Just Deliver the Pizza

Enrique C.
Sep 8, 2018 · 2 min read

So much can be said about developing our own personal style. Our own brand. Our own way of doing things with some pop and panache.

“panache.” I can’t stand that word by the way — like nails on a chalkboard to me. Weird I know.

Sure, our style is what makes us unique and it’s great that we set out to do things in our own way.

But there comes a time when we just need to deliver the pizza.

Wait. What? Alright let me back up.

Years ago — I had been taking acting classes regularly. Acting was something I had always wanted to try so I studied — read the books, studied movies, and watched interviews with actors.

I came across this interview with Jake Gyllenhaal in where he talked about when he was doing a scene with Dustin Hoffman. Of course trying to impress him, he comes in and does as much as he can do.

Dustin Hoffman says to him,

“You know you don’t have to do much right? Like you can probably just stand there and that’d be enough.”

Jake Gyllenhaal continues to tell how him hearing that reminded him of a piece of advice he learned years back which was -

“just deliver the pizza.”

In terms of acting, it’s a common notion that actors tend to do too much. They try too hard to act happy, sad, angry, or whatever they are asked to do. Sometimes if you just be yourself in it, the audience will relate to it much more.

Even the specific way that someone stands there and says nothing….says so much about them.

I think that’s advice that not only applies to acting but to life.

Just live it.

Live life in the way that you see it meant to be lived. It doesn’t have to look like somebody else’s idea but it should be genuine. Stop worrying about your style or how you come across to others. Who you are will show in what you do and how you do it.

If you’re a bodybuilder, then build up your body.

If you’re a dancer, then dance.

If you’re a singer, then sing.

If you’re a pizza delivery man, then just deliver the pizza.
(See what I just did there?)

The bottom line —

Don’t get so caught up in trying to look the part for whatever it is you’re chasing after. Go after it as you are and the rest will fall into place.

Enrique C.

Written by

One of the many trying to balance a 9–5 with my passion. Here to share anything I can to make your life easier, better, or just entertained.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade