The rebels.

I don’t have any idols.

But I do have a short list of people I respect immensely.

As I was out walking my dog this morning, it occurred to me that they all share something in common even though they all come from different backgrounds and earn their living in different ways.

Here are a few that have been on my mind a lot this past year:

Yvonne Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. Because he maintains an incredible sense of integrity when it comes to placing employees and the environment above profits.

Cal Newport, author and professor at Georgetown. Because he goes against the grain in teaching us about the dangers of phone addiction, social media, and other modern day devices that keep us from doing deep and meaningful work and being present to our lives.

Derek Sivers, author, musician, and entrepreneur. Because he introduced me to the contrarian idea of saying NO to anything that doesn’t serve my mission in life. “If it’s not a hell yeah, it’s a no.”

Jason Fried and DHH, authors, co-founders, and the guys behind Basecamp. Because they eschew the popular notion of taking money from investors to start a business. They believe in being in control of the business you start. Of not having to answer to anyone else.

Ian MacKaye, musician. At an incredibly young age, he advised us kids to quit following the herd. To use our heads. We didn’t have to drink, smoke, or do other dumb shit that wasn’t particularly good for us just because it was the popular/cool thing to do.

Nick Cave, musician, writer. Because he didn’t get pigeon holed. His work evolved. Not a little, but a lot! He got sober, lived through tragedy, and still makes incredible music. He did all the things that can take an artist out, and he survived and kept his loyal fans. He did it his way.

When I think about how I want to show up in the world, whether for my clients, or a new guy getting sober, or a friend calling for advice, the principles and values I’ve learned from these guys will inevitably show up.

Every time I feel like I should do something for my business or in my personal life, I often wonder how one of these guys would approach something similar. They are good reminders to not just do thing the way they’ve always been done.

They remind me to slow down, and think about my situation clearly, and to rely on my intuition and experience to guide me to do something that is very uniquely Parker.

Who are your guiding influences in the world?