I was out on Saturday night and conversation turned to American politics.
A topic I know nothing about.
And there were some strong opinions being expressed. So I did what I usually do in situations like this.
I kept my mouth shut and listened. Occasionally asked a question. And then kept my mouth shut and listened some more.
See, when there’s a topic I know nothing about, I’m in “find out more” mode. I try to listen and be curious.
I’m not in “offering my view” mode. I find it difficult to have a view on something I know nothing about.
Seems obvious right?
But it’s less obvious when it comes to knowing myself.
That might sound a bit cryptic.
So let me tell you what I mean…
I came across this quote from the comedian Josh Widdicombe recently:
I really struggled with doing nine-to-five and just wanted to do something where it felt like I was in charge and I was doing something creative. I imagine if my first gig had gone badly I'd never have done it again.
Josh must’ve had an okay first gig.
Because if he hadn’t, he’s saying he wouldn’t have tried a second.
But clearly one bad gig doesn’t mean you can never be a stand-up comedian. And your first bad gig isn't the right time to form an opinion like this.
Why?
Because you don’t have enough information.
As Shakespeare once said, one stand-up gig doesn’t make a summer.
And just like a chat about
American politics, if you don’t have enough information, it’s difficult to have an opinion.
Simply put, you can’t say you’ll never be good at stand-up comedy if you’re basing your opinion on a few first gigs.
Josh goes on to say:
I imagine there's hundreds of people who could’ve been really great comedians and just had a bad first gig.
And I agree. These people have tried once, failed, and got on with their lives.
What a shame.
What if these people had got more information by trying a few more gigs?
As sure as night follows day, some of them would’ve found they CAN thrive at
stand-up after all.
Yet there are people out there who say “I wouldn’t be any good at stand-up” when they’ve never even tried once! Let alone done a few gigs.
And as if by magic, their assertion becomes true.
Not because they’re right. But because they’re taking themselves out of the game before they’ve even stepped onto the
pitch.
And sure. Maybe the idea of doing stand-up is less appealing than sticking pins in your eyes. There’s nothing about stand-up that draws you in.
But stand-up is just an example.
Instead, I could’ve picked a similar story about cooking. Or public speaking. Or starting a business.
Any of these might interest you. But if you don't think you'll be any good, you might shut out your interest as soon as that interest comes up.
To which I say: give yourself a chance. Dip your toe in the water first.
And if you do and it’s not for you, that’s cool. No skin off my nose. At least
you’ve given it a go.
But if you know something isn’t for you before you’ve even tried it, I don’t think your opinion is valid.
I don’t think you do “know”
just yet.
So maybe it’s worth asking:
Where have you taken yourself out of the game without stepping onto the pitch?
Catch you tomorrow.
- Tom
p.s. Whenever you're ready, here are the ways I can support you