“Yesterday was actually quite different from usual, but a great example of what we talked about after the concert – ‘staying within the frame’… everything different, yet still the same,” writes the wonderful Frank Dapper, who sets the rhythm for the songs as the drummer in the band PUR, in a WhatsApp message on Thursday morning. “Everything different, yet still the same,” I think to myself. What a brilliant sentence. It inspires me to write today’s inspiration letter.
Last Wednesday, Rüdi was once again a guest at the PUR concert in Ulm, and I had the honor of accompanying him, which is always an absolute privilege to experience his joy. During the last song, I notice a remarkable change in the drumming style at a small moment. It lasts only 2–3 seconds. After the concert, Frank and I discuss my observation. “Yes, I occasionally play small things a bit differently to keep everything fresh and lively. The important thing is to stay within the frame.
So there it is. The often-loved or hated frame. Do you know what question I am often asked? “Norman, how should I change something in my situation?” Then follows one of the typical dependencies of everyday life: money, relationships, children, other responsibilities… Things that “one” can’t easily change… or let me say… doesn’t want to change. Change, in the first step, means altering your way of thinking. You already know from my previous inspirations that the idea is the first step towards an outcome. No idea = no result. An idea brings you to a feeling, this feeling leads you to an action (or not), and in the end, you have a result that then becomes visible. You had the idea to go to the PUR concert. It feels good. You order a ticket, and voila, you’re there. Ordering the ticket wasn’t the crucial point of being there. It was the idea. Only with the idea does the ticket order happen. Additionally, we know that the idea comes from “thinking.” What does thinking mean? Simply put: asking questions and answering them. “Really, is that so, Norman?” Well, there was the question. And what answer do you give yourself in your head? Is it so or is it not so? When you think, you ask one question after another. And you give yourself an answer, which then leads to a feeling, an action, and eventually to an outcome. Are you still with me? Well, somewhat, I assume. This means you need to ask different questions for a different outcome. Since they are the source of thinking, they are also the seed for the outcome, which then simply “blooms.”
Back to Frank’s phenomenal statement: “Staying within the frame… everything different, yet still the same.” Stay within your current frame (life). And within this frame, you can start doing things differently by beginning to ask yourself better questions and thus giving better answers. “Why is the weather so weird this summer?” would be one question. But you are looking for a cause that doesn’t help with your desire to do some fun activities with the kids. What would be a better question? “What can I do with the kids in this weather that would be enjoyable?” Now you focus on your desire. Looking at the cause keeps you where you are. Only the change – “doing everything differently, yet still the same” – is the key. Before you change something in the external (relationships, job, friendships…), first change the way you ask questions in your mind. That way, you stay within the frame and still do things differently.
At the end of our conversation, Frank writes me: “Wow, that you notice this. But it’s no wonder with your antennae and skills to listen attentively. Just a cool guy.” The more attentive you are in your life, the better questions you will ask yourself and others. Just keep moving. Just as Frank is an absolute master and simultaneously a student of his craft, I am in my field. I inspire one heart after another to discover its true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Because joy in life = success in the job. Am I getting better every day? Yes. By asking myself more meaningful questions. “What can I do/recognize/learn today to inspire more hearts for their true potential?”
So, my tip: Stay in the game. Stay interested. Stay within your frame. And do everything differently, yet still the same.
