“Big Timed”

This has become one of my new favorite phrases.  It clearly describes the action of someone of greater importance or supposed greater importance brushing off someone of lesser importance.

When you are trying to establish your identity you often look to superiors for guidance.  You are pretty close to “low man” on the totem pole, and you need some help to make the climb.  You will meet some great mentors.  Thank you to all the mentors!  On the other hand you will certainly come across people who “Big Time” you.

Being Big Timed is a fact of life.  It is a horrible feeling when it happens to you.  You feel like an ant.  You are basically being told that you are not that important or good enough.  I have had my share of being “Big Timed” Moments.  In fact I consider myself an expert in the field of being “Big Timed”!

Note: Realize that many times when you are “Big Timed” the Big Timer does not even realize they are Big Timing.  However, this does not make the feeling any better or the behavior acceptable.

When “Big Timed” my first instinct is always to tell off the guy who big timed me.  However, that satisfaction is fleeting and bridge burning.  I know from experience.  When the Golf Coach at Indiana University “Big Timed” me I responded “If your such a good judge of talent how come your team finished last in the Big Ten last year.”  Needless to say I never played college golf.

Unfortunately piping back is a Less Than tactic, and one needs to Be Greater Than & smile gracefully at the Big Timer.  You can make a mental note, or a real note and hang it above your bed to fuel your motivation.  I have had multiple people’s head shots above my bed that help remind me I need to seize the day.

The ultimate revenge at someone who “Big Timed” you is to succeed.  Then this person will not Big Time you anymore.  In fact the ironic thing about success is that the same people who “Big Timed” you will now welcome you with open arms.  They say with such pride “Welcome to the Success Club!  You Made It.  I always knew you would.  Let’s play golf together.”

Being “Big Timed” is an important emotion to feel.  It will motivate you, shape your views, and keep you hungry.  Just remember to Be Greater Than in your response. Otherwise you might get crushed, and not have a chance to ever succeed.

And when you do taste success be sure to remember where you came from.  Remember what it felt like to be “Big Timed”, and don’t do it to others.   That’s being Greater Than!

There are always the haters who will tell you how your idea has no chance.  It is simply a fact of life.  Another fact is that the haters are not always right!

How many people told Kevin Plank at Under Armour that launching a performance apparel brand was not worthwhile.  I hear the naysayers clearly saying, “How do you expect to compete with Nike, Addidas, Puma, or even Reebok?  Don’t you think they are launching performance apparel too?  No one has ever heard of Under Armour who will buy it?  There price is cheaper.  These companies own sports, there is no chance you can break in.”

Well, lucky for us Kevin plowed forward with his innovative performance brand.  I am sure the haters have since jumped on the bandwagon.  In fact, they are probably decked out from head to toe in Under Armour  yelling, “Protect This House”, as they grill on Sunday!

With an innovative product, a great vision, and tremendous passion it IS possible to build a brand even in the most competitive of markets. Under Armour Did It.

We are inspired by Under Armour, and you should be to.

1) Lead with innovation

2) Create great products

3) Hustle!

If you do this you can be certain the followers will come.

Greater Than moments do lie ahead! I WILL