I was traveling home from Cleveland and noticed an article about Ashton Kutcher in the in-flight magazine. Though this popular movie star has had the dubious distinction of being the most followed man on Twitter, the interview wasn’t the usual fare of celebrity worship.

Kutcher stated his aim in life is to generate what he calls “thrash,” or creating movement in a disruptive kind of way. He describes thrash saying it’s like a wake made by a boat, but moving toward some kind of goal. It’s not thrash for the sake of thrash. “Occasionally, you have to be forced outside your comfort zone, right?” he says. “You just gotta have thrash.” Of course his show, Punk’d, is an example of thrash, but came with mixed reviews when his elaborate pranks brought some to tears. Still Kutcher maintains, “If everyone is happy, you’re not doing anything.” I finished the article, but continued thinking about thrash.

Creating movement in a disruptive kind of way.

A few days after my return, Duncan and I went to watch our son’s varsity basketball game. It was senior night, and our team hoped for a win after a losing season. One senior played his best game but fouled out in the fourth quarter. We’d seen a lot of bad ref calls, and that kid was clearly frustrated as he headed to the bench. Tears lined his cheeks.

Then, the coach of the opposing team made an unexpected move…Continue reading