In an interview on The Late Show, Constance Wu tells the story of how she got the leading role in a groundbreaking, smash-hit rom-com movie. The biggest role of her life.
The director loved Constance and they had a meeting to discuss her being in the movie. But unfortunately, there was a scheduling conflict. The movie was going to start filming in the fall. But Constance was already committed to doing a TV show—which was filming at the exact same time. There was absolutely no way she could do both.
So, that was that. No movie role for
Constance. The director would simply have to find somebody else.
Constance was devastated. She wanted to be in this particular movie so badly. The opportunity of a lifetime was slipping through her fingers and there was nothing she could do about it. It was a hopeless situation.
Or was it?
One night, very impulsively, she wrote an email to the director. It was—in her words—a very “dramatic email.” She poured her emotions onto the screen. She explained why she was the right actor for the job. She told the director about all the heart and passion that she would give to this role… if they would just… delay… the entire filming process… so that it
didn’t conflict with her schedule.
It was a slightly crazy request.
“I didn’t think it would work,” Constance confessed.
Except it did.
The director was impressed by her chutzpah. They delayed the project… just for her. She got to do the part.
Moral of the story:
If there’s something you really want and believe in… even if it’s a total long-shot… even if you’re convinced that
your attempt probably won’t work… just go for it anyway.
Send the email. Send the text. Send the application. Send the second application after your first one gets rejected. Show up with your résumé, with a dozen roses, with a list of reasons why you’re The One. Crack open your heart and lay everything on the line. Say what you really feel. Don’t dilute it. Don’t hold back. “I’m completely in
love with you.” “I want this job.” “I want another chance.” “I know this might be crazy, but…” Aim for the bullseye and just go for it.
You might not get what you want. But there’s maybe a one-half percent chance that… you will.
You never know. One email could change everything. Ten seconds of courage could determine who you marry, who hires you, who invests in your idea, who
endorses your book, who says “yes” to your dream.
Set aside your pride. Take down the shield. Let yourself be open, vulnerable, and raw.
Deep breath. Say the words.
Shoot your
shot.
-Alex
PS. Please go see the movie Crazy Rich Asians because it's incredibly delightful and wonderful and you'll love it. I recently read the book, too, and it's equally delightful.
PPPS. A few days ago, I emailed you to share a Tiny Goal Worksheet to help you set tiny, achievable goals—writing goals, fitness goals, wellness goals, financial goals, any type of goal. If you missed that email, here it is. Enjoy!
PPPPS. There's probably something on your to-do list—right now—that you feel a little scared, nervous, intimidated to do. Me too. We can be scared together. We're all scared. Pledge to yourself that you're going to be scared and do it anyway. Shoot that shot!