The Hurricane Heartbreak – DO SOMETHING!
By Winn Claybaugh
Author of Be Nice (Or Else!) And What's In It For You
 As I write this, I want you to know that I have been sleeping in my own bed, driving my car down beautiful streets, and going into work every day, where I am able to continue earning money. I DO NOT take any of that for granted, because there are many people right here in the United States who do not have those same luxuries due to recent hurricanes.
I experienced a small amount of hope upon hearing of money being raised by so many companies, celebrities, and average citizens. It warms my heart to hear of the many people who have traveled to the troubled areas to roll up their sleeves and get dirty while helping in any way they can. I am thrilled to hear of organizations and individuals who have reached out to rescue the thousands of animals left in the hurricanes’ wake. I don’t know about you, but for me, all of that is still not enough. What’s missing? My effort. My involvement.
While witnessing life’s tragedies, heartbreaks, discriminations, and injustices, do you sometimes catch yourself saying, “Someone should do something about that terrible tragedy . . . but not me. I couldn’t possibly make a difference”? Although part of me cowardly surrenders to a belief that I am insignificant and powerless to assist in events happening clear across the country, fortunately, a strong voice inside me believes otherwise. I know that to see myself as small and powerless serves no one. Life’s growth is about tiny shifts in thought, perception, belief, and action. It’s about realizing that I am the person who can and should do something about the tragedies and injustices of the world.
As a motivational speaker, whenever I ask an audience, “How many of you believe that knowledge equals power?” almost every hand goes up. Yes, knowledge can equal power, but only if it’s coupled with ACTION.
I’ve often been accused of Ready, FIRE, aim, rather than Ready, AIM, fire. On the other hand, I know people who Ready, aim, aim, aim, aim, aim . . . and they never fire. They never make a move. Before you turn off another news broadcast giving you updates on the number of casualties, I challenge you to take action now, make a move, and do something toward making a difference. Now that you’ve acquired knowledge about the devastation and suffering, do something with it.
Perhaps you have the power to raise millions of dollars by employing the efforts of a massive corporation. Or maybe your humble, lovely efforts can produce effective grassroots fundraising endeavors that include bake sales, car washes, or talent shows. Whatever your platform or vehicle for raising your share, it’s all good and it all matters.
By way of checking in and “reporting for service,” I want to let you know that my network of 60-plus Paul Mitchell Schools across the U.S. has collectively organized fundraising efforts to do our share. I’m grateful to the many team members who thought to take action before I did and who scheduled cut-a-thons and placed donation canisters in our facilities. The Red Cross and other organizations have already received millions of dollars in gifts and pledges for hurricane relief, but some estimates project that this tragedy will cost as much as $200 billion. I take that seriously and personally and realize we have lots of work to do. I look at this not as a sprint, but as a marathon, for these people will need our love and financial support for years to come.
I’d like to leave you with one last thought. It’s worthwhile to note that the material donations and gifts you offer to the victims of this tragedy not only benefit the receiver. You can be generous and giving out of your own self-interests, too. Your own spirit and soul need continual nourishing, and you do that by giving of yourself. As Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress, said, “Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.”
Winn Claybaugh is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and “one of the best motivational speakers in the country,” according to CNN’s Larry King. A business owner for over 22 years, with over 8,000 people in his organization, Winn is the co-owner of hair care giant Paul Mitchell’s school division. Winn has helped thousands of businesses build their brands and create successful working cultures. His clients include Vidal Sassoon, the Irvine Company, Entertainment Tonight, Mattel, For Rent magazine, Structure/Limited Express, and others. Winn is a frequent guest on national radio and a regular contributor to online publications. Visit www.BeNiceOrElse.com to sign up for his free monthly Be Nice (Or Else!) newsletter.
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