Don’t Give Up!
For seven concerts, the not well-known Jimi Hendrix Experience was the opening act for the top-rated, pop group The Monkees.
Micky Dolenz, then vocalist and drummer of the Monkees, wrote about Jimi Hendrix in his autobiography I’m a Believer: “It was evident from the start that we were witness to a rare and phenomenal talent. I would stand in the wings and watch and listen in awe.”
The band enjoyed him personally, too. “It was really just a pleasure to have him around for company.”
With the audience, looking for The Monkees style of music, this is how it played out.
“… Jimi would amble out onto the stage, fire up the amps and break into ‘Purple Haze,’ and the kids in the audience would instantly drown him out with, ‘We Want Davy!!’ God, it was embarrassing.”
Peter Tork, keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees, said that “it didn’t cross anybody’s mind that it wasn’t gonna fly.”
After six more performances, Hendrix left the tour.
- Embarrassing – Check
- Frustrating – Check
- Disappointing – Check
- Confused audience – Check
- Groundbreaking, iconic, genius guitar player – Check
Shortly after, both “Purple Haze” and “Are You Experienced?” started to climb the charts, revolutionizing modern music in the process. Just because these two groups weren’t a fit didn’t take away one iota from Hendrix’ greatness. Nor did it stop his eventual matching up with those who could and would recognize and appreciate his talent.
A woman carefully planned and was excited to talk to a group about her business offering. It seemed like the perfect target market because there were many people of the same demographic who already used and were grateful to have found her product.
Part way through her presentation she was cut off. They repeatedly asked her the same question. However, each time she answered, they just weren’t getting it.
They misinterpreted her, and without even being able to finish, she had to leave.
Although we hadn’t talked in a while, I happened to call her when she was driving away – hurt, bewildered, doubting herself, wondering if she was in the right business.
By the end of our conversation, she realized that even though it appeared to be an ideal group, they really weren’t in a place to “get it.” She presented a progressive perspective; her audience identified with a traditional approach. They couldn’t understand and weren’t open to new ideas.
Round peg. Square hole.
In the past, many times when things went wrong with people, I blamed myself.
In hindsight, I realize most had become mismatches that I tried to make work. They were good for a while, and then they weren’t. If I was myself, I wasn’t understood. If I tried to fit in, it felt like I was selling my soul.
A clue was that I wasn’t happy but tried to find a way to rise above it.
I see how if I stayed on those trajectories, it would’ve been sadly limiting for me.
They’re not wrong, but neither am I.
The key is to identify and attract vibrational matches.
Choose to attract the people who appreciate you and your gifts just the way you are.
How? Start by getting clear about what you want and set an intention to receive it. Listen to your voice within and the guidance it’s always offering you.
Revolutionize your world, business or work with your awesomeness. Enjoy being well-matched so others aren’t screaming they want their version of Davy.
Let your unique genius rock on.
Is it time to stop putting up with what doesn’t fit and courageously be a match for what you enjoy? You can!
Contact me to learn how:
virginia@soulgoals.com
http://www.soulgoals.com
I help women to tune in to their true Selves, see clearly and live their personal and professional dreams.
Originally posted on my Soulgoals’ blog, May 22nd, 2017
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Tags: Blame myself, Confusing, Disappointing, Don't fit in, Don't Give Up, Embarrassing, Frustrating, Jimi Hendrix, Round peg square hole, The Monkees, Vibrational match
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