- courtesy of oxandoak
What do Robert Plant, Maya Angelou, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Diane Sawyer have in common…?…Aside from talent, what helps Snoop Dogg sell records and Andy Samberg sell his (sometimes off-kilter) ideas…?…why do we pay far too much money for a pair of jeans or (what may seem like) a simple hair cut…?
Swagger.
This is nothing new: Swagger has been a determining factor for a lot of things. Think back to your time on the
playground: the one kiddo that was the captain of the kickball team…it wasn’t because he/she showed up with the ball…it’s because he/she had that little (at the time) indescribable quality that just brought everyone together. I can
recall this one kid that just made things a little bit more fun on the playground – it’s like he knew what to say, how to play fair, when to break out the Big League Chew…he just got it.
It’s like he walked to a ‘Billy Bad A**’ song that only he heard…
Don’t underestimate the power of Swagger – it can help move the needle for a company in the right direction. It can bring teams together and unite them for a worthy cause. It can help create some excitement for a team when the chips are down. It can help you identify with a product or service. Swagger can help you sell.
The great thing about Swagger is that everyone has it. Some people come by it like their distributors, while some may not even realize they have it.
But it’s there.
All you have to do is just tap into that a little and you’ll find that extra bit of courage to pitch that story…present that idea to the board…sell that product…write that great American novel…start that business…ask that girl out.
But, how, you may ask, does one ‘tap into’ that Swagger? Look, I’m no doctor, nor an expert on how the human brain works. But I can tell you what works for me: (big surprise) music. We’re all emotional people, and the best way to tap into that place of Swagger is to find a song that makes you sway with confidence. A good tune goes a long way.
I recall a time when @ArikHanson, @StoryAssistant, @DMullen and myself were talking over an idea and came to a particular song that could serve as opening music to our entrance. We each have our own strengths and talents (making us sound like Charlie’s Angels), but this song would’ve helped amp up our Swagger.
I’ve been using songs and poems to pump up the swagger for quite some time…
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
excerpt of ‘Do Not Go Gentle
Into That Good Night’
(Dylan Thomas)
What do you use? Am I overrating this whole thing?
I dig this, Narciso. I also think that swagger goes hand-in-hand with charisma. Having the confidence in what you are doing or selling even if it’s just an idea, goes a long way with *how* you approach that pitch.
As for music specifically, my swagger song of choice is “Pick up the Pieces” by Average White Band. (FYI, I play the sax so this song is a natural for me.)
Richie
@vedo
You’re Right, Richie – Swagger and Charisma Are Quite Similar to One Another! Just Hit *Your* Swing in the Delivery and You’re All Good
In Regards to Your Song Choice, ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ is a *Great* Tune! And By the Way, I Had Not Idea You Played the Sax! Pretty Darn Cool!
To me, swagger can make the difference in lots of situations. When we look at a job interview, for example: The guy who calls you in already likes what he sees on paper. It’s that extra special something that he’s testing out, to see if it will jibe with the rest of the team.
You Bring Up a Great Point, Shakirah: Anyone Can Look Good on Paper. But if You ‘Bring It’ w/Your Swagger to the Interview, You’ve Automatically Stepped Up Your Game (and Liklihood on Securing the Gig)!
Great post Narcisco. I think Richie is dead on as well; charisma and swagger can be a very powerful combination. If you have that “it” factor that draws people to you, there’s a lot you can accomplish. It’s amazing how some people just never quite believe in themselves; never quite find that swagger they need to get their idea or effort off the ground.
Glad You Dig It, Matt! Having That 1:2 Punch Can Be Lethal…Always Comes Down Then to If You Use It For the ‘Force’ or the ‘Dark Side’…?
Which Brings Up Another Point: be Responsible w/Your Swagger. That Kind of Influence Can Lead to Arrogance, Which Easily Slides a Person Into Being a Total Doucher…and No One Likes That Person…!
