On My Thanksgiving List: Stuart Smalley and Sandy — My Amazing Wife

November 22, 2012 • By Dan Hinmon, Principal

I may be the only person on the planet who places the 1995 movie “Stuart Saves His Family” on a list of top 10 funny movies of all time.

For those of you who are uninitiated, Stuart Smalley was a Saturday Night Live character played by Al Franken. Let’s just say Stuart had a confidence problem, so he relied on self-talk to give him a boost, ending each segment with “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it people like me.”

The skit was developed into a movie (which generously receives 2½ stars on IMDB) lampooning 12-step programs and affirmations.

Fighting the lizard brain

But behind the humor of Stuart Smalley is a reality – what Seth Godin calls the “lizard brain.” It’s that place inside each of us that attacks our confidence and tells us the important work we are out to do is not really that valuable, or is beyond our abilities, or can not possibly be as good as the work some one else can do.

When those doubts raise their ugly heads, I have a powerful weapon — my wife, Sandy, whose loving encouragement, support and reassurance keep me on track.

On this day of Thanksgiving, as I consider the remarkable blessings I enjoy, I acknowledge her contribution to all things good in my life and thank her for her endless kindness. Of the many gifts she gives me, one of the most amazing is the gift of quieting those voices and calmly reminding me that I am indeed good enough. Thank you, Sandy.

As an added bonus, check out this 6 minute clip of licensed nurturer Stuart Smalley coaching NBA superstar Michael J (J to preserve his anonymity) on how to build his self esteem.

How we help

Hive Strategies gives webinars, presentations and workshops to help hospitals and physician clinics learn the skills they need to thrive during health care reform. Read about our services. Start a conversation. Email us or call us at 503-472-5512.

Tags: Al Franken, lizard brain, Sandy Hinmon, Saturday Night Live, Seth Godin, Stuart Saves His Family, Stuart Smalley