What’s on the iPod: Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison
What I’m reading upstairs (I have upstairs books and downstairs books): The Thich Naht Hahn Collection
Love it or hate it, Lost became a television phenomenon – a wild ride through suspended rationality and a lesson in faith over fact. When it ended on Sunday, reactions rippled like tidal waves across the Lost faithful (Losties?) and no matter who you are, you have an opinion. And that may be the bigger point to the show – it inspired philosophical, even practical thought and discussion. Try that, Bachelorette.
I was one of the addicted souls who didn’t miss an episode (except for maybe that second season – what were they thinking?). I was immersed in the characters and quickly learned to love these actors for making me believe them as flawed humans. I was simultaneously sympathetic to and duped repeatedly by Ben, whose portrayal by Michael Emerson was just brilliant throughout that show. In fact, the transitions those characters made felt genuine and real. I believed.
Freelancing is a lot like Lost. Here’s what six years of guessing and character study have taught me about freelancing:
Faith takes work. Jack thought John Locke believed too easily, but Locke set him straight – it’s not easy to believe. That’s how it is with your freelance career, especially at the beginning. You have to have faith that the foundation you lay now in networking and marketing will pay off later. Not all of it will, but sometimes the most unlikely connections bring the most lucrative opportunities.
Sometimes polar bears exist in weird places. Even on a tropical island, weird shit happens. Likewise, obstacles are going to get in your way when you least expect it. The idea is not to waste time figuring out what the obstacle is all about, but how you’re going to circumvent it and move on.
Time travel hurts the brain. The characters didn’t have time to study why they were warping to different eras. They couldn’t look back or forward. They had to live in the moment. Freelancers can’t dwell, either. That idiot who caused you to lose five months of your earnings potential three years ago is history. And the promise of huge dollars by any client in the future is about as weighty as the hot air surrounding it. If your contract isn’t in place, it’s not real. Live in the now.
Black and white is often just gray with an attitude. John Locke won over a lot of believers not by shouting from the rooftops and over-selling his point, but by exemplifying his convictions and living his choices outwardly. That’s how freelancers should network and market – not by getting in everyone’s faces and boasting uncontrollably, but by believing their own words and presenting themselves in that same measured light.
Change is hard, and often cathartic. Frankly, Jack was much more likable once he got off his high horse and stopped beating that same tired “science is the law” drum. Once he looked inside John Locke’s faith and embraced it, he grew as a person. Be a Jack – move outside your career comfort zone and explore work possibilities or marketing methods you’ve never tried before.
Winning the lottery doesn’t guarantee your success. Take it from Hurley – money in your pocket today isn’t the security and success you can count on tomorrow. Hurley rejected the idea of money completing him – he saw it as a curse. The organic growth of your business should be built on attaining all your goals – not just pocketing the cash today. Build trust, relationships, and a solid reputation for honesty and integrity. The wealth will follow.
Humor heals. Sawyer had a nickname for everyone – StayPuft, Pillsbury, Jabba the Hut (all Hurley), Freckles (Kate), even calling John Locke Mister Clean at one point, saying “All that’s missing is the earring and a mop.” Hurley commented on Sawyer’s new glasses: “Dude, looks like someone steamrolled Harry Potter.” They used humor to escape from the seriousness of their situation. They played golf and pushed aside the guilt of just wanting to decompress. So should you. Laugh at your mistakes. Enjoy a friend’s company. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
What has Lost taught you about your freelance career?
23 responses to “What Lost Taught Me About Freelancing”
It taught me to stick to MY vision, no matter what anyone else says.
Exactly. 🙂
Since I am perhaps the only person in America who never saw the show-not even 1 episode – it taught me that sometimes you just have to rely on yourself–or maybe get a life-I'm not sure yet. 😀
LOL! The life part, Cathy. Definitely. 🙂
I didn't care for the series. I watched the first season and tried to watch season 2, but couldn't get into it. I would end up channel surfing until I found something I liked. So, I guess you could say I learned that if one project isn't up to your ideal, keep looking. You shouldn't have to settle for less than what you're worth, if you choose not to.
Great analogy, Wendy. 🙂
As a LOSTIE myself, I couldn't agree more with everything you just wrote!
Wasn't it a ground-breaking show? Love it or hate it, it was unique.
Cathy, you are not alone. I've never seen it either. Nor have I seen Survivor or American Idol.
Here's another Kathy who never saw a single episode. I'm mourning the loss of Number3rs and Cold Case instead, but hoping for less TV watching and more writing time now.
