The ROI of Playing the Fool

It was a hot, August morning that I found myself traipsing across the beautiful campus lined with old, ivy-encrusted buildings as an incoming freshman at Indiana University.  I had been admitted as an Honors College student and was thus required to meet with a designated advisor, and I had no idea what to expect from this meeting.

My advisor turned out to be the epitome of the unkempt, scatter-brained but brilliant professor stereotype.  He was clearly an introvert and my own introversion was mixed with nervousness and apprehension.  As you can imagine, it was a less-than inspiring conversation.

But he said something to me as I was leaving his office that has stuck with me to this very day.  He said, “Now go out there and make a fool of yourself.”

I remember smiling a nervous smile and saying something ingenious like, “Um, ok…” and then walking back out into the heat almost angry that he had set some type of “curse” on me.  I mean, what incoming freshman wants to think that “making a fool of themselves” is in their immediate future?

It honestly wasn’t until I’d graduated and later reflected on that encounter that I realized what he had been trying to tell me was not to be afraid to fail.  He wanted me to leave his office and go embrace life fully – to take risks that might not pan out and might make me look foolish, to “put myself out there” knowing that occasionally I’d get knocked back down but more times than naught exciting doors would open.  It was the very harsh, surprising nature of the advice that made it stick with me for all of these years.

What’s fascinating to me upon reflecting on my four years in Bloomington is just how often I did “put myself out there” and how impactful every experience was for me – including the experiences where I made a fool of myself.  I was following his advice without knowing it…and I ended up having four of the most tremendously rewarding years of my life (the best ROI that I can think of!).

I still follow his advice to this day. 

I followed it about a week and a half ago when I reached out to Robbin Phillips, the Courageous President of Brains on Fire – an organization that has been inspiring me since I discovered their blog and learned of their most recent movement-building activities.

What was it about Brains on Fire that inspired me?

• The way both Robbin and Geno Church talk about being on a “dance floor” with their clients
• The way Robbin talks openly about the “love letters” she receives from all over the world, from clients and admirers alike, and how much they mean to her and the organization; how she saves and covets every one of them
• How they blog about absolutely whatever they want with no limitations
• The energy about the organization that exudes from them in their blogs and their tweets – it feels like I’m watching a close-knit family that’s creating and enabling exciting change in the world
• The inspiring movements they’ve created with Love 146 and the Fiskateers

So what does this have to do with my “Now go make a fool of yourself” advice?  Everything.

It is so easy to stay in our vanilla boxes and to not put ourselves “out there.” It used to be much harder for me to extend myself and take risks.  When I sent a DM (direct message) on Twitter to Robbin and told her that I would be in the area on Friday and was wondering if I could stop by and meet her, I was taking a risk.  I barely knew her save for a few tweets and a few comments I’ve left on her blog and she on mine.

She could have said no or any variation of no – which would’ve left me feeling a bit foolish for asking, although I would have understood entirely.  Instead, her DM back to me was, “Yes! Come see me!”  And so I did last Friday afternoon.

I used GPS to find my way to their address but could’ve used a GPS to find my way into the office! I parked in the Visitors lot and didn’t see any signs to the Brains on Fire entrance.  I found myself wandering around the building trying different doors trying to get in, thinking anyone looking out the windows would be thinking I was a complete idiot.  I ultimately found a door with “Brains on Fire” on it and I walked into an empty yet incredibly inviting coffee bar with cushy chairs – and no sign of anyone.  I meandered up a set of very loud, metal, winding stairs that had a pile – and I literally mean a pile – of BOF awards at the base of it, only to find no one at the top of the stairs.  Ever have one of those, “I must be on candid camera” experiences?

After wandering outside into a hallway I spotted a Gen Y guy at the end of the hall who looked friendly and like he belonged in the place.  No sooner had I spotted him when he opened a door and disappeared behind it.  Well, no longer afraid to make a fool of myself I opened that door (to who knew where?) and boldly followed him – all the way into a super-cool work space and into a nook where he was getting a drink.  He smiled (thank goodness) and said, “Can I help you?” in such a kind way that I no longer felt like a complete fool.

He turned out to be Eric Dodds, BOF’s Gang Crusader extraordinaire, and he was a charming and gracious host until Robbin appeared from the loud, winding staircase I mentioned earlier. 

Robbin is a woman who exudes the energy of the organization and clearly loves the entire team.  I was honored that she introduced me to everyone and talked about the niche they’ve carved as an organization that goes well beyond brand identity to create communities and movements that are truly inspiring.

My visit, and all that I received from the BOF team in terms of graciousness, knowledge and inspiration – all of which I am tremendously thankful for -never would have come to pass if I was still afraid to go make a fool of myself. 

I’m now very comfortable “wearing” the hat in this picture on a regular basis – and I have my crazy college advisor to thank for that!

So, my dear readers, how about you – what will you do today to make a fool of yourself?

Please share your thoughts and insights in the comments…I would be honored to read them! 

(I’d also be honored if you’d consider subscribing here!)

Photo is Jester Hat by eschipul.