319. Go Where You’re Awesome

“I was always very taken with theater and I was also with the idea of creating and developing things, always writing. In high school we had a Dead Poets Society that I sort of headed up, and I sang in an ironically-named band that I put together called Morbid Cappuccino. Classic 90s.” The English department barely had money for books. Using his entrepreneurial side, Michael put together a battle of the bands fundraiser.

In college, Michael had a dual major in drama and education, intending to become a kindergarten teacher. But a friend who was directing a show at the high school where she taught asked him to be her assistant director. “I was a freshman in college, a nobody. But when I went to this high school, and I was the one teaching and helping them, I was that kid who is in college already. It came down to this idea: go where you’re awesome!”

“I think it’s so easy to get stuck in our silos and stay in that same place. I’ve always been more of an anthropologist, I want to learn as much as possible about as many different worlds as possible because that’s what creates the opportunity and the possibility to be a really great connector.”

1. If there’s something you think you want to do, first do a deep dive for a short time. Try it on for size.

2. Meet people who are doing what you would like to do and learn from their experiences.

3. Build your safety net before you leap.

4. Learn to be a connector of people: learn as much as you can about a variety of worlds and people. Don’t get stuck in your silo.

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin