith and the right reasons, has naturally been successful. This is a formula anyone can use. Because if it’s part of God’s will, you will be successful. And then, most importantly, Taylor took it to the next level and gave it back with humility in service to others. All I can say is WOW!
That’s all for today!
Just Show Up. Pay it Forward
Afterburner Success Partners
What’s in it for Me
We must always be aware of our knowledge related to what we want to do and ensure what we think we know is true. Then, we must act in a determined manner. Doing so will ensure we get what we want, and that’s what’s in it for me.
Call to Action
Review the material in the notes below. Purchase either of my books. Take the Afterburner Success Partners course. Tell a friend.
Recommended Resources
Buy and read any of the books mentioned in the notes below.
Up Next
Back to regular posting schedule.
Notes
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on the sale of any of these recommended resources.
Taylor Hanson, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Hanson
Food on the Move: https://www.foodonthemoveok.com
Achieve Your Dreams: A Complete Guide to Live Your Best Life by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/3IxEFgy
Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us, by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/437OhVQ