I’ll make that claim right now, maybe it’s because of my own personal philosophy and definition of what failing is, or maybe it’s because I continuously feel like a failure…and I know the difference between being and feeling. In any case I am putting it out there, I’ve never failed…but maybe I need too? Maybe we need too and maybe I/we already have?
This April I will be celebrating 3 Years at WSLP serving the Tri-Lakes of the Adirondacks.. In that time I've done some amazing things that have surprised people and myself… I've grown so much as a personality and a talent…In that time we've added a new station, a new title, and another full Morning show live and… solo.. I don’t think anyone would see this and say “Varga, way to fail.” Inside it’s another story.
The new station isn’t going as well as we would like. I am making educated guesses, working on my untested philosophy, in my new PD role, to some success as those who listen like it, but the sales aren't matching the comments and the sneaky sense of failure rears it’s head. At the same time WSLP is suffering a tad, making things seem worse… failure seems more subtle now.
I've been trying to find inspiration to be honest…As I talk with other talents, and read blogs, I've come to realize that insecurity and failure is rampant in Radio right now. With the changing landscape, new technologies, aging talent pool and the bigger problem that goes un-discussed, on how to tap into the younger generation …Failure is in the back of many in the industry’s minds not just my own. So what should we do? LET’S GO TO DISNEYWORLD!
Yes, let’s go to Disneyworld! Not only because I think we would have fun, I’d give you whip lash on the teacups and walking around with a turkey leg sounds amazing right now…The real reason for our trip however is to see a place built brick by brick because of failure. If it wasn't for the failure this magical place would not exist. It’s amazing to see all the failures and adversity Walt had to overcome. Disney had one thing others didn't: The insight to overcome failure.
The truth is that Radio will fail. However as an industry we need to have that insight, and that ability to strategize and understand that because we have failed does not mean we are done…It means we have another opportunity to do better, to build, to achieve the dream and continue this amazing tradition. Embracing that you will fail, I believe makes you far from a failure. Personally my trip didn’t make me any less afraid of failing but it did prepare me for it…Whatever happens here, in my life professionally, personally, whatever happens as an industry it will happen…Embrace it. Take a moment to have the insight to learn, from the lumps and bruises and rise up, so you can dive head first again, and again and again till the goal, the dream is achieved.
Out of my trip to Disney I wanted to share with you quickly my vision for “Radio Varga” Soon I will launch RadioVarga.Com a website filled with great people and resources for young radio broadcasters. I plan on interviewing and showing off great young talents, that I have the pleasure of knowing to share their stories. Highlighting established talents willing to help and mentor the next generation, and a resource page filled with great people willing to help young (and old) talents achieve their dream. In the future I’m also planning on posting jobs specifically for those looking to break into broadcasting. I hope to have this up by the end of April! Look for that, and if you want to connect with me about it shoot me an e-mail PaulVargaRadio-at-gmail.com.
Please share and comment if it so fits you and to paraphrase Buzz Lightyear…Fail with style today and always live and love some life!
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