Yes, that’s right… “MacGyver”. You know, the 80’s TV Icon (Click here to refresh your memory). The guy that so many people wanted to be. The show that everyone watched and talked about – “Did you see him make an airplane out of a pack of gum, some toothpicks and duct tape…?” The same guy that also has had many Meme’s made about him. But still, when you think about or say “MacGyver” you are going to get some nostalgic response, feeling or memory – no doubt.
So what is it about MacGyver that has me writing on the blog about him and the the show? Simply put – he’s a problem solver, a thinker. And the show, even with all the Emmy notable (sarcasm) acting involved, showed that you can never be too down or have too much against you to keep you from trying to succeed. In the case of “Mac” (as many on the show called him), he was able to stay alive and go home to be ready for the next mission when he was undoubtedly called upon. This is part of what drew us all to the show and to the character that was created and portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson.
As I have aged and learned what I have so far in my short life, I have become more of a thinker. Sure, there may be a blog about this somewhere too. I’ve been able to “MacGyver” myself a career in various places. I’ve had to “MacGyver” through many situations in my life. And recently I’ve realized that “MacGyvering” is something we should all look at becoming skilled at. Seriously. Have you had to MacGyver your way home when your flights are cancelled 1,000 miles from home? Have you had to MacGyver your day at work together when nothing went as planned and you sit in front of a daunting task of managing tasks and people and their problems? Have you MacGyver’d your way through life? I feel that I have so far… and I am happy to say it’s been great so far! I can honestly tell people that “I MacGyver’d it”, with whatever situation may have been in front of me. I have learned to stay calm, think practically, act realistically and (even failing at times) follow through on what I have tried so I can try again.
Yes, “MacGyver” is a way of life for me now. He’s not just the 80’s TV icon. He’s not just the guy that put everyone to shame when it came to problem solving. MacGyver has created a way of life for many people. For those that want to know everything ahead of time or want to have everything planned out, that’s great. But you cannot count on everything going your way. You have to be ready and willing to accept the challenges that come up every day or week, or whenever, that may derail your ultimate plans. You have to be ready to think through things with patience and a clear perspective. Know the outcome you want to achieve and work through problems. Most of all, you have to TRY. You have to be willing to take the pieces you have in front of you and put them together the best way you can to make your own airplane. You have to be ready to adapt and change and get out of your comfort zone regularly. Yes, it may be hard to think about and visualize but go through it.
Learn new skills that could help you in other situations. You may not always be able to call AAA or a friend or a local towing company to change a tire on the side of the road – learn how to do it yourself. In fact, practice in your garage or driveway or even go out to the side of the road one day and do it – on purpose. If you don’t know how to sew a button on – try it. Get some needle and thread and try it and practice it. MacGyver learned a lot from watching other people, reading books and TRYING things!
Be curious. Be safe. And be ready! Keep your wits about you. Stay patient. Be open to learning. And, by all means, keep a roll of duct tape and a Swiss Army knife nearby!
I've Been Thinking 