If you read last weeks newsletter, you might’ve noticed how I’m in the middle of reading Dave Itzkoff’s biography of Robin Williams.

If you don’t know him—and I think you do—he’s an actor who’s starred in Goodwill Hunting, Good Morning Vietnam, Jumanju, Dead Poets Society, Night at the Museum, and voiced characters in Aladdin and Robots.

But I don’t believe it was his acting career that necessarily made him famous. It was his gift of impersonation and making voices that made people of all ages laugh and appreciate the humor of just being silly.

Sadly, behind the scenes, Robin Williams struggled more than we ever knew. And I think we might’ve seen a small hint of it early on.

In the spring of 1981, Robin Williams was the lead in his own show called Mork & Mindy where he played an alien from the planet Ork who is sent to Earth to observe and report on human behavior. He befriends Mindy McConnell, a young woman who helps him navigate Earth’s customs and understand human life.

As the season progressed, Robin’s fame grew, and the producers of Mork & Mindy decided to air an episode where Mork—who of course looks like Robin Williams—meets the actual Robin Williams. Mindy, is tasked with obtaining an interview from him, and at one point she asks him about what the life of a comedian is like.

Robin then confesses to them that he has a hard time saying no to people. Whether it’s spending time with friends or going on shows, he just can’t seem to get over the fear of letting anyone down.

I think this is important to note because as humans, we have this internal desire to please others. This need to be liked. And in order to scratch that itch, we find ourselves saying “yes” even when we should be saying “no.”

Because every time you say yes to someone else, you’re only saying no to yourself.

You’re taking time away from focusing on you. I’m not saying you should stop hanging out with friends or not spend time with your family, but you know more than anyone else of what you need. And putting others over yourself 100% of the time is sure to lead you to exhaustion, and maybe worse.

All I’m saying is that it’s not selfish to put yourself first. If anything, you’re simply ensuring your wellbeing so you’re in this world longer for those you love.

So learn to say no. All it means is that you’re saying yes to the person who truly matters.

You.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - As mentioned, I’m still reading Robin by David Itzkoff. A biography of Robin Williams, a look inside one of America’s most beloved entertainers.

Quote Of The Week - “Be who you are and say what you will because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Dr. Seuss