Some people like being the smartest person in the room. It gives them a sense of superiority. They feel that they will have an answer for all situations. Personally, I can’t think of anything more dull. If you know everything, then what’s the point? Where’s the growth? How can you become a better person?
Yearning for knowledge is a superpower. Aiming to be in the middle of knowledge with your friends and peers is a really good place. It allows you to have some knowledge that you can give to others but also allows you to expand your horizons with those with more experience. Those who ask for your advice will treat you like a guide on their journey and those who you ask of their knowledge will feel the same towards you. It’s a win-win situation that can make you the life of the party!
Get an accountability buddy. In truth, I don’t like the term but I love what it brings to your life. What’s the point in being ambitious and setting goals if you can’t share them? If you are like me, my spouse understands what I do in voice over but has very little interest in it. Not a good accountability partner! Find someone that you respect and is preferably more experienced and more knowledgeable than you in the field you work in. And make sure you can be completely open and honest with them. This will help when things get rough and you need a little kick up the backside.
Join a Mastermind group. This is one of the best things I have done for my career. You can reach out to others who already run a group and ask to join, or you can start one yourself. If you do start one yourself, aim for the stars and ask the exact people that you think would make a fantastic group. They can only say no, and you will be surprised who will accept and want to pass on their knowledge and wisdom. This was definitely the case for me. Having a group help with your weaknesses is great and they can even find weaknesses and strengths that you didn’t know you had.
So, don’t be the smartest person in the room. Find a room that works for you. Reach out to those who you follow and admire and ask them for advice. They are all human. If they have time and the question is asked the correct way (NOT – how do I get into voice over!) then you will be surprised at the response. After all, we don’t know what we don’t know!