Lessons from a Delayed Flight

On the way back from Central America yesterday my flight had a layover in Houston. One hour gave way to two, then three, and by the time we took off the flight had been delayed nearly six hours.

But a remarkable thing took shape as I looked around the terminal. I didn't see a single person complain. Yes, people were understandably frustrated, tired, and wanted to know what was going on but everyone maintained a sense of poise. And at the root of their poise was an understanding there was simply nothing they could do about the situation.

Instead, I saw passengers use the time productively by catching up on work, reading, writing, and enjoying the company of family and friends. There were a handful of strangers who even bonded over the minor setback. 

Sitting at gate C43 turned out to be an unexpected master class.

Community Versus Competition

Nothing gave me greater joy as a young acting student then being the first to sign my name on the check-in sheet. I'd tip toe past a sleeping guard and make my way down to the theater hours before class started. I was driven by the need to be the hardest working actor in my class. Unfortunately, it came at a great cost.

I pushed away people who cared about me and often sought competition over community. It wasn't until I grew older that I realized my time could have been used far more productively by supporting my classmates.

This industry is already so challenging we need to work on being less fragmented by focusing on our shared bond as storytellers and creators. Your success does not need to come at the expense of someone else's failure. There is enough of the pie for all of us. And when we lift one another up we ultimately do the same for our self.

Be good. Do good. Support one another.