Even though Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs and are not in this year’s finals, Westbrook’s Mountain Dew TV commercial remains a welcome presence. In fact, I have found watching his commercial to be a major highlight of the 2017 playoff season.
Between his unrelenting play on the court and his eclectic style off of it, Westbrook has emerged as one of the NBA’s most unique personalities. In his latest TV spot, the triple-double superstar urges fans to embrace their individuality. Russell marches to his own drummer and adopts the unconventional, even if it is frowned upon by others. This includes listening to slow jams before big games, mixing camouflage designs and eating seafood in landlocked Oklahoma. He does what pleases him, not what “they” tell him to do.
I have viewed this commercial at least a dozen times and still find it energizing and inspiring to see Westbrook continually push boundaries and defy the “status quo” while encouraging all of us to do the same. Wouldn’t it be wonderfully liberating if we could all live this way?
Ironically, my high school yearbook quote was: “Be yourself. No one can tell you you’re doing it wrong.” I guess that, even at age 17, this concept resonated with me. However, for the most part, I could not stay true to it. Too often, I cared deeply about what others thought of me and I, in turn, passed judgment on others with different opinions or ideas. But, as I have grown older (and hopefully wiser) and raised a family, my priorities have shifted. I now realize that it is more important to be myself, tell the truth and live my life authentically, without worrying about that judgment from outside.
Today, when so many live for what others think—counting up the “likes” they can garner on social media—it is particularly challenging to stay true to oneself and not worry about how others are judging you. So, I encourage everyone to heed the words of Russell Westbrook: “Don’t do they—do you.” Take a fresh look at yourself, at those around you and at the way you live your life. Don’t be constrained by what others think. Replace judgment with gratitude and respect for those with different points of view. We can learn a lot from others, especially from those who see the world differently. After all, each of us is doing our own version of you. Once we accept that reality, we are free to celebrate our unique, authentic selves.
If you’re tuning into the NBA finals tonight, you will likely see Westbrook’s commercial for Mountain Dew. But just in case you miss it, here’s a link to view the spot.
The Nest Re-Imagined 