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Riding the train from Washington to New York this week, I was in the mood to listen to U2’s electrifying performance at Slane Castle in 2001. This video captured a poignant homecoming concert that concluded their world tour in Ireland.
Emotionally charged and held shortly after the death of Bono’s father, this concert — before an immense crowd of 80,000 — stands out to me as one of their most memorable. Among the highlights of that night, “Walk On” particularly resonates with me because it has three big life lessons that I believe are central to my happiness. It also perfectly aligned with my reflective mood that morning on the way to the city.
Finding Home in the Intangible
The song’s repeated references to “home” evoke a sense of belonging and peace that isn’t tied to a physical place. “Hard to know what it is if you’ve never had one,” the lyrics muse, suggesting that home is more a state of mind or a feeling of inner peace than a location.
For many of us, the journey to finding “home” is about discovering where we feel we belong, often finding it in moments of love, connection or shared purpose. It’s an important reminder that home is where the heart heals and where the spirit feels free.
For creatives, especially those leading a business or building a personal brand, understanding this concept of home is crucial. It can be the foundation of their creative process, a wellspring of inspiration and a sanctuary amidst the demands of their careers. Recognizing where they feel most at peace and inspired can significantly impact their work and productivity.
The Liberation in Letting Go
Perhaps one of the most powerful takeaways from “Walk On” is the freedom from leaving behind what no longer serves us. The song lists all that we fashion, make, build, break, measure, deal, count and steal, urging us to “leave it behind.” This is a call to release the material and emotional baggage that clutters our lives. It’s a reminder that true freedom often comes not from accumulating more but from letting go of the restraints we impose on ourselves — whether they be expectations, past hurts or material possessions.
This message is a call to embrace simplicity and find liberation in decluttering, not just our physical spaces but also our minds and hearts. In doing so, we uncover a profound and liberating freedom, allowing us to move forward unencumbered and more aligned with our true intentions and aspirations.
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For those in creative industries, letting go of outdated ideas, unproductive collaborations and mental clutter can lead to a resurgence of creativity and innovation. Shedding these burdens enables a clearer focus on what truly matters, fostering an environment where creative ideas can flourish.
Resilience in the Face of Hardship
“Walk On” was inspired by the life of Aung San Suu Kyi, but its message of enduring spirit in the face of dire circumstances speaks to all of us. The song encourages us to keep moving forward, even when our “glass heart should crack.” Just as in the song, we often face problems that seem insurmountable.
The depth of the song’s impact lies in its acknowledgment of the human condition — our battles with life challenges that seem beyond our control. The lyrics do not just suggest resilience; they demand an active engagement with our struggles, pushing us to move forward despite the instinct to retreat. Like the lyrics prompt, even if we feel the urge to turn back, the key is to “be courageous” and “walk on.”
For creatives, resilience is an essential trait. The journey of creating, whether in art, business or personal branding, is often fraught with obstacles and setbacks. Embracing resilience helps them navigate the ups and downs of their careers, pushing through challenges to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their industries.
Final Thoughts
“Walk On” isn’t just a song; it’s a message, a mantra and a meditation. In the face of life’s inevitable trials, “Walk On” reminds us that we possess an innate strength to push forward. The song embodies a spirit of relentless perseverance, urging us to move beyond our current circumstances and seek a brighter path. It encourages us to shed the burdens hindering our progress and embrace a future defined by hope and renewal.
These lessons are especially poignant for business leaders and creatives, offering a blueprint for navigating the complexities of their respective journeys with grace and determination.
All lessons worth embracing.
