The Inspired Rebel

Rating: 4 after 1 vote

One of my many flaws is that I have a tendency to react negatively to so-called authority…especially when that authority treads on my beliefs. Perhaps I should point out that, for me, authority doesn’t always manifest itself in the form of an actual person. In my mind, authority represents anything that seems to be bigger than me: the economy, searching for a job, or the myth that everyone in Kentucky has a country accent.

At its heart, authority provides one of two things:

1. Submission.
2. Inspiration.

The part about submission is a no-brainer. I’m more interested in the inspiration part of it. Being a Gen Xer that never quite grew out of his rebellious nature, I’ve recently become more aware of the appearance made by an Inspired Rebel anytime I get the impression I’m being told, “You can’t do that.”

Really? Watch me.

On the surface, the initial response is a bit childish (especially if accompanied by a tantrum) and it’s often perceived that way. In 2006, I decided to go back to school and finish my degree. I knew there was much work to be done, especially since I would be changing my major from what it had been 10 years earlier. I wanted to finish as quickly as possible and, from my calculations with the course catalog, I determined I could do it in 18 months. Please note that the course catalog does not account for red tape and small institutional thinkers.

After jumping through hoops for two days, I finally managed to secure an appointment with an advisor. I told him what my plans were and how they were going to be accomplished. By the way, it was a completely reasonable plan.

Advisor: “This isn’t possible.”
Inspired Rebel: “Ummm, yes it is. It’s right there. On paper.”
Advisor: “You don’t understand.”
Inspired Rebel: “You’re right about that.”
Advisor: “You’re being too ambitious.”
Inspired Rebel: “You mean there are too many unnecessary administrative requirements that have absolutely nothing to do with the actual coursework.”
Advisor: “It simply isn’t possible.”
Inspired Rebel: (summoning the “I’ll show you” facial expression)
Advisor: “You need…”
Inspired Rebel: (don’t say what I think you’re going to say)
Advisor: “to be…”
Inspired Rebel: (he’s going to say it)
Advisor: “patient.”

I walked out of that office even more inspired and completed my degree in 18 months.

Using authority for inspiration is a beautiful thing. And for my fellow Inspired Rebels out there, there has never been a more generous supply of authority…whether symbolic or tangible. Some of the greatest achievements in history have been inspired to reality because authority said they were impossible.

We all have multiple sources of inspiration, and having awareness for those sources is incredibly important during times like these. Seek out those sources and use them.

This is no time to be submissive. It’s time to be inspired. Y’all.

Tags: authority, chris, generation, inspiration, rebel, reed, revolution, talent, x

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Comment by Susan Montgomery on March 6, 2009 at 12:36pm: Hmmm "inspired rebel".....so that's what I've been all of these years, I've always been told that I just have a "problem" with authority! Chris, you have a true gift for "putting into words" what many people are experiencing (or have experienced) in a relevant, amusing, and insightful manner. Keep the brilliant posts coming!

Comment by Chris Reed on February 26, 2009 at 10:36pm: @Bill...Go right ahead and prove them wrong...thanks for the comments!

@Andy...love the quote.

@Leigh...the feeling is mutual. Thank you, as always.

Comment by Leigh Caraccioli on February 26, 2009 at 9:51am: Chris,

ok. so at first I think, "he (inspired rebel) is me" because I totally get this blog and relate concretely. Next, I realize that I say that every time I read one of your witty blogs. Your blogs have a way of being so relatable and relevant for me. This one was funny, thoughtful and gave me insite into one of my favorite inspired rebels. (I am married to my absolute favorite)

Thanks for sharing.

Comment by Andy Swingley on February 26, 2009 at 8:10am: Great post Chris!

"Determination always trumps authority"

Comment by Bill Campion on February 25, 2009 at 11:22pm: Interesting post Chris. It's amazing what results we can acheive when we just focus and do it. So many of my boomer friends thing I'm crazy in my efforts to become more "tech-savvy". I'm out to prove them wrong. I learn a little bit every day and I'm determined to realize the fruits of my labor. thanks for the post. You Da Man

Comment by Chris Reed on February 25, 2009 at 7:43pm: Kara, you are most definitely not alone. Thanks for the comment!

Comment by Kara on February 25, 2009 at 6:48pm: I'm so glad to hear that it's not just me that has issues with "authority"!

Comment by Chris Reed on February 25, 2009 at 6:22pm: @Mark S...Thanks for sharing that quote. Perfect.

@J.T. You added considerably to my post with your own story. Thanks so much for sharing!

@Dale...thanks for the comments. I'm trying the pose now.

@Mark H. Thanks! You certainly had me fooled with the accounting biz...well done.

@Shawna...I'm seriously going to begin quoting you whenever I need a reference. Thank you so much.

@sexythinker...shocking that this is another trait we have in common.

@Debra...I agree about the college administrators, they can certainly be difficult at times. Thanks as always for your comments.

@Roy...Love the story!

@Ray...I doubt that it has anything to do with you not being smart enough. Thanks for the comments!

Comment by Ray D. Martin on February 25, 2009 at 3:01pm: Chris: I have never been smart enough, when someone told me I couldn't do some thing to believe them, and just, went ahead and did it. As long as you don't make the same mistake twice, you are making great progress...

Comment by Roy Briggs on February 25, 2009 at 12:15pm: Keep it up Chris,
My Career advisor at school told me what my options were, for 30 minutes he finally asked me what I wanted to be, "I want to be a Chef" after a sharp intake of breath he said " you would have to go to college for that" I replied "yes I know" "you won't get in" he replied, "really" I said "I enrolled 3 months ago". Still one my of the best pokes in the eye for authority! 40 years in the Hospitality industry later I still delight in proving people wrong when it comes to "You can't do that"