30 tickets. 110 seats. And a decision.

Read time: 3 minutes
Topics covered: Overcoming fear, following through, live storytelling

The Show I Almost Cancelled

Three weeks before the very first What's Your Story Slam, I was ready to pull the plug.

I’d booked a 110-seat theatre. I’d sold… 30 tickets.

For 20 minutes straight, my finger hovered over the “Cancel Event” button. As a former banker, every piece of data screamed: “Cut your losses.”

But deep down, I knew this wasn’t just about a show.
It was about proving to myself I could follow through — even when the numbers said quit.

So I kept going.
I posted. I asked for help. I pushed past the awkwardness of selling something that felt… small.

On the night of the show, the theatre was packed.

Someone came up to me during intermission and said:

“I’ve never been to anything like this. Thank you.”

That one night turned into six years of sold-out shows.
None of it would have happened if I’d let the spreadsheet make the call.

🎯 Why This Matters for Your Story

Whether you’re pitching your idea, stepping into leadership, or going for that promotion — the early numbers will mess with your head.

High-stakes moments like these are what make a story worth telling later.
The real question isn’t “Was it worth it?” — it’s:

• Would I be someone who followed through?
  

• Or someone who quit when the data looked bad?

💡 Your 60-Second “Don’t Quit” Audit

Take the thing you’re building right now and ask:

1️⃣ If I keep going, what’s the best thing that could happen?
2️⃣ If I quit now, what story will I tell myself in a year?
3️⃣ Which version of me would I rather become?

Your future self is listening.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📚 Seed to Stage – August 16–17

The 2-day storytelling intensive that takes you from messy idea to stage-ready clarity.

🎭 Grace Under Fire – August 31

Applied improv to train your presence under pressure.

🎤 What's Your Story Slam: The Great Escape – September 9

Real people. Real stories. One unforgettable night.

P.S. What’s something you almost gave up — but didn’t? Hit reply and tell me. I read every one.

Big hugs,
Anna