Betting on Myself: Behind the Scenes of a Sold-Out Show

There’s a moment in every creator’s journey where you have to decide: do I play it safe, or do I bet on myself? For me, this show was that moment.

Walking backstage, the energy was electric. Outside, a sold-out crowd buzzed with anticipation. Inside, chaos and creativity collided, people were catching basketball games, conversations were flowing, and my team was making sure everything ran smoothly. It felt like juggling two games at once.

But that’s the truth about creating something big, it’s messy, it’s complicated, and sometimes you fumble. The magic is in pushing through anyway.

Betting on Yourself Is the Ultimate Career Strategy

When I think about where I am today, it always comes back to one decision: trusting myself enough to take risks. Betting on yourself isn’t about recklessness, it’s about calculated risks, self-confidence, and the belief that even if things go wrong, you’ll figure it out.

In the creative and entrepreneurial world, that mindset is everything. Every video, every book, every event is a bet. Some pay off. Some don’t. But each one builds the foundation for the next.

Creating Experiences That Matter

One of my favorite parts of this event was setting up a host bar so no one had to pull out their wallet. Why? Because I wanted the audience to feel taken care of. I wanted them to enjoy the night without barriers.

It wasn’t just about generosity, it was about designing an experience that people would remember. When you remove barriers and create comfort, you create belonging. People don’t just attend; they feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Managing Chaos in Real Time

Behind the curtain, it really did feel like juggling two basketball games. That’s the reality of any big event: a hundred moving parts, a few inevitable mistakes, and the challenge of holding it all together.

The trick isn’t avoiding mistakes, it’s learning to roll with them. Multitasking, managing chaos, and staying calm when things go sideways are the real skills no one sees.

Building a Community That Shows Up

What blew me away was seeing people travel from all over, students, friends, fans from different cities and backgrounds. That’s the magic of community. When people choose to be in the room with you, it’s a powerful reminder of the impact you can make.

And the best part? It wasn’t just me. My team brought the energy, the encouragement, and the hype before stepping on stage. Success might spotlight one person, but it’s always built on the shoulders of many.

The Power of Creative Commitment

Another milestone I shared with the crowd: finishing my book. It took two and a half years. And in that time, I realized something important ,creativity is a marathon, not a sprint and I’ve broken down the lessons I learned here.

I often say creative content is my superhero strength. And just like an athlete invests in their body, I’ve learned that I have to keep investing in creativity. It’s the only way to grow, stay relevant, and keep pushing boundaries.

Creativity as My Superpower

People ask me where I invest my time, my energy, my resources. For me, it's creativity. I think of it the way an athlete thinks about training their body. Creativity is my body, my superhero strength. That’s why I obsess over the videos we put out, the stories we tell, and the content we create. That’s where I know I can make the biggest impact.

And it doesn’t happen overnight. My book, for example, took two and a half years to write. Two and a half years of patience, doubt, and dedication. That’s the reality of creative work: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

A Team That Lifts You Up

Before stepping on stage, I felt the love of my crew, the encouragement, the positive energy. That support is everything. Success may look like it belongs to one person under the spotlight, but behind every performance is a team holding it all together.

Looking Ahead

This event wasn’t just about one night. It was about testing myself, doubling down on creativity, and reminding myself (and hopefully others) that betting on yourself is always worth it.

Because the truth is, the future isn’t defined by certainty, it’s defined by courage. And every time we take that bet, we get one step closer to who we’re meant to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - What does it mean to bet on yourself?

Betting on yourself means trusting your skills, ideas, and instincts enough to take risks. It’s choosing growth over comfort and believing that you can figure things out even if challenges come your way. It’s about courage, confidence, and creating your own opportunities.

2 - How can I overcome the fear of failure?

Fear of failure is natural, but you can overcome it by reframing mistakes as lessons. Start with small risks, learn from them, and build resilience. Every failure teaches you something new and prepares you for bigger opportunities ahead.

3 - Why is creativity important in today’s world?

Creativity drives innovation, problem-solving, and storytelling. In today’s fast-changing world, it helps people stand out, adapt to new challenges, and connect deeply with others. Creative thinking often becomes the edge that sets you apart.

4 - How do I build the confidence to take risks in my career?

Confidence grows with experience. Take small, calculated risks first, then reflect on what you learned. Surround yourself with supportive people, track your progress, and celebrate wins. Over time, these steps build the courage to take bigger leaps.

5 - How long does it take to build success through creativity?

Success through creativity is rarely overnight, it’s more like a marathon. It can take years of experimenting, failing, and refining ideas. Consistency and patience are essential, but every effort adds up and creates momentum over time.

6 - What is the best career advice for young professionals?

The best advice is to trust yourself, keep learning, and stay adaptable. Build skills that matter, take smart risks, and don’t be afraid of failure. Focus on creating value and building relationships, because opportunities often come from people, not just plans.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.