A current American Idol superstar has Tourettes and mild Aspergers syndrome. His name is James Durbin. In spite of his Tourettes, he moves forward and has both a fantastic voice and a great attitude on life. What a special “personal marketing testimony” about making the “Brand Called You,” a true product differentiator in your life and work. See for yourself:
It’s not easy having Tourettes. I’ve had it since I was 10 and fortunately it mellowed as I grew older. In many cases that’s what happens with those that have Tourettes. We all have our “thorns in the flesh” as the Apostle Paul noted. Those of us with Tourettes are often more noticeable and we can’t run or hide. We have to face our fears and demons, especially in front of an audience. When I speak, one of the first things I do is let me audience know I have Tourettes. I tell them, “I may jerk but I’m not a jerk.” They laugh and I move on with my talk. It’s more to put me at ease than the audience. It relaxes me and levels the playing field.
I, too, have a mild form of Tourettes. It does make me different but it also makes me better. Without my tourettes I would not be me. Sure, I wish it would go away sometimes, but it has never inhibited my ability to think, speak, write, teach, and just be me. Bottom line: we all have those traits we wish we could change. Some we can and some we can’t.
For those we can’t, let the “Brand Called You,” just be You…
Stuart Atkins
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