Why Believing Anyway Might Be The Thing That Changes Everything
I was watching Mike Epps’ new Netflix stand-up, Delusional, the other day, and honestly, I almost didn’t watch it. Not because I don’t love Mike Epps, I absolutely do, but sometimes his stand-up can be a little too vulgar for my liking. But I had just finished watching The Upshaws, and loved the final season so I was like hey if it’s too vulgar I’ll just skip those parts.
But I didn’t just like the stand-up, I loved it. I literally laughed out loud and cried. Happy tears, but definitely tears.
For the last 20–30 minutes of the show, Mike Epps wasn’t just telling jokes, he was testifying. He told the story of being a teenager working all these odd jobs while simultaneously selling drugs. That eventually led to jail, and once he was released, couch surfing just to get by. He got an opportunity to do his first comedy show, which went amazingly well, only to completely bomb his next one.
Even in seasons where he felt like nothing but a failure, he was willing to do whatever it took to make a change. He moved from city to city, even becoming a squatter at one point but somehow opportunity after opportunity kept finding him.
And now? He’s exactly who he’s always been, the world just now sees and knows Mike Epps.
Talent Isn’t The Problem
Here’s the thing: it’s never been about who’s the most talented. It’s about who is the boldest, most daring, confident enough/ delusional enough to keep going even when it looks ridiculous.
The person who is okay with failing continuously.
I’ve struggled so much with not going after things because of this fake idea of perfection. For instance, I can sing, but I don’t. Not because I’m terrible, I actually sound good. But I do nothing with it because in my head I’m no Whitney Houston or Jazmine Sullivan.
But who actually cares?
Mike Epps talked about how people told him he needed to work on his craft, and as he kept going, he got better. That’s literally how it works. Talents grow with time. Skills sharpen with practice and confidence comes from repetition. Just like the gifts you and I have will continue to get better if we actually use them.
Choosing What To Be Delusional About
I’m not sure in present day singing is one of my talents I desire to be delusional about, but writing definitely is. I want to be as delusional as possible when it comes to writing. Believe that one day my poems will be in the same conversations as poems written by Maya Angelou. I want to be so delusional that I become a New York Times Best Selling Author. And honestly, there are about twelve million other things I want to be delusional about. And I want that for you too.
Stop fixating on perfection and wondering if all of this is worth it.
Yes, gorgeous.
Yes, handsome.
It is absolutely worth it.
Fail over and over again. And keep failing until you inevitably win.
Stop Overthinking
Most people don’t fail because they’re incapable, they fail because they never start. Do the thing scared and before you feel ready. To be honest that’s how you’ll know you are ready. When all your convenient excuses no longer matter.
Practice, Practice, Practice
No one is excellent on day one. Skill is built through repetition, not perfection. Show up again and again and freaking again, even when it feels embarrassing or pointless.
Fail Without Shame
Let failure inform you, not stop you. Failing is a determinate of the fact you are on the right path. Because you can’t fail at something you never start.
Surround Yourself With Support
Connect with people who believe in you louder than your doubts. Distance yourself from voices that only highlight risk, fear, or limitations. Delusion thrives in safe, and encouraging spaces.
Win
Winning isn’t just recognition or money, though I hope you get both. Winning is the joy that comes from going after everything your heart desires. It’s not only alignment but fulfillment.
The Beauty Of Believing Anyway
The people who change their lives, their families, and sometimes the world are the ones who believed a little too hard, dreamed a little too big, and refused to let reality talk them out of what was possible.
Be delusional about your dreams.
They’ll literally come true.
So yes, in the great words of Mike Epps:
“It’s okay to be delusional. Sometimes you gotta be delusional.”
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://accounts.binance.com/uk-UA/register-person?ref=XZNNWTW7