The best commercial I’ve ever seen…
In 2006 Tim Piper, a talented director and copywriter, filmed a commercial to promote a health competition. The competition is long forgotten, but the commercial went viral and can still be found online today.
A man and a woman, both dressed in business attire, ride alone on an escalator in a large, empty lobby. About halfway to the second floor, the escalator comes to a jarring halt.
Shocked and frustrated, the man and woman remain on their respective escalator steps. They both call out for rescue since neither has a cell phone.
Here’s the transcript. (Dialogue in bold means shouting for emphasis.)
Man: Whoa. That’s not good.
Woman: (upset) Oh, I don’t need this. I’m already late.
Man: Somebody will come. (shouting) Anybody out there?
Woman: Do you have a phone?
Man: No. Sorry.
Man: (shouting) Somebody? Hello! There are two people stuck on an escalator and we need help! Now, would somebody please DO something?
Woman: (frantic) HELP!!!
Man: (laughing) I don’t believe this. You gotta be kidding me!
Woman: (emotional) I’m going to cry.
Man: Well, there’s nothing else left to do is there?
The commercial went viral for two reasons. It’s funny. And it’s true.
Have you been there? I have. We’ve all been there!
You call for help. You ruminate. You pray. But you remain stuck on an escalator. Why?
Because when you BELIEVE you’re stuck—YOU’RE STUCK!
I’m not sure what part of your life you’re trying to change right now. Maybe it has to do with your health, your relationships, your job, or your finances.
Whatever the change you seek—I’m guessing you’ve already tried trying harder. You may have also blamed yourself. Or your circumstances. You may even have given up. And now you find yourself hoping things will someway, somehow, someday be different.
I’ve done all of those things.
Last week, we talked about a mysterious obstacle that seems to block the path to the positive changes you seek.
This week, we’re going to take one step forward in identifying that obstacle.
I want you to ask yourself a simple but honest question.
But is it possible that maybe—JUST MAYBE—you’ve been acting like the man and woman in the commercial?
It is possible that maybe—JUST MAYBE—you’re stuck on an escalator?
Is it possible that maybe—JUST MAYBE—the reason you’re stuck is that you BELIEVE you’re stuck?
If your reaction to this question is resistance—that’s okay. Mine was too. For a long time.
You can watch the commercial HERE. It might make you laugh. It might make you cry.
But I hope it helps you reflect.
What are the escalators in your life? And what’s keeping you stuck?
For me, being honest about the escalators in my life was another important step forward. I believe it will be for you, too.
We’re going to solve the mystery. I promise.
Until next time—THANK YOU for making a difference.
With gratitude,
John Alan
P.S. Here are some handy links to use and share.
Free email version of the introduction and first chapter of LIVE AGAIN!: FREE PREVIEW
Purchase a copy of LIVE AGAIN! on Amazon (Be sure to leave a rating or review!)
