Underdeveloped

“Your voice is very underdeveloped.”

That’s what the director of the choir I auditioned for said to me, right after I sang for her. She didn’t say it once, either. I got that critique MULTIPLE times.

Oof.

When I walked out of my audition I was both proud of myself and embarrassed simultaneously. It was a weird dynamic.

Her evaluation of my singing stung. I felt raw. The first rehearsal seemed to highlight my inadequacy. What had I been thinking? I wanted to state my regret. 😬

I couldn’t stop ruminating about my audition. The director’s words swam freely in my head, exposing me. She was right. She was so, so, so spot on.

My voice was underdeveloped.

However, I had been accepted into the choir, which I decided meant I had potential. I could improve. I was inspired by the amazing singers around me. I would work hard, listen to any and all critiques, and practice what I needed (in rehearsal and on my own) to develop into the best singer I could be.

YES!

Unbelievably, I just got cast in a starring role on Broadway! 🤩

Just kidding.

C’mon, let’s have realistic expectations here, folks.

Nonetheless, I have improved over the last several months. I can hear it when I sing—and that progress feels awesome.

But better than my own minute development is the shift in my mindset. Isn’t everyone undeveloped in one way or another?

The answer is yes.

Absolutely.

You can have an underdeveloped sense of humor, be underdeveloped in agility, or in academics. You might be underdeveloped in speaking publicly, or in being honest, or in conversational skills. You could be underdeveloped as a physician, a business owner, a runner, or makeup artist. You might be underdeveloped as a mother, a wife, a friend, or a teacher.

You could be super underdeveloped in ice skating, like me. Ask any of my kids about my latest exhibition. I unintentionally kissed the ice a few times. 😂

The point is—we are ALL underdeveloped in lots of areas.

Just remember, underdeveloped doesn’t mean hopeless. It’s not a statement of permanence. There is a real possibility of change and growth, if you are willing. You can develop fully the specific skills you desire through work and practice.

The challenge is to not get offended when others can clearly see what you already know—you have some underdeveloped stuff.

So what will you do about it? Work on it? Practice? Practice some more? Get a little expert help and guidance? Or will you ignore those areas, make excuses, blame whatever/whomever you can, or shrug your shoulders and believe it’s just the way you are?

Don’t do the latter. It’s lame.

You and I are underdeveloped in one way or another.

Choose the work.

Embrace the possibility.