Someone very close to me sent me this video, a few months ago, during graduation season.  It came up in conversation yesterday and I watched it again and thought I’d share.  For me, it had a profound impact.   While I’m not pursuing an acting career, as a host, I’m many times grouped into the same category and can relate on many levels.  This speech isn’t just for those trying to pursue a career in media or entertainment, but really for every creative, entrepreneur and anyone following their dreams.  Charlie Day offers insight sprinkled with humor and inspiration to those like myself who are taking the “path less taken.”  While Charlie Day has had tremendous success, he reflects on the fact that it’s not always sunny when you’re working in the trenches trying to “make it.”  But, that if you have confidence in yourself and take chances on yourself, the fruit of your hard work can and will be very rewarding.

Top 3 Takeaways from his Speech…

  1. Believe in yourself.  If you’re going to run the risk of failure, run the risk in what you want to do.
  2. Bet on yourself.  Create your own opportunities, instead of waiting for them to be handed/offered to you.  Don’t wait for your break, make your break.
  3. You cannot let a fear of failure, or fear of comparison, or fear of judgement stop you from doing what makes you great.  You cannot succeed without the risk of failure.  Be willing to fail.  Fail in the place you want to fail.  Fail, pick yourself up, and fail again.  You don’t have to be fearless, but don’t let fear stop you.  Trust your voice and ideas.

Watch his speech from 8:28- 18:55.  Guarantee he’ll make you laugh and inspire you to get after it!