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In addition to numerous nominations, actress and singer Audra McDonald has won six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and one Emmy Award for her performances in musicals, operas, and television dramas.
In a recent interview with Guy Roz on the podcast “The Great Creators,” Audra reflected on her achievements. Guy suggested, “It strikes me that you’re not chasing recognition or ambition. You’re chasing craft.” Audra enthusiastically agreed. “Yes! I’ve had recognition. And I see what’s on the other side of that:
She continued, “I can want those awards, and it’s wonderful to have them, but I’m still going to be with me at the end of the day. That Tony Award is not going to change me.” Audra mused, “What is going to change me? Constant evolution.
“That’s what’s going to matter in the end.” Better-than-Average Effect For example, 93% of people think their driving skills are better than average, which is statistically impossible. BTAE is driven by overconfidence and a failure in self-awareness. There is neither room nor reason to improve. Lured by BTAE, we are compelled to compare ourselves to others. Whereas Audra compares herself today to herself yesterday. In so doing, she stays focused on improving her performances at work, at home, and in the world. This is chasing her craft. And that’s the secret to growing and evolving – a simple reflection: “Did you perform better in this meeting, conversation, project, or presentation than in the last one? And if not, what will you change in the next one?” Chasing recognition hardens our better-than-average convictions. But chasing the craft fuels our aspirations. © 2023. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved. |