I make a point to study successful people... in every profession. Even though career choices take us in different directions, I have found recurring themes with those who excel and make it to the top in their chosen field of endeavor. On occaision I Watch a tv program called Inside the Actor's Studio on the Bravo Channel. I recently saw an episode with comedian Dave Chappelle. He said something that struck me when he was talking about a time early in his career while he was doing live stand up. Making people laugh came easy for Dave and when he was in high school he honed his craft working in Comedy Clubs at night. He experienced great success night after night. He did very well until he had his first bad night... and he was literally boo'ed off the stage! In the audience were his Mother and Grandmother. He felt humiliated and embarrassed. Can you imagine being in high school and your dream is to be a comic and you experience a dreadful night that is a complete failure? A comic's WORST FEAR is to be boo'ed off the stage. For most people, this would be the night their comic dream comes to an end. Dave Chappelle said this was the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO HIM! He said to fail and be boo'ed off the stage in front of everyone including his own family left him stronger... that after that experience he had become absolutely FEARLESS! He picked himself up and went back on the stage BOLDER and STRONGER that ever! At age 19 he was offered his first development deal, continued to perform stand up, became an actor and has appeared in many Hollywood films. In fact he is now one of the highest paid comedians, with his own TV show, commanding a $ 50 million deal on Comedy Central. Sometimes when the thing you dread the most happens, something incredible is waiting around the corner... but you can never quit, you can never give up. Chappelle understands he is the creator of his own destiny and he continues to be fearless in directing his future according to his own inner compass, even when no one else understands his decisions. Leaders have their failures. Leaders have struggles. Leaders have tough times. Leaders learn from their mistakes, adjust their approach, learn how to pick themselves up and get back after their goals. Think about an area of your life where you have backed down or turned back after an embarrassing failure. What goals and dreams did you once abandon that you would like to rekindle, or rather REIGNITE and pursue? Let yourself feel it again, it's not too late, become FEARLESS and rise above it. Live Your Dreams, |
