If you’re a stand-up trying to find your comic voice, you often hear the advice, “Be an exaggerated version of yourself.”
Being the most outrageous version of yourself is a similar idea, but it’s not just about hyperbolizing. It’s about heightening yourself in every way. And it’s a good philosophy not just for a performer, but a writer too, or any creative professional.
I wrote a whole book about what this means. My agents are pitching it as a movie. If you’re a paid subscriber to this newsletter, you’ve see the treatment.
Thing is, this concept is already in pretty much every movie. When was the last time you saw a movie about someone who wasn’t obsessed? Ever see a good one about a character who faced a challenge and then decided it was too much work and went home to take a nap?
No, you haven’t. Because nobody wants to see that movie. We’re fascinated by obsessed people. We can’t take our eyes off them.
When your obsession is fun, creative, or funny, you’re the most appealing of all.
Embrace what makes you unique. Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
You might shock or anger a few people. (Of course, you have to ignore them.) More importantly, you’ll get attention, love, and respect.
How do you do this? How do you become the most outrageous version of yourself?
Discover what you love, do it obsessively, do it publicly, and keep amplifying it. Ask yourself every day, “What can I do to be more outrageously me?”
Imagine what your solo album cover would look like—it will be something like that.
You’re the only one who can do this. It’s the one magical ingredient that sets you apart from everyone else.
Sharpen your one-in-bazillion personality and turn it into rocket fuel for success.
Be outrageous!
Yeah, adulthood, and then parenthood can really herd us into conformity and risk aversion. Great reminder, Scott, to let the freak flag fly.
Leaving my desk today at noon after this read, and do a walk about in my hood and see what unfolds.