Frozen in Time

Some things never change, and that’s a good thing.

Whether it is a timeless movie, a great book, philosophical words of wisdom, or memories made, when things are done right, it is best to keep it that way.

I was in Toronto with my wife Lisa this past weekend, and we had a blast.

We enjoyed great food, saw some sites, had a Guinness stout and reflected on some wonderful times we have shared over the past 26 years. It was nice to have an “adult weekend” to relax and regroup before the spring rush of family events. Lisa is one of those kind souls who will do anything for anyone, and that creates an interesting schedule.

Toronto is great and is one of the most progressive cities in North America. Everything is new and fresh, the economic trends are phenomenal, and the opportunities that exist are cutting edge. That’s why I find it interesting to say that our favorite thing to do this weekend was not something new, but an old classic that was (is) frozen in time.

Last night, we were privileged to enjoy a show at the world famous Second City Comedy Club. It is known for producing 50 years of the best comedic talent of all time. It even sparked the genius of Saturday Night Live.

All the great ones have passed through their doors. Alan Alda, Chevy Chase, Mike Myers, Robert Klein, Dan Aykroyd, John Belusi, Gilda Radner, George Went, John Candy, Martin Short….well, you get the picture; it is the birth place of modern comedy.

The show lasted for 1? hours and showcased some of today’s best talent. From improv to skits, the troupe kept the audience laughing to the point of tears.

The writing and acting were amazing, but the best part of the show was simply admiring their talent.

The actors, who seemed to all be in their mid-20’ to late 30’s, were fresh and full of raw talent. Their ability to perform non-stop for such a long period was worthy of praise, regardless of the laughs and applause.

Over the years, I have found that whenever you have the chance to see talent of this level, stop and enjoy it.

Funny thing…This applies to your work as well.

Talent does not have to be on screen or on stage, it happens every day all around us, and the best place to look, is in the mirror.

I have the pleasure of working with people from all over the world, and it is an honor for me to meet and witness the display of talent that comes through our doors. It is a talent based on your commitment to study and to serving others.

One thing I find fascinating is the resistance people have for recognizing their own talent.

People tend to go to work every day and grind out the day’s events, without knowing that the people you serve are in your “audience” for the very first time. These are people, who “pay” for your talents, and admire your craft. They are an inspired group who chose to spend part of their day with you in order to captivate your talent even if it is only for a few minutes.

So what’s the difference in your talent and the talent I saw on stage this weekend?

Nothing.

All the greats know it, too.

The late Peter O’Toole, who stared in countless theater leads, would stand behind the curtains before every play and look at the audience before he went on stage. He would whisper to himself over and over:

 “This is their first time and they deserve my best.” 

He knew that the people in the audience were there for the first time, even though he had been grinding it out for years. The audience was there to see him fresh and enjoy his talent. He swore to never forget who he was there to serve.

Frank Sinatra was the same. When asked why he wore a tuxedo to every performance, he stated “I am acutely aware, that there are people in the audience who have paid a week’s pay to see me perform. If they honor me this way, then I will sing for them as if it is a command performance at Buckingham Palace”

These two guys were able to look in the mirror and recognize their own talent, and they were happy to share it with the world, even when they were tired of the grind.

So, here is my question for you today:

Do you look in the mirror?

Do you treat every performance acknowledging that the patient / client is there to witness your talent and they deserve the respect necessary to make every act a “command performance”?

Why? Because your “performance” (in their minds) will be forever frozen in time.

So here is my challenge to you as we start another summer season.

Go out there and perform! Your God given talents are there for a reason, and it appears on your “stage” every day.

Those whom you impact and serve will freeze their memory of you forever, and that is the best respect they can ever pay you.

-DB