Never compare…

Today during two different team practices I found myself quoting Rob Lowe. I know, I can’t believe it either. A client (thanks, Ron) recommended I read Rob’s latest book titled, Love Life. I devoured it in a day and was surprised how much I liked it and how much I learned.

Who knew Rob was a history buff, thoughtful politically, descendant of the Hessian mercenaries, and loved the movie “My dog Skip,” (had my bride at that one). He even hired an acting coach (the late Roy London) who taught him something very BTL – Actors play the truth. Rob never went to college but he’ll never be the same after taking his son, Matthew, to his east coast college of choice. Rob had his first taste of alcohol at 5 and his last taste on May 10, 1990 (except for a slip up in the air where he mistook a mimosa for an o.j.). He’s one of the few addicts where rehab, well, rehabbed him. He has eaten his share of “wish sandwiches” but no more. Rob is a reader; turns out, according to him, most actors are NOT. He believes in making memories and the best ones aren’t the expensive ones, instead, they’re the ones you have a hand in architecting.

I learned from a brat packer who is more like me than I may have previously imagined. My favorite learning from this book was Rob’s coaching to his son when dropping him off at college. His son was doubting his belonging at this place of higher education. His son was anxious. He turned to Dad for some solace and courage. Dad, remember, never even went to college much less one with the pretense and pressure found in this moment. Here’s what he told his son in his moment of doubt.

“Never compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”

Rob, that may just be your best line yet. Thanks for writing with honesty and without pretense. And, Ron, thanks for recommending…