What Lewis Black taught me about purpose
On a whim I got to see Lewis Black (comedian and voice of “Anger” as my children know him from the movie Inside Out) perform last week. He performed a typical skit but at the end things shifted into a more heartfelt space when he brought Tommy Smothers, of the Smothers Brothers, on stage for a Q&A.
The two successful performers asked each other questions about their path and how they knew they were meant to perform comedy on stage. Tommy knew at an early age in elementary school as he would be late for class daily and would crack jokes in front of his classmates to get a laugh. Lewis Black had a more unusual path that surprised me.
Lewis began his career as a playwright in theater and continued on this path for 20 years. With a nudge and invite from his friend, a comedian, he hit the road as an opening act one summer. At the end of the summer he thought, I would like to keep doing this. And so he did. He was 40 years old.
Lewis Black answered his calling and integrated his purpose with his gifts and talents and has gone on to create a successful career. Here is what Lewis Black taught me about integrating your purpose with your beloved work.
1. It’s never too late to try something new
When you start to feel tired or bored in your career, try something new. Just the act of learning and giving something new a test drive may spark a new calling of interest for you. You’re never too old to shift paths or careers. Experience and training will always be your co-pilots as you expand into new territories and interests.
2. Follow the joy
Do what feels fun and easy! Lewis Black went on tour terrified of being on stage but by the end he loved the feeling of making people laugh and feeling the energy from the stage. By following the joy and what felt good, he found his calling.
3. Take center stage in your own life
No one else is going to live your life for you. No one else is going to decide what job fits you best, what business you should start or what books you are meant to write. You are the director of your own life. Take center stage and embody the leader you desire to be.
4. Unplug and explore
Part of Lewis Black’s sketch was about exploring Europe on vacation. It made me realize how important for our growth and development as individuals it is to unplug, take a break from our computers and smartphones and daily habits and explore new surroundings. Getting lost in the beauty surrounding us, having no agenda to attend to and allowing spontaneity to unfold is usually a spark for clarity and inspiration.
When was the last time you truly unplugged and gave yourself permission to explore and play?
It doesn’t have to be a week-long vacation. Start small. Take one morning to yourself – schedule it on your calendar. And allow yourself to follow your joy, try something new, and see what transpires.