Awkward Skills Create Opportunity

Jenny Hoyos shares insights about the value of practicing skills that others might find embarrassing or awkward. She believes that deliberately working on skills that others avoid due to social discomfort creates unique opportunities for growth and success.

Key Points:

• Value in Uncomfortable Practice:

  • Skills that are valuable but people won't practice are "gold mines"
  • Even worse if people find it "cringe" or "lame" to practice
  • These barriers to entry mean less competition

• Personal Experience with Awkward Practice:

  • Practiced stand-up comedy alone for an hour daily
  • Recorded entire days on camera just for practice
  • Watched charisma tutorials and repeated lessons throughout the day
  • Built charisma through deliberate practice despite being naturally introverted

• Building Performance Skills:

  • Treated charisma like any other skill that needs repetition
  • Used camera recordings as "reps" to improve
  • Focused on getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
  • Built "personality muscle" through consistent practice

• Results of Deliberate Practice:

  • Transformed from introvert to confident content creator
  • Developed natural high energy throughout the day
  • Learned to be comfortable telling bad jokes
  • Built confidence through repeated exposure

• Philosophy on Skill Development:

  • Good performers aren't naturally talented - they've worked at it
  • Some get practice informally (like joking at lunch tables)
  • Others need deliberate practice methods
  • The willingness to look foolish while practicing creates opportunity