Summary
Highlights
Josh Green introduces himself, sharing how a seemingly embarrassing moment—dropping a juggling ball during an audition—led to a profound discovery about overcoming negative self-talk.
As a child, Josh dreamed of being an actor, but as he pursued an agent, he started hearing discouraging voices like 'You’re not ready' or 'You’re not good enough', which he unfortunately internalized.
Josh recounts his first audition, where his agent asked if he could juggle. Despite not knowing how, he said yes and frantically learned the skill from a friend, only managing a five-second routine by morning.
At the audition, Josh was intimidated by professional jugglers and his negative voices intensified, telling him he didn't belong. He took a deep breath, recalling his five seconds of juggling experience, and prepared to go in.
During his audition, Josh struggled, eventually dropping a ball. He picked it up and continued, only to be stopped immediately. The next day, he expected to hear bad news but was surprised to learn he got the part: 'Stupid Jester'.
Josh explains that negative voices are not inherent; they are often external messages from others that we internalize. He realized that even his casting directors had their own insecurities and doubts, influencing their decisions.
Josh shares three key discoveries: the importance of practice (starting small, like a 'background performer'), the necessity of showing up despite doubts, and the value of surrounding oneself with supportive people who can help expand horizons.
Acknowledging that success isn't always easy, Josh reveals he only landed one in 30 auditions and failed numerous businesses. These setbacks reinforce the importance of starting safe, practicing, showing up, and having support to silence negative voices.
By saying yes to opportunities and embracing the challenges, Josh's life expanded beyond acting to comedy, freediving, saving a life, and speaking at TEDx, demonstrating the fulfilling outcomes of pushing past comfort zones.
Josh concludes by encouraging the audience to embrace negative voices, as they often signify doing something right and pushing past one's edge. He advises that 'dropping the ball' can lead to unexpected positive outcomes, urging listeners to actively challenge self-doubt.