So, Kids: #SwaggerResponsibly
Great thoughts here. Though, I think it’s important to note that while everyone has the *potential* to tap into their swagger, not everyone does. I think that’s the very reason most of us are drawn to the people who have tapped into their inner potential — because we want to emulate that power. I agree that music can be a great source of inspiration – I definitely have a few go-to songs to get me pumped up when I need a pick-me-up. But for me, the only thing that really helps me calm down and focus when I’m nervous is to have a mantra of sorts. Repeating to myself the qualities I want others to perceive in me helps me believe that I embody those qualities, and allows me to focus on who I want to be, instead of the big ball of nerves tying my stomach in knots.
Thanks for a thought-provoking post Narciso! Hopefully you’ll allow us to tag along as you continue to tap into your swagger – after all, it’s a lifelong journey, isn’t it?
Very Well Put, Lacretia! This is Why Folks Like @JTimberlake and #TinaFey are So Appealing…Even As They Say ‘Aww Shucks’ It Brims With Confidence.
And You’re Right – Getting Your (or More) Swagger Is a Lifelong Task…Comes With Experience, Sorrow and Joy. The Longer You Live (and More You Grow), the More You Understand.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day…And True Leaders Are Always Learning & Growing. That Wisdom Supports the Swagger and Fends Off the Arrogance.
And Who The Heck Wants That Around…?
Narciso, you raise some interesting points. Before reading this I would have firmly asserted that I do not have swagger. However, as you pointed out we all have it…it’s that place when you feel your most confident and hit a certain rhythm, when you find your swag. It makes sense that music would bring that to the surface. I guess the key is being intentional about tapping into that place and bringing it to the things you set out to accomplish.
Good Points, Karen! You Should Come From a ‘Good Place’ in Search of Yhay Swagger. However, Some May Just ‘Luck’ Into It – Like a Batter That Finds His Swing or an Entertainer That Finds His/Her Groove While ‘Just Playing Around’ in a Studio…Accidental or Not, We All Have That Potential to ‘Own’ That Swagger!
Narsico, Great post. I have to say, like Karen, before reading this I would have denied having any “Swagger.” I would have given it a more subtle name.
But, you make a great point regarding “finding” your swagger through music. Just today, while working on a new presentation, I filled my office with my favorite music, in fact set up my new Spotify account with my “creative mode playlist.” Thanks for giving me a new playlist title “Swagger Songs” Haha!
Carece! I am So Glad to Have Some Small Part in Helping You ‘Find Your Swagger’
I’m Telling You, If Napoleon Dynamite Can Harness Some Swagger in That Dance to Towards The End Of That Film (Great Song by Jamiroqui, By The Way), Then We Can All Find Our Own ‘Confidence Groove’…!
Yes, I Know It’s a Movie, But There’s Something Quite Cool About Him Unveiling His Swagger There
Narciso, One of my favorite scenes! Great inspiration and fun! Smiling just thinking about it. ;-D Thanks again for sharing.
Freaking love this! You were right. Like you, I think everyone may have swagger, but not everyone taps into it. Some of it is self-confidence and some of it is just being happy with status quo. But boy…when you exhibit it, what a killer entrance it makes for you!
Gald You Dig It, Gini! Like You, I Believe That Once a Person Realizes the Freedom & Flow In Their Own Swagger, He/She Realizes That Some Good Stuff Can Come With It…So Long As You Keep Your Ego in Check, Swagger Can Do a Person Alot of Good.
Makes Me Feel a Bit More Alive (cue Just Because by Jane’s Addiction)…Like I Can Run a 10K w/o Breaking a Sweat
Love this Narciso! You’re so right. Once you tap into that swagger and hit that stride where you are able to move forward with purpose, confidence and conviction, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. It’s easy to forget or lose this in the hectic day-to-day happenings, but we should always take time to find and recognise our swagger. As for my ‘swagger’ song… I’ll have to get back to you on that one!
Very Well Put, Jamie! Once a Person Experiences That Feeling, He/She Certainly Can Proceed w/Confidence and Purpose…And On a Beat
Great post I really enjoyed it, great site as well. I bookmarked you and I will be returning soon
! By the way do you have AIM or skype?