The Sunscreen Song

As entrepreneurs, we often become engrossed in our work. The hours are long, there are endless lists of things to do, but we love every minute of it, especially the bits that most people would call hell. But it’s important to take a step back sometimes, breathe deeply, and enjoy a broader perspective on life. The Sunscreen Song helps me become a better entrepreneur, and a happier human being.

I first experienced this video more than four years ago. Since then, I’ve never gone more than a few months without giving it a quick watch, usually when I’m feeling a bit flat and need a boost. It never fails.

But The Sunscreen Song more than just a morale booster, it’s packed with lessons that have profoundly changed my life. I will elaborate on some of them now.

1. “Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is about as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.” 

I don't think the gum helped with the maths. Do you?

This one resonates deeply for me. I overthink things quite often, and this leads to a lot of worrying. Even though I know intellectually that there’s no point in stressing so much, I sometimes get overwhelmed by events that I later realise weren’t that disastrous, like running late to gym, forgetting to print something that I’d been meaning to, or taking a few hours to respond to all the Facebook messages that came through overnight. Whenever I start to feel myself slipping into stress mode, this line from the Sunscreen song helps me put my worries into perspective, which usually makes them a lot less worrisome.

2. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” 

This is a big one. I think people tend to opt for their comfort zone in most situations, at least subconsciously. Fear indicates danger, so we should avoid doing things that scare us, right?

Wrong.

Again, this one seems obvious, but if we don’t keep it in mind, it doesn’t get done. Maybe you know some people who naturally lean toward the risky, but I think for most, learning to lean into fear only comes with conscious effort; an active move to transcend our default response. Every time I buy a chai latte, an internal debate rages: try the coffee challenge, or not? The challenge involves asking for 10% off, to test your nerves and put a dent in your fear of failure. You might think that after the first few attempts I would be slightly less scared than when I started out, but each time I approach the register the same fear rises in my throat. Sometimes I go ahead and ask, other times I’m too scared. Regardless of whether or not I actually get a discount (most of the time I don’t), I always walk away happier when I go for it.

Wise words from Seth Godin

When’s the last time you made a conscious effort to do something that scared you? How did you feel afterwards?

3. “Don't feel guilty if you don't know what to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.” 

I love this line. I think the idea that you need to decide in your early twenties how you will contribute to the world for the rest of your life is a common misconception within Western society. It’s probably most pronounced at university, where everyone is trying to find something they’re good at, that can also land them a job when they finish, and in turn a career. In fact, the average Australian currently at university can expect to experience 5 different careers across their lifetime! Beyond that, your careers aren’t the only way you contribute to the world. The impact you create through volunteering, travelling, family and friends also matters. Each of these things evolves over time, along with your goals and values, so it’s a little crazy to think that you need to have all these dimensions of your life figured out as soon as your teens are behind you.

I hope you enjoyed the video and this post, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section, and as summer approaches, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!