CHRIS JORDAN

Show Notes

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10/15/2019 | 65 Minutes

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Chris Jordan is a full-time cinematographer, a job that can be very exciting at times and rather difficult at times. When he’s not peering through the lens, he’s mindful of creating peace in his life despite a rocky path. Seeing the world as it is, and what it could be, is his television set. And finding joy in hardships really makes him tick.

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PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL TICKS

• Faith is #1, finding personal growth and strength - choosing to have hope in something greater than the situation he was in at the lowest point in his adult life.
   

• Working out - specifically with a group and with a time limit. Often times with a trainer as well. He works out at Functional 45, F45 for those in the know who are swole.
   

• Staying creative with an entrepreneurial mindset - Wrapping up college with a nice piece of paper wasn’t for Chris, he started an auto body shop, then turned his hobby into his career in cinematography, truly following his heart to new places and new faces.

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For the majority of the episode, Chris shares the path he’s taken over the last 10 years experiencing hardship, trauma, faith and hope.

 

It started in 2009 when he was running his first business, designing high-end car detail and accessories. He didn’t like the clientele he was working with, his work was miserable, and he was searching for something fresh and new. 

 

He was in a rut. He needed hope and action, not really knowing who he was or what he was doing in life. He’s a man of faith, and he prayed. The idea of becoming a film maker came to his mind, and then he had the drive to make it happen.

 

Meeting one person led to another which was rewarding and validating for the change and sudden move. He started working with award winner Peter Lik, awarded the title of Master Photographer from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, Professional Photographers of America, Federation of European Photographers and Master Photographers International. Peter Lik's Website.

 

He was building confidence in his new career ability, but the irony is that he didn’t believe it. He didn’t believe in that confidence, and rode its coat-tails for a time. How often have we done that in our own lives? Aside from this, he attached his identity to a place and a career, so when it was time to return to Utah, the decision was a major wrestle for him.

 

He moved back to Utah, and felt lost, or as if he was forced to start all over again. Stress, anxiety, depression all began to set in. His relationships suffered and he couldn’t pin-point why. At one point, he truly felt all was lost.  

He began working on himself, negotiating with all the negative voices in his head, shifting his focus from his personal shortcomings to now having compassion for himself, and finding joy in the everyday and others. 

 

He found many ways of working through his mental illness, accompanied by The Work. He emulated the behaviors of leaders he admonished. He sought opportunities to actively withhold his negative opinions about himself and about others, remaining silent and mindful.

 

Chris describes three tiers of coping and healing from anything - be it anger, pride, depression, loneliness… in order of effectiveness: 

1. Serving other people, it gave him confidence and helped him stay contempt. 

2. Individual responses to the traumatic stimulus. Do you hide or open up to other people and give them the chance to listen? How do you react? 

3. Find ways to make yourself busy. Get lost in other responsibilities or hobbies or passions.

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All have a form of help and healing in Chris’ mind. But serving others opened up the most success and happiness for Chris and that’s where he turns now. 

 

Now he’s defined by his character. The things he’s pursuing and not his attachments. He’s trying everyday to find joy and gratitude. Instead of focusing on the traits that he lacks, he thinks of ways to be grateful for the chance to learn something new. It’s a paradigm shift in his thinking. 

 

Bottom line, what does it take for you to look for opportunities throughout your day to serve others, to proactively reach out and come to their aid? How can we more often help people feel visible?

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CONNECT WITH CHRIS

• Instagram: @cjspassport
   

• Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/cjjordan