Back in 1980 on a Saturday night, I found myself performing at the East Side Comedy Club on Long Island. As a newcomer to the comedy scene, it was my first weekend gig at a premier club, and needless to say, I was feeling quite nervous.
Sharing the stage with me was none other than the young comic Eddie Murphy. Yes, the Eddie Murphy. I had known Eddie for a while at that point. We had performed together at countless one-night shows, at bars, dance clubs, and restaurants in the tri-state area. Despite being 12 years my junior, it was clear from our first meeting that Eddie had something truly special about him. He stood out from the crowd in more ways than one. Apart from his exceptional humor and stage presence, he exuded a confidence both on and offstage that was rare for someone his age.
After our first show, Eddie and I were having a conversation in the green room about our aspirations in life. At the time, I was an English teacher by day and a stand-up comedian by night (sometimes blurring the lines between the two). I shared my dream of making it big in the comedy world. That’s when Eddie said something to me that has stayed with me ever since.
“Steve,” he said, “I’m going to be to comedy what the Beatles were to music.”
He didn’t say, “I would like to be,” or “My dream is to be.” He stated it as a fact— “I’m going to be.” There was no hint of boasting or arrogance in his tone. It was a simple, heartfelt declaration delivered with unwavering conviction. And I couldn’t help but believe him.
Many people attribute Eddie Murphy’s success solely to his talent, while others chalk it up to luck. Personally, I believe his journey to stardom was propelled by the power of positive thinking.
I’m sure you’ve encountered individuals in various fields who possess immense talent yet fail to achieve the success they seek and deserve. Perhaps you’ve pondered why this is the case. They seem to have all the necessary attributes for success, but for whatever reason, that breakthrough never comes their way.
Let’s revisit Eddie Murphy’s story. During a period in TV history when the original cast of Saturday Night Live was retiring, there was a need for an African-American comedian or actor with improvisational skills to replace Garrett Morris. Although a comedian was initially chosen, it was soon discovered that the individual struggled with reading and writing. This led to a fresh casting call, and with only a handful of black comedians at the time, Eddie Murphy was one of them. The auditions took place at The Comic Strip in Manhattan, and as the tale goes, Eddie’s performance quickly convinced the decision-makers that he was destined to become the next breakout star on SNL.
Some may view Eddie Murphy’s meteoric rise as luck, but I firmly believe that we create our own luck. Put simply, your thoughts shape your reality. By cultivating positive thoughts, channeling your efforts with joy and passion, and unwaveringly believing in your dreams, you set the stage for success to manifest.
Remember the key principles: “creating positive thoughts,” “taking action with joy, passion, and enthusiasm,” and “believing unwaveringly.” It may sound easier said than done, but it is indeed possible.
Eddie Murphy epitomizes the adage “what you think is what you get.” His success, I am convinced, stemmed from his unwavering belief in his stardom long before it materialized. It was almost as if he possessed a crystal ball that foretold his future. His determination to succeed was bound to translate into tangible outcomes in due course.
I had the privilege of witnessing his dedication both on and off stage. Our conversations were heartfelt, and it was evident that Eddie’s focus on honing his craft was laser-sharp, his attitude unyielding, and his passion unmatched. Never one to indulge in alcohol or drugs, his true high came from eliciting laughter from his audience. I firmly believe that Eddie’s positive energy and steadfast self-belief played a pivotal role in attracting those serendipitous opportunities into his life. He simply had the talent and tenacity to seize the moment when opportunity came knocking.
What truly set Eddie Murphy apart from other gifted comedians, myself included, was his unyielding desire to become to comedy what the Beatles were to music. I mean, truly! And he wholeheartedly believed it was within his grasp. When the amalgamation of desire and belief reaches a crescendo, there’s no stopping the inevitable. Eddie always had a clear vision of his destination before reaching it. More importantly, there was a seamless alignment between his intentions, his thoughts, and the manifestations in his life.
