The Bobby Rock Newsletter #48 (3-5-2022) - Information vs Validation
The Bobby Rock Newsletter #48 (3-5-2022) - Information vs Validation
Hey Everybody -
Great to be back for another edition. Thanks as always for scoping it out. Let’s jump straight in:
In This Issue:
- Information vs Validation: What are you seeking in your daily evaluations and why should it matter?
- Down and Dirty: Taking a look at a renowned fruit juice powder that’s revered for its anti-inflammatory, exercise-recovery properties
- Drum Vid Vault: Capturing the heavy groove shit! A fresh new addition to our ever-expanding vault of vids
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Information vs. Validation
In this big, bad, beautiful world of cause and effect, it’s important for us to monitor what kind of results (effect) we’re creating through our daily actions (cause). The challenge for most lies in our evaluation process. Are we observing the effect through the lens of information so we can evolve? Or are we seeking validation as our standard? There’s a big difference between the two, and this distinction was recently conveyed to me through a master of the subject: a veteran comedian.
My friend, Peter Berman, has been a pro comedian for over 30 years. That always struck me as being one of the most challenging professions, as the moment-by-moment success or failure of your show seems to play out joke by joke. They laugh at that one... they chuckle at this one… they groan at another one… and then… it’s crickets at yet another. Seems like this sort of constant feedback loop would be a difficult dance to engage, and I imagine a seasoned comedian must develop quite a thick skin along the way.
Hangin' with the main mofo!
Curious, I recently asked Peter how he managed the mental game behind live comedy, and he delivered some really sage wisdom that I thought was applicable for all of us.
He explained that younger comedians struggle the most with the volatile nature of live performance because, unlike many seasoned pros, they are seeking some form of validation in the audience's reaction to each joke, rather than information. And that's when they get into trouble. As soon as they sense that they might not be going over so well, they tend to cower, and the audience can pick up on their weakening confidence. Once this happens, things tend to spiral downward pretty fast.
Instead, Peter has learned to interpret audience reaction—be it favorable or unfavorable—as mere information… and nothing more. If he notices that certain jokes aren’t connecting as well on a given evening, he can quickly make the adjustment to better reach the audience at hand. Nothing personal. No reason to freak. Just evaluate the info, recalibrate, and carry on as the pro you know you are.
In the days after our conversation, I thought a lot about how this advice applies to so many things where we might (perhaps unknowingly) be seeking validation in an environment where we would be better served seeking information.
For instance, if the reach of your work can be determined by any form of metrics—social media likes, YouTube views, total streams, number of new sign-ups, initial sales of a new product or service, etc.—then low numbers might be disheartening if you hold any degree of personal validation in them. “Man, I suck! No one gives a shit. But look at so-and-so’s numbers!” …and so forth. Not a very empowering place from which to move forward!
However, if you can simply evaluate the numbers as pure information, then any kind of numbers—high or low—can be helpful in your honest, emotionally-neutral evaluation of the “cause" part of your cause-and-effect equation. And the first thing you realize is the low numbers are often way less about your personal worthiness or excellence, and more about the algorithm game, or your marketing, or timing, or any of a number of other logistical factors that you can now begin to address.
Evaluation vs Obsession
Drilling down on a popular area these days: How can we most effectively measure our reach on all the different social/interactive platforms? By noting the various markers of engagement. So if you post something and check back the next day to evaluate the metrics on that particular platform, that’s usually enough time to glean some good information moving forward. HOWEVER, if you’re monitoring audience engagement every 30 minutes (particularly on social), you have to ask yourself: Am I seeking information here, or am I seeking that fleeting dopamine hit of validation? "Oh cool… 100 more likes than I had 30 minutes ago, plus four more really nice comments. Great! Let me check back in another 30!” This is a brutal waste of time, energy, and valuable mental bandwidth.
The mystery of low/high engagement…
just information—nothing more!
Beyond the Metrics
The deciphering of numbers aside, even if you straight-up find yourself in a situation where you performed poorly, said the wrong thing, mishandled some biz, let someone down, etc, the effect (reaction or consequence) to your unfortunate cause (action) still does not have to be internalized as a “validation” disaster. It, too, is simply information. It’s how we humans tend to learn our most valuable lessons. Better that we learn the lesson and move on, rather than languish in the aftermath.
You need only seek validation from yourself…
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Down & Dirty!
In January of 2021, I launched my very own custom-blend superfood powder called Dragon Dirt. In this section, we offer tips and insights for our kick-ass new DD community. Our Ingredient Spotlight provides info into the why, what, and how much of our ingredients in the Dirt.
A Surprisingly Potent Recovery-Promoting Superfood
Tart cherry juice has been scientifically proven to aid in faster recovery from intense physical activity. In several studies, long-distance runners “on the juice” showed a notable decrease in inflammation biomarkers (such as C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6) and were able to recover isometric strength faster than the control group. Additionally, the general anti-inflammatory properties of cherry juice powder (via its hefty amount of anthocyanins and other “ibuprofen-like” phytonutrients) can help with everyday forms of muscle, joint, and soft tissue fatigue around the body. And with one of the highest amounts of natural melatonin, better quality sleep might be its greatest contribution to accelerated recovery. There is a full 2000 mgs of cherry juice powder in a single serving of Dragon Dirt. Find out about all 18 ingredients at www.drinkthedirt.com. Grab a bag HERE.
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Drum Vid Vault:
The Art of the "Relentless" Arena Rock Groove
In this week’s addition to the Vault, we look at the importance of space in ensemble playing:
While soloing is often about notes, notes, and more notes, playing with a band is ultimately about space, space, and more space. A drummer’s “sound”—and, in fact, the overall feel of the music—is largely governed by the space you maintain between the notes. I always try to let that shit breathe when I'm looking to pound out a heavy groove. (This is “Relentless” with Lita Ford, from last weekend’s hit in Santa Fe.)
Scope the Vault HERE. Scroll down to item #10.
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Thanks again, everybody. Connect next week! Until then, BR
_______________ For Your Quick Reference: My main website at www.bobbyrock.com is constantly updated with cool new stuff. Be sure and take a moment to sign up in the upper right-hand corner of any page on the site. It only takes a minute. This will give you a much more customized experience, and also grant you access to various members-only areas, events, etc. Tour Dates: If you are signed up to the site, you will receive an automatic email notification any time I'm playing within 150 miles of your crib. Newsletter Archives: Scope all the back issues here. There is even a Table of Contents reference so you grab an "at-a-glance" view of what's in each issue. News Feed: Stay in touch! Think of this as Facebook and Instagram rolled into one location, plus extra posts exclusive to the site. The Bobby Rock Store: Books, Music, BR drumsticks (stage-played and brand new), T-shirts, Signed 8x10s, Dragon Dirt and more... Dragon Dirt: My brand new custom superfood powder. Scope the site for tons of info!  |