Dan Levy was asked about the evolution of Schitt’s Creek and what he believed led to its success. He shared how the show was turned down by all of the major networks and thus ended up on the Pop Network for the first few seasons. He acknowledged that most people had probably never even heard of the Pop Network, but it gave Levy and the cast the opportunity to perfect their art with no pressure. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.
I think of others who have succeeded because they were able to do their work without the pressure of the spotlight. Figure-skater Sarah Hughes was in fourth place going into the Olympic finals and had the skate of her life because she went out “just to have fun”, thinking that a medal was out of reach. As a result, she won the Gold. Number 11 UCLA gave Number 1 Gonzaga a run for their money in the recent NCAA playoffs, coming in as the heavy underdog with nothing to lose. Expectations were low for singer Susan Boyle until she belted out I Dreamed a Dream on American Idol and stunned everyone.
It is tempting to want to be the top-ranked or favorite, but with the glory comes the pressure as well. Instead, appreciate the opportunity being undervalued affords you to develop a secure foundation and grounding that will serve you well when you emerge from the shadow.
