While living in Georgia, our city would occasionally advertise local talent competitions being held at the Columbus Civic Center. Many celebrities known today had performed there at some point or another in their careers. On the way home from work each day, I would listen to the local radio talk show hosts advertise several of their upcoming events. One event caught my attention. They were searching for local musicians willing to perform live at the Columbus Civic Center.
At the time, I had found a love for singing and had decided that I would tryout and see what came of it. I remember waiting outside of a wide brick building during a weekday. The line was long, and it was windy out. I have always been one to follow my gut when instinctually being led toward a challenge, or else I’d be left to wonder “what if”.
A slender woman in her mid-twenties passed out cards and asked everyone standing in line to fill them out before entering. The card provided a section for listing whatever skill or talent participants had to share.
As I looked around me, I began to wonder what talent each person to the left and right of me possessed. For a second, I questioned whether I even belonged in this line in the first place. As the line moved me closer and closer towards the front, I quickly realized that soon I would be expected to perform. I had always relied on the same song whenever asked to sing for anyone, and so again, this was my plan.
Before I knew it, I was being escorted inside the wide brick building by a bouncer. He stood tall in stature, husky and with a deep voice. It was exciting and a little intimidating at the same time. We were inside of what looked to be large theatre. My palms drenched in sweat.
There were people seated in the theatre chairs directly behind the four paneled judges, spectators I assumed.
They called my name. As I approached the stage, I told myself that no matter what, I was not going home without a secured spot. I made eye contact with the four judges and could see the same bouncer who had let me inside the theatre moments prior, staring at me in the distance. I recognized the local radio talk show hosts voice in the distance. The four judges introduced themselves and asked me to go-ahead when I was ready. My nerves begin to set in. Careful to stay in control of my emotions, I quickly began to sing.
Mid-audition, I could see one of the four judges nodding along. This was a good sign. Enough of a sign to give me the momentum that I needed to finish. They liked me. One of the judges then offered me a spot in the line-up at the Civic Center to take place within the next two weeks or so. I had done it! I had secured my spot.
As the deadline approached, I remember how nonchalant my attitude had become and how maybe in actuality I was still in disbelief of becoming one of only 15 to compete in such a great event. I kept telling myself, “oh, I’ll have time”. In the next week, I focused on my outfit, my hair and all the smaller nuances I felt necessary for increased confidence and to guarantee my win. Cockiness at its finest.
The day before the contest, I realized that during the prior weeks, I had not prepared much at all. Work had picked up, and my worries were beginning to set in. I wasn’t ready. Up until now, when asked to sing, I would do so acapella and people loved it, but this event was different and it required an instrumental, plus real preparation.
The day of the contest had arrived. My secret weighed heavier as each moment passed me by. Five hours before showtime and I still had not yet found an instrumental to sing along to. The pressure in my spirit was thicker than a bowl of three-day old oatmeal. I searched all over for material before realizing that it just was not going to happen.
I decided to drive to the Civic Center an hour and a half before the show was set to begin. I wore plain clothes rather than my intended gorgeous dress which lie on the foot of my bed. My hope was to see only a few chairs and to gain comfort in knowing that it wasn’t as big deal as I had let on. I looked for any reason available not to feel as badly about my lack of preparation over the last few weeks. Except, when I arrived, I received anything but that feeling. There was an entire stadium-like seating area intended to rock the city with local artist and talent in less than two hours.
I had taken my opportunity for granted by not preparing for what could have been a twist to something much bigger for my life. One of the bouncers from the theatre noticed me and asked if I was excited about the event. I smiled and said yes, in deceit.
That evening, I drove home with a huge lump in the back of my throat, vowing to forget the event ever was a thing. I cried that night on my bed, in regret for my inaction and irresponsibility. Had I prepared… I continued to taunt myself. That day taught me a huge lesson. One that I would never, ever forget.
When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Ask Yourself:
What could you do differently the next time you prepare for success?
Am I on track with meeting my success goals?
Action Items:
This week, I challenge you to prepare for the thing/s that you want. Start today. Evaluate which decision might be your best, and move closer to it by researching, networking, or reading up on the subject. Become more educated around the areas that interest you and do not stop. Remember, momentum begins with good intentions.
“Failure is Success if you learn from it”
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