Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt
W. Kamau Bell, Chase Jarvis
Lessons
Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt with W. Kamau Bell
47:44Class Description
There's a common misconception that artists have a monopoly on creativity… But the very act of making waves - no matter the career - is a creative one. The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show is an exploration of creativity, self-discovery, entrepreneurship, hard-earned lessons, and so much more. Chase sits down with the world's top creators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders and unpacks actionable, valuable insights to help you live your dreams in career, hobby, and life.
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
I believe he’s the first comedian I’ve had on, but what’s super interesting is that you’ll hear us touch on so many of the familiar themes that often come up on this show – the same nearly universal challenges that all creators deal with. But what really stands out to me is how he’s a great example of the “10-year overnight success.” Although he got onto the mainstream radar just a few years ago, he’s been in the game since the mid-90s, grinding and grinding and slowly clawing his way to the top. THIS is how it works – virtually nobody is met with instant success, and his story is a great (and hilarious) example of this.
- How he went from his humble beginnings doing open mics in coffee shops and bars to getting his first (short-lived) TV show and how that ultimately led to his CNN show – there’s no formula for this stuff but you CAN deconstruct the steps he followed and apply them to your own journey
- I love what he has to say about playing through fear – he shares some super candid stuff about how despite appearing unflappable, on the inside – as he says – “it’s all flaps.” I love this because we all feel this stuff, but what matters is how you cope with and channel it and he has a great approach
- You’ve probably heard me talk about the idea of “create the work you want to be paid to create,” and Kamau has an amazing story about how he applied that exact idea – almost to the word – to get his first TV show. He set out to make the show he wanted to have, rented out a theater, grabbed some friends and they cobbled together a prototype – and it worked! That’s what got him on Chris Rock’s radar and led to his first show – I love hearing examples like this because it’s just another proof point that this stuff WORKS.
ABOUT W. KAMAU
W. Kamau Bell is a veteran standup comedian, the creator and star of the hit CNN show “United Shades Of America” which is kicking off its 2nd season, host of a couple podcasts, one of which has probably the best title of any podcast ever – “Denzel Washington Is The Greatest Actor Of All Time Period” – and author of a bestselling book among many other things he’s been part of over the course of his career. The word prolific does not even begin to describe this man.
Ratings and Reviews
Daniel Douglas
Wow! Thank you Chase for having him on. I stumbled upon United Shades of America this year and I've seen all the episodes up to the current season 4. Just when "stuff" has been whirling around in my head, thoughts of quitting photography, etc. I watch this interview with Kamau and kept saying to myself, I have doubts and afraid of not being successful too! This was good food in helping me cope with that fear and self-doubt. I am a big fan of Creative Live and thank you for bringing this to us.