Evolution.
This last week, one of the coolest things happened. I was on set, filling in for our sports director. One of the anchors, as is not uncommon for him to do, turned to me, noted my shirt and (bow) tie combination, shot a photo, and sent it to Instagram. Days later, I was contacted by a friend of his who runs Zenith City Style, a lifestyle magazine dedicated to Duluth.
It was fun, and sort of an indicator to me that I have become a part of this community. I run into coaches, players, and other figures around town with whom I've interacted, and we chat about anything.
Something like that leads you to step back and reflect on your progress as a person and as a professional. The behaviors you so absent-mindedly held to start to seem increasingly ridiculous, childish, and unnecessary hindrances to your development as an adult. The revelation can be infuriating—don't let it be. We're humans. To be human is to develop and mature. The good thing about being aggravated by some of your own traits is that you, if only subconsciously, desire self-improvement. You can identify, isolate, and eliminate these behaviors—gradually, if not all at once.
For example: I recently gave up my hellish obsession with curating a music library with tunes I'd download. In its place... Spotify.
Thank goodness.
The other thing I've found myself aggravated about directly stems from a story I recently did.
I've realized one thing about myself: I'm a performer. Thanks, Dad. I've been hiding behind introversion. I'll go to an open mic and listen to amateur comedy, think, "I could do that," sip my beer, and head home. During the drive, I'll sing some song, think about the singer/songwriters I've met over the years, look at the waterproof notebook in my shower (I do my best thinking there), and head to sleep.
Life is short.
Maximize yourself. I can't tell you that without being a hypocrite, because I haven't done it yet. Talk is cheap. Beat me to the punch.