Who is the Saul Goodman in your life?

In case you haven’t noticed, a lot of people these days are outraged.

Things that seem innocuous are now controversial.

Every day I read the news and see that people don’t agree on all kinds of things.

So last month, I wondered why actor Bob Odenkirk was trending on social media.

Though many people were introduced to Odenkirk as wisecracking lawyer Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad, he’s been working as a writer and actor since the 1980s.

His successful portrayal of Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad led to the spin-off series Better Call Saul that began in 2015. Over six seasons, we’ve watched how the man who began as Jimmy McGill becomes Saul Goodman. 

Saul Goodman is a complicated character. He’s not a traditional good guy but he’s not a traditional bad guy either.

Saul is funny. He’s vulnerable. He’s likeable. 

I suspect the actor might be described in the same way.

So I was curious why he was trending on social media.

The new season of Better Call Saul wasn’t due for release.

It wasn’t time for the Emmys or Golden Globes.

So I immediately wondered what he had said – or done – that made his name appear in the news.

But it turned out he hadn’t said or done anything outrageous or offensive. 

The 58-year-old Odenkirk was in the news because he had collapsed on the set of Better Call Saul and suffered a ‘small heart attack.’

And when the news of his collapse hit the news, something interesting happened on social media…

People were worried. 

People shared their appreciation for his work. 

People cared about his wellbeing.

Twitter is a place where people can find offense or outrage on so many topics, but finally, it seemed there was something the twitterverse agreed on.

And in that moment, I paused to think about how good Better Call Saul is. I appreciated the writing of the show – and how good Odenkirk is in the role.

Probably the same way so many others did.

Thankfully he is OK, but after seeing such an outpouring of love, Odenkirk wrote on twitter: 

"I’ve had my very own 'It’s a Wonderful Life' week of people insisting I make the world slightly better. Wow! Thank you."

He may not have known how much he meant to so many people. 

They may not have known how much he meant to them.

And it got me thinking about people we know in real life.

We may have close friends and family members, but there are also ‘Sauls’ who sit on the perimeter. They aren’t the ‘stars’ of our lives, but they are important supporting players we care about.

And we sure would miss them if they were gone.

Go ahead, make someone’s day

So today, I want to challenge you to think about who are the ‘Sauls’ in your life. Then take a few minutes to send them a note (handwritten notes are always my recommendation, but even an email or a text message will work). 

It doesn’t have to be onerous – just tell them they matter to you – and why.

Thank them for what they add to your life and let them know what they mean to you.

It may sound simple or frivolous, but right now (especially) it might be the bright moment someone desperately needs. 

So take 2 minutes, and make someone’s day – while you still can.

They’ll feel good, and so will you.

And then go watch Better Call Saul. 

Beth Collier helps leaders and teams improve their communication skills, including storytelling, writing, and public speaking. She cannot teach you how to become an Emmy-winning actor, but she can definitely help you become a more confident and capable speaker and leader.

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