I'm Not Great
As I prepare to move from Las Vegas to Houston, I once again find myself writing pitches to potential employers, before hitting send and sealing the deal, attaching a single sheet of paper summing up the past decade. As I sit here, mustering up all the confidence and bravado inside my body to sell myself, I've come to a realization.
“I’m here to tell you I’m not that great. ”
Really, I'm not. Sure, I can plan a killer event. Am I the best in the whole world? Probably not. I can layout a poster for your concert using psychological research to keep eyeballs staring longer, but can someone else maybe do it better? Sure. I can make great radio, sounding local, connected and with all the right caller interaction, but am I the most coveted talent in this country? Not by a long shot.
On my best days, I'm above average at any particular skill, in any particular field. But there's something I excel at. Something you won't find in just anyone. What I have is hustle.
Early in my career, one of my mentors broke it down so clearly, it's been my guiding light ever since. I was getting ready to leave my first job, which I loved, to move into the unknown of Japan. I was a wreck. I didn't even know where to start. As I frantically tried to tie up loose ends, my coworker saw the panic and dropped this on me.
“Look, you may not be the best fit for a gig. You may not have all the skills just yet, but you control the effort.”
And she's right. Someone will always have more experience, more God-given talent, but I will not be out-hustled. You'll find me doing everything I can to improve, to get better. You'll see me running through endless tutorials, asking for feedback and critiques, rehearsing and practicing, writing and editing, constantly throwing myself into the gauntlet and seeking out those uncomfortable situations. If you find my work mediocre at best, know that's the best I have right now. But, please, keep tabs and make your marks, because it won't be that way for long.
As much as it may sting to hear a no, please know that I won't give up. Not without a fight. I'll keep grinding, keep working and remind myself that this opportunity may not be right for me right now, or even five years from now, or possibly ever. I will not be defeated by something not meant for me, instead I'll show up to play. I will jump through the hoops. I'll put the blood, sweat and tears into my craft day in and day out. I may never be the best, but I'll be damned if I'm out-hustled.
The world will always be throwing checkmarks into your cons column, do not allow complacency to be another. I know I won't.