When I’m doing chores around the house I will almost always grab my iphone and my ear buds and listen to something while I get my tasks done.
Often, I am listening to comedy channels on either Pandora or iHeart radio.
Recently as I was working and listening comedian Craig Ferguson came on.
He told the story of one of the first auditions he did when he came to Los Angeles from Scotland.
His agent secured him an audition for the old Brooke Shields show Suddenly Susan.
When he arrived for the audition he walked into the waiting room and it was filled with Hispanic men.
His agent never told him he was auditioning for the role of Susan’s Hispanic neighbor.
Being from Scotland, Ferguson, obviously, has a very strong English accent.
One might think he would have turned around, headed out of the room, back to his agent’s office and asked him why he would book him for the part of a Hispanic neighbor.
Ferguson did the audition anyway.
As he tells the story he did his very best to try and create a Hispanic accent but failed miserably. He said those observing the audition were laughing out loud at his feeble attempt.
They immediately told him he wasn’t going to get the part.
As he walked out one of those judging the auditions came after him.
He told Ferguson he had given them all a good laugh and it was the worst Hispanic accent they had ever heard.
Then the man told Ferguson he thought he was very funny and that they were going to casting a part in another show and asked him if he could do a British accent.
Ferguson knew he would fail in the audition but he had the courage to do it anyway and it led him to a part on another tv show.
On March 13, 2015 Scott Park stood at half court during half time of the ACC conference tournament basketball game between Duke and Notre Dame.
Park had won the opportunity to take one shot from half court for the chance to win a million dollars.
Park failed miserably. Someone in the stands took video of Park’s shot that barely made it half way to the basket.
The man posted it online and it quickly went viral. Viewers of the video were relentless in their mocking and ridiculing of Park’s feeble attempt.
What they didn’t know was how much courage it took for Park to even be there to attempt the shot.
Park knew he would likely fail in a great way but he did it anyway.
I encourage you to click here and watch ESPN’s E:60 The Rest of the Story. I’ll tell you in advance that the video is just under sixteen minutes. I realize your first thought is to say you don’t want to take that much time. Watch it anyway. You won’t be sorry.
Sometimes courage requires us to act in spite of what will be certain failure.
Do it anyway. You never know the full outcome until you act courageously.
While you’re watching videos please watch one more. It’s Martina McBride’s “Do It Anyway.” You won’t be sorry.
Are you facing a difficult task or challenge for which you feel totally unqualified and will likely fail at this week? Do it anyway!
Proverbs 24:16
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
I watched both videos you suggest (demand?) I watch. You are right – both worth the time. Very inspirational. Thanks.
Ron, I prefer to think I was strongly suggesting rather than demanding! Thanks for taking the time to watch them and I’m glad you believe it was worth the investment of your time!