Coach's Corner – The Boss of Reinvention
J.D. “Jim” Fox, Head Coach, Next Act CoachingBeyond his terrific hit “Dancing in the Dark,” I never paid much attention to Bruce Springsteen.That’s all changed. Now, as a coach, I’m a huge fan of the Boss.Why? Because at age 68, after a career that filled arenas with legendary four-hour concerts, he decided to reinvent himself. On Broadway.In a small theater, he’s up there every night with a baby grand piano, his guitars, and a desire to explore his stories and music in a more intimate way. No backup band. No dazzling pyrotechnics. Just him.How cool is that? And, he’s also pioneering a new way to thwart ticket scalpers. His fans responded immediately, and the show is sold out for the rest of its run.Now, how about the rest of us — you know, those without entourages, fame and great fortune? Here’s the coach in me talking: I think we should follow the Boss’ lead, and always keep an eye out for our next act.For years now, I’ve been maintaining a Reinvention File. No big deal, really ... just a place where I print and keep news clips, book reviews, and social media posts. Inspiration for a later day, when I know I’ll need it. When the New York Times previewed the Springsteen show, in went the clip.I’m glad to be living in New York, which is pretty much the World Capital of Reinvention. People come from all over the world to find — and revise — themselves.You don’t have to be a rock star or a New York City resident to reinvent yourself. You can be anyone, and live anywhere.And, keep in mind what the Boss wrote in the one song I already knew by heart, before his latest reinvention: You gotta stay hungry. Even if you’re just dancing in the dark.
