Stop Waiting to Be Picked!

Create your own success story instead!

Jul 16, 2024

This article was adapted from my book, The Passion Principles: 101 Ways to Express Your Creativity and Share It With the World.

Many people look around their hometowns and search for things the city can do for them.

Others seek mentors, gatekeepers, media people, managers, and agents to gain “credibility” that will lift them out of obscurity and make them feel worthy.

Want to know what the most empowered humans do?

They create the circumstances they’re looking for!

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If venues aren’t booking you, find a cafe or retailer that wants more patrons and work together to create an event.

If the media isn’t covering you, launch a podcast or YouTube channel and broadcast your story yourself.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from George Bernard Shaw:

“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”

Examples …

Shannon Curtis wasn’t satisfied playing at traditional music venues as a solo singer-songwriter. She turned to her fans and asked if they would like to host an intimate house concert.

For years, it was her primary business model. Shannon and her husband toured the U.S. every summer and performed in more than 80 homes.

Several years ago, Sean Cannell wanted to help people learn about video production and camera gear. He started his own YouTube channel dedicated to that topic. With three million subscribers, he now has a thriving business and a bestselling book.

My wife, Pooki Lee, couldn’t find local dance studios receptive to her teaching Hawaiian hula. So she started offering her own independent hula classes.

DJ Alexis Tucci didn’t limit herself to existing dance clubs in St. Louis, MO. Instead, she rented cool spaces in the area and organized “underground” Nightchaser parties. Now, every event is a sell-out.

Many years ago I wanted to get more experience doing stand-up and improv comedy. Most local performers complained that comedy clubs didn’t give them enough stage time.

I approached a local bar and offered to host a weekly comedy show, which allowed me to gain a lot of experience and earn money, too.

Stop waiting to be discovered!