Who is the Saul Goodman in your life?
So… yesterday I wrote a new story to share with you today.
Did my research earlier this week. Wrote my draft. Went through my ‘edit, refine, edit, refine’ process.
I had it all ready to go.
But at 5:37 pm, I had second thoughts.
Maybe it’s because I’ve just returned from the US where I was reunited with family for the first time since 2019.
I hadn’t had a hug from my mom or dad in two years. I hadn’t seen my sister in three years. I hadn’t seen my favorite (and super fun) Aunt Sally in four years.
I’m feeling sentimental.
Appreciative.
And yes, jet-lagged.
So please bear with me, because today’s piece is going to be a bit different.
But it does involve curiosity – and pop culture!
Today I am curious who the Saul Goodman is in your life.
Or more precisely, who is the Bob Odenkirk in your life?
Not sure what I mean?
Read on…
In case you haven’t noticed, a lot of people these days are outraged.
Things that once seemed innocuous are now controversial.
Every day I read the news and see that people don’t agree on all kinds of things.
So last month, I wondered why actor Bob Odenkirk was trending on social media.
Though many people were introduced to Odenkirk as wisecracking lawyer Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad, he’s been working as a writer and actor since the 1980s.
His successful portrayal of Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad led to the spin-off series Better Call Saul that began in 2015. Over six seasons, we’ve watched how the man who began as Jimmy McGill becomes Saul Goodman.
Saul Goodman is a complicated character. He’s not a traditional good guy but he’s not a traditional bad guy either.
Saul is funny. He’s vulnerable. He’s likeable.
I suspect the actor might be described in the same way.
So I was curious why he was trending on social media.
The new season of Better Call Saul wasn’t due for release – and it wasn’t time for the Emmys or Golden Globes.
So I immediately wondered what Odenkirk had said – or done – that made his name appear in the news.
But it turned out he hadn’t said or done anything outrageous or offensive.
The 58-year-old Odenkirk was in the news because he had collapsed on the set of Better Call Saul and suffered a ‘small heart attack.’
And when the news of his collapse hit the news, something interesting happened on social media…
People were concerned.
People shared their appreciation for his work.
People cared about his wellbeing.
Twitter is a place where people can find offense or outrage on so many topics, but finally, it seemed there was something the twitterverse agreed on.
And in that moment, I paused to think about how good Better Call Saul is. I appreciated the writing of the show – and how good Odenkirk is in the role.
Probably the same way so many others did.
Thankfully he is OK, but after seeing such an outpouring of love, Odenkirk wrote on twitter:
“I’ve had my very own It’s a Wonderful Life week of people insisting I make the world slightly better. Wow! Thank you.”
He may not have known how much he meant to so many people.
They may not have known how much he meant to them.
And it got me thinking about people we know in real life.
We may have close friends and family members, but there are also ‘Sauls’ who sit on the perimeter. They aren’t the ‘stars’ of our lives, but they are important supporting players we care about.
And we sure would miss them if they were gone.
Go ahead, make someone’s day
So today, I want to challenge you to think about who are the ‘Sauls’ in your life. Then take a few minutes to send them a note (handwritten notes are always my recommendation, but even an email or a text message will work).
It doesn’t have to be onerous – just tell them they matter to you – and why.
Thank them for what they add to your life and let them know what they mean to you.
It may sound simple or frivolous, but right now (especially) it might be the bright moment someone desperately needs.
So please take 2 minutes, and make someone’s day – while you still can.
They’ll feel good, and so will you.
And then go watch Better Call Saul.
Recent Work and Writing
I’ve been away for a few weeks, so haven’t been writing, but allow me to share a fun fact with you today…
Did you know singer Tina Turner scored her first (and only!) #1 hit 37 years ago?
On September 1, 1984, Tina Turner’s song What's Love Got To Do With It went to #1.
At age 44, Tina was the oldest woman to have a #1 song on the US Billboard charts. And the album (Private Dancer) sold millions of copies and led to Tina becoming a HUGE star. She would go on to sell more than 100 million albums and perform for sold out stadiums for DECADES.
Growing up in the MTV Generation, I remember watching the video of Tina strutting down the sidewalk in a denim jacket and leather skirt. But I had no idea of her backstory at the time - or the impact her story would have on so many people (though I remember when Oprah Winfrey dedicated A LOT of airtime to celebrating Tina in the 90s!).
I highly recommend the 2021 documentary TINA which tells the remarkable story of how Tina saved herself, overcame rejection, and found incredible creative and commercial success in her 40s and beyond - after a lot of people had written her off...
40 Over Forty
Speaking of good things that happen in your 40s (and beyond), check out who made the cut for the 2021 nominees for Forty Over 40 - which tackles ageism in marketing, media, and advertising by celebrating the achievements of people over 40.
Voting starts later this year, but you can check out the nominees in the meantime…
How Can I Help?
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Want to help your team come up with more creative ideas so they can solve problems and innovate?
Or tired of so many misunderstandings and wasted time due to poor writing and poor communication?
Get in touch to find out about my communication and creative problem-solving programs for leaders and teams.
And if you know someone needs help with team or personal development, please get in touch and check out my website for more information.
Keep Smiling - and Stay Curious!
-Beth
HI Beth. I love this one. You know how it gets. You subscribe to lots of lists, but rarely find an email that keeps you reading all the way to the end.
Well. I read all the way to the end :-)