What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You, You!

Every wonder where the phrase, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ come from? Many, it not all, of us have used the phrase or heard someone say it. Based on what I can pull from online resources, the phrase can be credited to Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19th century German philosopher.??

The original quote goes something like this.

“Aus der Kriegsschule des Lebens.—Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich starker.”

The translation reads something like this.

“Out of life’s school of war—what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”

The question is – how have you dealt with life’s battles? Life, and the universe, can play serious havoc on you if you are not careful. Ever think that the universe is out to get you? Maybe it is – on purpose. Maybe there is a lesson or two to learn. Are you ready to learn those lessons? If not, maybe it’s about time you did. Let’s look at a case in point.

My First TEDx

Frank King is upfront about depression and suicide. In some ways, Frank considers his illness a gift. At least, he does now. But Frank was like many people with mental illness. He hid his symptoms. He hid the pain. But the universe will tell you when it’s time to own up to who you are – and that time comes for all of us. And that time came for Frank as well.

The universe – this time called the U.S. economy – came calling some years ago. The economy crashed, and there went Frank’s standup-comic gig. When people stop paying you for what you have been doing for so long, what’s next?

For Frank, the answer always comes in threes.

Option A

Option B

Commit Suicide (yes, this is the third option)

With the guidance and support of friends and colleagues, Frank came up with an idea. He researched some thoughts around the idea, became certified in specific areas of mental illness and depression, and crafted a talk around this topic. His first TEDx was focused on suicide prevention. The talk was so successful, he landed a few other talks thereafter. From there, he created a new brand – the mental health comedian.

And the best part about all of this – it works! ??????

Called Out

When I first spoke with Frank, I wanted to know his strategy to help me get on the TEDx stage. I have the itch, you might say. At least, I have a story, and I want to tell it. But my first conversation with Frank took a different turn. He told me his backstory, about his suicidal ideation, and his gift to help people get on the TEDx stage. But I said wait . . .

If I invest in you today, what’s to prevent you from killing yourself tomorrow? No one else has called him on it! But the truth behind the madness is that his suicidal ideation gives him superpowers. In a sense, what professionals call a ‘mental illness’, Frank calls a ‘mental-ableness’. This is his superpower. How is that?

He is creative beyond measure.

If God works in mysterious ways, so does the brain. Frank does have suicidal ideation. But like the flip side to any coin, there is a counterbalance to life. His brain understands humor – Frank is, indeed, funny. He is also astute. He has a gift of knowing where you come from – that is, just by looking at you, observing how you speak, and with a few other details, he can tell you where you came from (i.e., your place of birth).

“It’s a gift,” he says.

And he knows how to turn a boring idea into a powerhouse TEDx talk.????

What is TED Looking For?

TED is looking for two things.

1.?????A good idea worth spreading

2.?????A good backstory

This is why I have conversations with people every week. Everyone I speak to has a story! Many people have overcome so much. As a result, they have changed their lives.

In essence, they have changed their own story.

TED wants to know your story.

What is TED Not Looking For?

TED is looking for creativity and originality. So, if you don’t have either of those things, you should just give up now. No, come back. You can do this. You just need to know what NOT to do. Let’s take a quick glance at the things you should not do to get on the stage.?

1.?????You should not pitch more than one idea in an application submission. Only pitch one idea at a time. Too many ideas will put your application in the ‘no’ pile.

2.?????You should not write too much about one idea. Your TED talk is under twelve minutes at the time of this article. You are not writing a research paper. It’s one idea with some key points.

3.?????You are not creative (or creative enough). This means you need to re-evaluate your pitch. It may be a good idea, but you need to come at it from a unique perspective. ?

4.?????You do not have the right coach. There are many TEDx coaches out there. In my conversation with Frank, he told a story about a lady who was working with another coach. TED rejected her pitch 80 times! With Frank, she got on the stage.

5.?????You are not applying frequently enough. There are TED stages all over the world. You have to apply weekly. It’s a numbers game. It’s also a ‘crap shoot’, according to Frank. One TED committee may not like your submission; another committee will. Keep applying.

6.?????You don’t have passion for the topic. It may be a great topic. However, if you show no real passion for it, your lack of passion will be self-evident. ??

How Can Frank Help?

Are you ready to invest in your brand? A TED talk can open doors. But you have to get on the stage. You have to know how to do this the right way. Frank can help. In fact, he will help or die trying!

More than that, if you mention that you heard his story from The Question Guy or The Question Guy Podcast, Frank will share in your investment. Before July 4, 2022, his coaching rate is $6,000. After July 4, 2022, his coaching rate is $10,000. If you mention that you heard about him from The Question Guy, he is going to do two things.

1.?????You get his once a week Zoom talk for as long as you need to (get on that stage) for $4,000. You can work out payments with him.

2.?????That $2,000 that he would have otherwise required is his investment to you – with a handshake deal. After the TED talk, you land your first $5,000 keynote (which he will also help you with), you pay Frank the $2,000.

3.?????That’s it!

As the Question Guy, I talk with people from all over the world. This is an incredible journey, and I am glad that you are reading these newsletters to learn more about the people I talk to every week.

If you ever want to jump in a conversation, let me know!

Thanks! ?

Credit for pics: https://pixabay.com/