We recently connected with Matt McManus and have shared our conversation below.
Matt, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
One afternoon a couple of months ago, I went jogging, and something magical happened. I had been deeply in the middle of creating The Cartoon, the game/course I’ve just released, to help people connect with their most authentic selves and cultivate universal happiness.
In life, we often search for signs or omens that guide us on our journey. Just like in “The Alchemist,” we learn to look out for these signs that reassure us we’re heading in the right direction. On this particular day, I was having one of those doubt-filled moments that we all encounter. I needed to clear my head, so I left my place in Hollywood, hit play on my music, and started jogging down Santa Monica Blvd. It was a scorching Southern California afternoon, and the city felt heavy, both literally and figuratively. We all needed something to remind us that we’re in this together.
As I reached a busy intersection with a red light, I bent down to tie my laces, and my music mysteriously shut off. That’s when I heard crying. Looking up, I saw a woman in a wheelchair stuck in the middle of the intersection. It seemed like one of her feet was trapped, preventing her from moving forward, and she was distressed. Surprisingly, no one in the bustling intersection was offering assistance.
Without hesitation, I ran to help her. She was weeping, it was sweltering, and she was stuck. Although she only spoke Spanish, I knew just enough to introduce myself and ask if I could help. She nodded, and I gently repositioned her foot and wheeled her to the sidewalk.
Kneeling before her, I held her hands and assured her that she wasn’t alone. Her eyes held a mix of sadness and relief, but I was there with her. She began to smile and I waited with her, holding her hands until she began breathing steadily, knowing she was safe, and I said, “Te Amo” (I love you). Her smile widened, and I asked, “Bien?” She nodded again, and we went our separate ways.
As I tried to resume jogging, my music began playing again, and a wave of emotions overcame me. It dawned on me—the countless invisible chairs stuck in intersections that I might never find or help. How many people just need a little nudge in the right direction to alleviate their fears? These thoughts overwhelmed me, but I knew deep down that this experience was also what I needed. That woman needed a push, and so did I. It was a sign, an omen, that the doubts I had that afternoon regarding my purpose, my project, and my soul needed to be faced so that others could find their own signs, their truths, and rediscover their happiness.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Throughout my life, I’ve always been attuned to the magic around us. Even as a child, I sought it in moments, people, places, and dreams. It’s no wonder that I ended up in Hollywood, where dreams turn from thought, to matter.
Between seeking magic and finding it lies “the work” or personal development. After reading every book I could get my hands on, and conducting extensive research, I noticed a common thread in personal growth journeys—none of them seemed fun. These books typically begin with the author sharing their story, detailing the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them, and finally, offering teachable lessons. While these stories are vital, I decided to change the game.
I gamified self-help with “The Cartoon.” It’s the world’s first self-help game that takes you on a treasure hunt to unearth forgotten pieces of your past self and bring them into the present. This unique journey allows the person you are today to meet the person you were, forming a newfound friendship. It’s all about having the most fun being yourself.
“The Cartoon” helps you discover your character in real life. It creates a safe space for you to embrace your unique personality traits, reminding you that it’s not just okay but incredible to be yourself. Through a combination of music, clothing, hair, friendship, meditation, and exercise, you’ll craft a new version of yourself—a harmonious blend of everything you love and admire about who you are!
Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?
Embarking on any new endeavor requires a clear understanding of “the why.” Why are you doing this? Is it connected to your purpose on Earth, to what you want to leave behind for future generations? I discovered my “why” during a therapy session, where I was sent back to hug my childhood self and reassure him that we made it to now and are okay. My “why” became clear—to remind everyone, including the child within, that they are okay. This realization led me to a valuable lesson—separating purpose from skill set.
A plumber fixes pipes, and that’s their skill set. Sometimes they have the right wrench, and sometimes they don’t. I possess many skills—writing, performing, and creating endlessly. If someone hires me for these tasks, that’s wonderful. If not, I don’t take it personally because I know my why, my purpose: helping everyone connect with themselves. My ultimate purpose is to create happier adults who, in turn, inspire happier children, ensuring that future generations thrive with happiness.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Starting anew in any field is a challenge, and I began by reaching out to my network and sharing my new product, “The Cartoon.” I printed flyers with a QR code directing people to www.findyourcharacter.com, the business’s URL, and a message that read, “It’s time to meet the coolest person: you.” I distributed these flyers at music festivals, visited farmers’ markets, engaged strangers in conversations on the street—anything to open a dialogue.
When it comes to discussing your work, don’t be afraid to try new things. Many people don’t even complete their projects, so if you’ve accomplished that, be proud and enthusiastic when talking about it. It can be intimidating at times, but remember that the seeds you plant will grow. You’re a farmer, sowing seeds wherever you go in a way that conveys your brand’s message. One day, if you keep planting seeds and smiling at strangers and yourself along the way, you’ll reap a bountiful harvest. I promise you’ll see the flowers.
In the end, life’s magic lies in the everyday moments, the people we connect with, and the purpose we find in our journey. My encounter with the woman in the intersection was a reminder that we can make a difference in someone’s life with a simple act of kindness. It’s these moments that fuel my passion for helping people discover their true selves and embrace their unique magic. As I continue my quest for magic in Hollywood and beyond, I invite you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and purpose, for it’s in those moments that we truly find ourselves and make the world a brighter place, one smile at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-cartoon-by-matt-mcmanus.teachable.com/p/the-cartoon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattypmcmanus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattypMcManus/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewpmcmanus/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattypMcManus
- Other: www.findyourcharacter.com www.itsmattmcmanus.com
Image Credits
Glen Diller: https://www.instagram.com/quidquoproductions/