The Blues Brothers, The Balancing Act, and You

Hello Friends, 

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Blues Brothers. I often recommend this music-filled classic comedy to clients so they can see, in a highly-entertaining format, how the steps of The Balancing Act fit together and can lead to a successful outcome. (If you haven't had the pleasure of watching this 1980 film, that's the first order of business.)

Here's how the Blues Brothers succeeded on their "mission from God" by instinctively following the Balancing Act process....

Step 1. Elwood Blues picks up his brother Jake when he's released on parole. The Blues Brothers stop by to visit the Orphanage of Perpetual Delinquency, where they grew up. The head nun there (aka "the Penguin") asks them to save the school from imminent foreclosure. Because the brothers' CORE Identity & Values are aligned with their old home that has helped them and so many other children, they agree to take on this cause.  And this is how our unlikely heroes start their great adventure.

Step 2.  But the brothers don't have any idea what to do. Looking for inspiration, they go to church. There Jake "sees the light" and has a VISION of giving a concert to save the Orphanage. (This Vision comes naturally from their Core Gifts as musicians; they're not just delinquents, you know).

Step 3. The Blues Brothers now declare they are "on a MISSION from God" and move into strong action. Their incredible determination and focus keep them on track throughout this whole saga, despite obstacles such as the State Police, a nasty rival C&W band called the Good Ol' Boys, a really dangerous mystery woman, AND the Illinois Nazis!!! (Whew! And you thought you had problems.)

Step 4. Now that they have the clear Mission of giving a concert, Jake and Elwood need to put their band back together. (The INTERACTIONS stage is all about getting the right people to help us achieve our Missions.) In the movie we are treated to performances by many Blues legends, including Aretha Franklin who insists on R-E-S-P-E-C-T--which of course, is vital for all our Interactions. Additionally, once the band is finally together, everyone in the group has to broadcast the word so people come to the concert.

Step 5. The Blues Brothers concert is a wild, rocking success. (In this last TBA step, we implement the STRUCTURE that make all the prior steps a reality.) The band reserves the hall, fills the seats, collects the money, puts on a concert that shakes the rafters, and then dodges roadblocks and bullets to bring the money back in the nick of time to save the Orphanage. YEA!!

SYNERGY: At the end of this story, the Blues Brothers are in jail. HOWEVER, the closing scene shows them giving a Jailhouse Rock concert to their captive audience. So who's to say?--maybe this outcome is actually "synergy" for them. It certainly is for anyone who loves the Blues and a terrific movie.

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And a reminder: You can get a Balancing Act Interactive Career or Starter Guidebook to help you through your own life and work adventures by going to the Starters' project today. (Note: The project's special low prices will be in effect only until noon on September 19th.) 

By participating in this project you are not only helping yourself; you are also helping Starters everywhere succeed in their own adventures. 

Thank you and best wishes! - Sharon
For more information, go to:
www.Indiegogo.com/starters
www.thecoreporation.com