My Declaration of Independence, August, 2005. YouTube link here.
Five years ago, when this blog was just a year old, I got inspired to create a little motivational presentation for my then tiny audience. I called it My Declaration of Independence, and it was originally done in Flash by my dear friend Darron Padilla.
To my great delight, Garr Reynolds of the blog Presentation Zen really liked it, and ended up including a visual display of it in his book Presentation Zen. I can’t tell you the amount of emails I get from being included in that book, undoubtedly because it is such an excellent resource for anyone who communicates for a living (which is most of us).
Through the twists and turns of web redesign, the original Flash presentation became out of date. And among conflicting priorities of raising a family and running a business, I neglected updating it for a long time.
Until my friend Matt Clower rode up on his white horse and agreed to re-do it for me. Thanks to him, you can now see the original presentation on YouTube. If you like it, give a shout out to @clowerpower on Twitter and tell him he is a cool and most excellent dude.
Coincidentally, Garr Reynolds has a new book out called The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations With or Without Slides. It is an amazing resource, and I am lucky enough to have a small feature in this book as well.
Thanks to all of you who have been waiting patiently for me to update the presentation. Due to Matt, you can now get fired up in your cubicle. Just make sure you have a plan before doing a “Jerry Maguire,” grabbing the goldfish, and quitting your job. 😉
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Wow, Pam, this is so beautiful! I especially love the declaration, “I am self-employed no matter who pays me.”
I am still early on in my journey of creating my own business, and when the going gets rough it’s easy to think I should just succumb to “working for someone else.” That may or may not happen, but this declaration is a reminder to me that it’s more my state of mind that counts, not so much the external conditions.
with much appreciation for all you offer,
Maia
I’m thrilled I found this. And I’ve just had my husband watch it as well. Bravo!
Hi Pam,
This was at once touching, and rousing.
A very sobering call-to-arms.
I found myself in the same bind that the video describes, last year. Looking back at a 12-year corporate career that had left me unfulfilled, and facing a 3rd layoff in 6 years, I decided to stop jumping back onto the hamster wheel.
I created my own call-to-arms video of sorts (it’s on my YouTube channel.)
And I resolved to go forward, never looking back.
I celebrate my 1st independence anniversary on April 2nd, 2011.
Thanks again.
Bolaji.
So glad I took time out of writing my eBook today to be uplifted and energized by this Pam. Wonderfully put together by yourself and all involved.
I’m proudly flying my independence flag today and making my own date of 3 April (my birthday) as my Independence Day – love that concept!
This is a gorgeous presentation, and I’m so glad it has been updated to YouTube so it can be shared with many. And yet, there are so many more who cannot simply up and chuck their cubicle job. I’m among them. For us, easing out is more realistic.
Excellent. I just shared this video with my readers.
My hope is that it spurs someone to action.
Watched this clip this morning while trying to get motivated to recreate another web site. It made me remember why I’m not working in a 9 to 5 job and venturing out on my own. A bit scary at times and well worth it. Had me crying for joy at the feeling of liberation.
Thanks you, Art Jones, for recommending this.
Lee
There is one word that sums up that video……POWERFUL!
Beautiful video Pam….thanks for creating and sharing this with the world 🙂
Oh Pam, I’ve just watched this in my “cubicle” at work and I’m fighting back the tears. And I work in an open-plan office so this is a bit embarrassing!
I am declaring my independence by leaving my job and taking voluntary redundancy in June. But June seems so far off after seeing your wonderful, inspiring film! Just the support I need to get where I’m going. Thank you.
I wont say this is applicable for girls but even for the other gender, because one has to decide how ones lives.
Jerry Maguire is one of my TOP10 films with the famous “Show me the money” line.
BTW Pam, you were one of the first to start this whole lifestyle design movement. And now we have a bunch of great publications on the market – 4HWW, Evil Plan, Crush It. And there is Chris Guillebeau with his World Domination Guide and many other ebooks.
You are giving a lot to the society and this whole new trend is a natural consequence of the 10-14 hours a day work slavery that many of us experience.
For way too long people were overwhelmed with social expectations forgeting about their true desires. It is great that we have so many bloggers these days that teach us to go back to the roots and start thinking “What do I want from life?”, “What makes me feel happy?”.
Independence, liberation… 🙂
I remember seeing this video a few years ago – wow, I hadn’t realized it was yours Pam.
Thanks for sharing it.
Every day is Independence Day…even for this Commenwealth girl!
I plan on spreading the word…
Natalie
P.S. I can see why Garr approved (page 173!).
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