CONFIDENT, CREATIVE, CONTAGIOUS: ALL IN ONE CONCERT BY JAKE McCORKLE

In August, my friends and I drove to Waynesville, Ohio to watch the Flaming Lips perform.

The show was electric. Out of all the songs performed, the one that I will always remember is “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” The song is about a fictional girl named Yoshimi, who “has a black belt in karate” and it goes on to describe Yoshimi's preparation before an apparent battle with large, pink robots. Then, the lyrics swivel to talk about supporting this fictional character in her journey.

“Oh Yoshimi they don’t believe me

But you won’t let those robots defeat me”

During the bridge, Wayne Coyne (the lead singer) pauses: “I know this song seems like it’s about a small, very determined warrior that has to do battle with a giant, evil pink robot,” he ad-libbled. “But really, this song is about a dear friend that you love. And this friend has to do something that you know is impossible. But they don’;t know it’s impossible. . . And if your friend is trying to do something that seems impossible, you never, ever, ever tell them anything other than...” Here, the Lips transition:

“I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi they don’t believe me. . . “

The true message of the song is about supporting others as they prepare to tackle life’s challenges. While we may privately doubt our friends’ abilities to achieve, it is imperative that we exude confidence to them.

Creative confidence is contagious, and it is vital for any aspiring entrepreneur.