44 Comments
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Wendy Scott's avatar

Great story. I think Ricky Gervais calls it, 'not arguing with dustbin people'.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

That Gervais certainly knows how to use the English language;).

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Wendy Scott's avatar

Lol, I think it's me that mangled his clever wording!

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Dr. April's avatar

I love when Gervais speaks on this topic 🤣

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Wendy Scott's avatar

Yeah, I like him, he says what everyone else is thinking, but he's not malicious.

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Jeff Matlow's avatar

Brilliantly constructed story. And LOLing about the nickname Captain Habits.

Also, FWIW, he’s not the one that came up with

Does it need to be said?

Does it need to be said by me?

Does it need to be said right now?

It’s been a common saying in self-help groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous) and leadership trainings. I BELIEVE it’s actually Craig Ferguson who popularized it while Clear was still trying to figure out how to make a habit of writing a book.

Anyway, I just like to give credit where credit is due.

Great story.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Ah you're absolutely right Jeff. Great of you to pass that on and will incorporate it into the text when I'm back at my PC.

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Rick Lewis's avatar

Storytelling at its finest Michael. In an alternate marvel universe you're standing next to Captain Habits as a storytelling super hero. Thanks for the laugh and the lesson before breakfast!

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Hahaha thanks Rick. Glad you liked it and may try a few more of these in the Fall.

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Ellina's avatar

Honestly great reflection on what happened and your thought process throughout. I don't think that's what a Karen would do 😁

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Michael Thompson's avatar

I appreciate that Ellina;). Was fun to write and not so fun to experience.

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Nik's avatar

I can exactly see this scene play out in my head, and it gets better every time I re-read it. I guess having met the M who ends in L who's supposedly a bit of a K that ends in an N helps. This is great! 😂

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thanks so much man. I was a bit shocked this comment was given to me and not you though; I kid;).

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Ryan Delaney's avatar

This story left me laughing out loud, Michael. My favorite parts: Captain Habits and “You’re focusing on the wrong part of the story.” I’m happy for you that you have a spicy life partner. 🌶️

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Michael Thompson's avatar

hahaha - one of my favorites and so much fun to write. i was hesitant to link it to my most recent article as it's around the same topic but couldn't help myself. So glad you liked it and great to know you and Teri have linked up. She's one of the good ones. Would be fun for the 3 of us to chat one day.

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Ryan Delaney's avatar

I'm grateful you included the link. I agree. Working with Teri has been fun, meaningful and informative. And yes, I would love to have a three-way chat. Something to look forward to.

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Wren Baker's avatar

Imagine being a woman named Karen who felt compelled to change her name in response to those meme.

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James Garside's avatar

Hi Karen (just kidding), I just wanted to say: “Hey, stranger, you’re totally right and I’m totally wrong. Let’s be besties!” Ok, I'll see myself out. But before I go: This was a great way to make your point. Sometimes the best response is no response. I also write angry rants that I don't send. But instead of having the mental fortitude to delete them, I copy and paste them into my word hoard for potential later use. They often contain goof stuff I wouldn't have said otherwise that's worth keeping once taken it of their original context. Lots of love, K

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thanks you James. Much more fun on my end to try to pacakge a point into a story that hopefully sticks (usually at my own expense) than telling people what to do.

Keeping your "burn" files is such a great point to be repackaged or used partially for different circumstances.

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Raveen's avatar

I too have stopped responding to such comments instinctively; instead, I tell myself that it's not worth my time and energy to engage and just move on.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Good way to be. Have a short memory and move on.

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Lala Vic's avatar

Dear lord that was fun.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you Lala.

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PISAREV ALEXSEJ's avatar

you can never say with certainty which thing is more important sometimes a step to the side means much more than forward

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Sonaakshi's avatar

What a hilarious yet insightful read! I don't think you're a Karen though, because a Karen won't be writing such an awesome story about it. Reading this was like a walk through your mind. It's also a great reminder that not every comment or critique deserves our energy. Thanks for the laughs and the wisdom!

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Thank you Sonaakshi. It was a fun one to write. For the record I don't think I'm a Karen either;).

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Dr. April's avatar

Captain Habits 😅 Never read the book but If Books Could Kill did a hilarious podcast episode on Atomic Habits.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Ah cool. Will check it out.

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Dre Beltrami's avatar

All valid as hell but the caddy bitch in my head can’t pretend she wouldn’t have mentally tagged her in the post 🤣

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Haha. Right there with you.

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Karina Rose's avatar

It’s interesting how we can transform negative comments and our anger into a lesson or positive experience; or to change our perspective. How we choose to react is really important. Thank you.

Another way to look at things: there are other ‘cooler’ words that start with K and end with N… like ‘kingpin’… and ‘kraken’… after all, she wasn’t specific 😅

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Kraken. Haha. Yes. Just read Oh the Places I Will Go yesterday with my kids.

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Will Myles's avatar

I won't pretend to be Captain Habits' greatest fan, but that is a neat piece of advice.

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Michael Thompson's avatar

Just learned it wasn't from him but Craig Ferguson. Guess that's to be expected in today's age.

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