Download Story: Convinced Confidence

Dear Reader,

I hope this story finds you well. People tell me all the time they could never do what I do. I’m here to say, they’re wrong.

Here’s my story.

It began during my freshman year at Bowdoin College when I auditioned for "The Improvabilities," the on-campus improv group. I had done so many plays before, so I thought this would be a cake walk. Despite my enthusiasm, I bombed my first audition miserably.

Determined not to give up, I made a commitment to watch every single show. And I’m not exaggerating. I did not like not being good at this! I sat front row, from freshman year until my junior year. I learned every small detail. Stage presence. Speed. Having fun with the team. I believe that by watching all these shows, I convinced myself that I had the confidence to do this. A convinced confidence that I had seen this “thing” enough times that I absorbed the nuances of improvisation and honed my skills. Then, by Junior year, I psyched myself out and said I wouldn’t put myself through this feeling of rejection again 😂. I almost didn’t audition until multiple Seniors on campus said “Dude, do it. Come on, go for it.” I had nothing to lose.

The audition for my junior year felt almost effortless. I couldn't help but think, "That was good, right?" after the callbacks. And I tried to pretend I didn’t care. Except there I was at 3 AM, waking up with the hopes that maybe I had gotten the text. And I did. From my Homie Ben.

I had made the team.

This experience taught me that the people that I deem “great” in their respective fields have all had to practice over and over again to reach greatness. It didn’t happen suddenly.

I hope my story inspires you to know that if you’re not good at something, and you want to get better at it, study it. I compare it to your favorite songs: The first time you hear the song, you don’t know the lyrics. Then you play it again, and again, and suddenly it becomes second nature.

No matter what it is that you do, through repetition, and the right people around us, we will get better. I hope my story inspires you to study, take the L, study, take the L, and keep doing so until you achieve your goal. You will get better. Keep going.

Love,

Littlejohn