The Unknown
The most important work we do comes with no guarantees.
Whether it’s launching an event, creating video interviews, or stepping into unfamiliar territory, uncertainty isn’t a flaw, it’s part of the process.
During the Covid lockdown I set out to do an online event for the local community, hoping to rebuild a sense of connection.
I successfully reached out to people such as a local MP, the Dorset Police and Crime Commission, Jimmy from Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, food writer, Conker gin, and other local businesses to share what they were doing.
All this video streaming with multiple sources was all new to me and I completely messed up my second event. I played the videos but with no sound. Frustrated, I gave up. I thought that, being technical, I’d be able to master OBS software, but managing everything alone was tough. Looking back, it’s a shame. I had the ability to bring people together, but I didn’t push through.
Anyway, I added up all the video contributions together into this single video as what could have been as SoBo TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdFX-qlW2go
Time passed and I would give the video creation another go with my ParkLife on Tour interviews and blog. This is giving me ideas beyond my initial thinking and leading me in several directions. This is much more fun for sure.
In fact, this can be viewed as a continuation of the SoBo TV work, so with a bit of learning along the way and perseverance, we can get back on track.
We can embrace uncertainty, as in doing something new that we don’t know if it will succeed as we wish, if we have a good gut feeling and can see that it aligns. For me, this continues to be about community and connection.
It’s all learning along the and honing your skills.
My advice? Break your duck.
If it’s a digital project, do it and you can just delete if not happy. If it’s interviewing or being interviewed, practice with a close friend or colleague. Laugh, stumble, and get the embarrassment out the way. Everyone we admire today had rough first attempts.
Are you hesitating because the future is uncertain, or because there’s a real risk worth reconsidering? Uncertain outcomes aren’t a danger, they’re a sign of growth.