That's how I'm looking at it too, Kathy. I want to put that time somewhere else.
Always check to see if the statue has four toes.
LOL! Good one, Joseph. 🙂
I never watched a single episode until earlier this year, when my husband suggested we watch the first couple of episodes streaming via Netflix/Xbox Live. I was really skeptical, but soon we were addicted just like everyone else. We blew through all 5 seasons in just a few months, and then were right where everyone else was: watching individual episodes and waiting for "The End."
If I had to say what I learned about freelancing from Lost, I'd say that sometimes you should give something a chance, even if you are skeptical — the project or client might just surprise you. Unfortunately, it also taught me that I have no willpower to work in the evening — even if I really should — when I'd much rather find out what happens next on Lost!
Katharine, that's funny. 🙂 I think it's okay to have no will power for certain things, like hockey and Lost. 🙂
Hi Lori.
On my iPod–don't have one.
Reading–Just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Good stuff!
I'm like Wendy. I watched and really enjoyed the first season of Lost, and then I "lost" interest in the second season.
Now with everybody raving, I'm sorry I didn't stick with it.
Maybe the lesson for freelancing is to sometimes stick a little longer with good but boring projects. They may turn out to be worth the effort?
P.S. Thanks for sharing your story of your dog, Lori.
You do know that licking your hand was a way to tell you that he loved you, don't you?
I know you were heartbroken, and that's worth remembering when you beat yourself up, which we all do when we lose a pet, no matter how the loss comes about.
As someone who's covered the TV industry for a long time (let's just say Buffy was still new to slaying when I started writing about TV), I've had several chances to speak with creators, executive producers and cast members of Lost, so my reply is focused more on the making of the series than the story itself.
The way the show was conceived, and later restructured, also proves how valuable long-term planning can be.
Season 1 was almost an experiment. Co-creator Damon Lindelof never expected it to make it through the first 13 episodes, so Season 2 was a surprise. The show only kicked into high gear when they set the end date. The producers were able to plan out the entire story line and find creative ways to weave the loose ends together.
Most of the cast members learned to let go and trust the producers. (Likewise, we have to trust our clients.) They didn't need to know where the story or their characters were going, they just needed to do good work. That they did. I predict Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn will both be up for Emmys again this year (both have already won for their roles on Lost). This time, I hope Terry is entered as Lead Actor instead of Supporting Actor. The entire cast is strong, but those two are true "actors' actors."
Storywise, Lost is also about doing what needs to be done, no matter how difficult the task. They fought off The Others, we deal with irksome clients. They built a community, we transcribe interviews. They survived a plane crash (or two), we're fighting to surviving a deplorable economy and the rise of content mills.
Paula, you are tempting me here to go and watch these via Netflix!
Not a Lostie (sorry, everyone else in the world), but wanted to take a moment to send out the proverbial mad props for your ipod tune o' the day. One of my all-time favorite tunes, & a wonderful reminder that it's been way too long since Van has graced my speakers (an oversight that I'll be fixing as soon as I hit "Publish" on this message.
You inspire us to be better writers, you inspire us to be better businesspeople, & know you're inspiring us to listen to more meaningful music. Is there anything positive that this blog *doesn't* accomplish?
I do know, Gabriella. He was forgiving me, too. I'd accidentally hit him with the car. 🙁
Damn Paula, you're good! I love the lessons learned, and I love the insider stuff. I agree – those two were standouts. Love the rest, but you can just tell the best actors – they make you forget they're acting.
Eileen, do it! The first episode of the first season was just amazing. Be prepared – they answer one question while bringing up six more.
Hugh, there's an essential Van Morrison collection on iTunes – very much worth it. Thank you for your kind words. I already gave Paula a set, but I have this extra pair of pom poms since you're one of my strongest cheerleaders. :)) Thank you, friend.
As for what this blog doesn't accomplish – it doesn't get my work pile to diminish! LOL
Eileen could probably fast-forward through most of season 2.
One other thing freelancers can learn from Lost? The value of knowledge. There are too many literary/philosophical/religious/historical references to count. Kinda like Jack Bauer's body count on 24.
LOL! Yea, Jack left a trail of bodies, didn't he?
Ah, Van Morrison. Moondance & And It Stoned Me are my favorites, but so many good ones to choose from!
I can't comment on Lost. I don't even think I've seen a whole minute of the show, much less an entire episode. And I'm okay with that.