If I had to guess, I’d bet that I’m 1 of at least 1.21 million people who are a fan of Back to the Future (snaps for the uber fans who picked up on that numerical reference). I didn’t see it in theatres, but I popped in our VHS copy on almost every teenage sick day.
It wasn’t Biff’s sweet hair, or Marty McFly’s trademark vest that kept me coming back. This connection? Deeper, almost cosmic – and to none other than Doc Brown.
Flashing forward (and backward) to two weeks ago, I walked into a comic book store. On one of many alphabetized shelves was a line of bobbleheads: Darth Vadar, Mickey Mouse, Bob Ross, South Park’s Kyle – and Doc Brown. The moment I saw his zany blue goggles, he was as good as sold.
When I think of Doc Brown, I think of:

• An inventor who pushed the envelope.
• A passionate scientist, with courage in his convictions.
• An absent-minded, eccentric “madman.”

When I look at plastic Doc Brown sitting on my desk, I’m reminded that:

• Different isn’t bad, whether a personality, idea, or customer.
• Criticism, challenge, and pain aren’t worth fearing, especially when what awaits on the other side are some of the greatest professional victories.
• Successes and failures alike are created in vacuums. Test and re-test, openly.
• When progress isn’t, well, progressing, try another way.
• Making a difference of unknown proportions requires doing the work – and sometimes, doing it alone.

Take a look at your desk, workbench, or station, especially if you find yourself feeling in a bit of a creative rut. What are you looking at when you come to work and throughout the day? Whether pictures, quotes, or seemingly silly plastic figures, find something that can at the very least make you smile when you’re not – or remind you to explore a new thought, project, or approach, even if it seems absolutely insane.
 

Great Scott! The Woman Behind the Curtain goes Back to the Future every day on her desk to get inspiration to flex her creative muscles. Who or what on your desk inspires you to think outside your timezone? Share it below or with Jennifer directly.