We all have things we’d rather avoid, yet they are key to success.
This lesson is something I learned from Bruce Springsteen.
Considering Bruce Springsteen’s extraordinary success—net worth over a billion dollars, more than 140 million albums sold worldwide, and 20 Grammy Awards—you might think he never has to do things he doesn’t want to do.
But that’s not the case.
In a career filled with memorable moments—like his legendary performance at the No Nukes Concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1979, the shows before Giants Stadium was demolished in 2009, or even his breakout role in USA for Africa’s “We Are the World”—there’s one instance that resonated with me more deeply.
This moment occurred on September 28, 2007, at Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan.
Though it’s now commonplace, The Today Show revolutionized morning television in the mid-90s by hosting free concerts outside their studios, broadcast during the show. In fact, Earth, Wind & Fire headlined the first concert on June 16, 1995.
Thousands flocked to Rockefeller Center Plaza, known for its famous Christmas tree and skating rink, to see artists like Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Bon Jovi perform far earlier than musicians are typically accustomed to. Most musicians don’t wake up until around noon, yet here they were, performing live at 8 a.m. And that’s just the performance time; many stood on stage for hours beforehand to rehearse and do sound checks.
Despite the early wake-up call, many artists recognized the value of promoting their latest albums to approximately 7 million viewers at home. It became prime exposure, equal to performing on SNL or The Tonight Show.
Even Bruce Springsteen couldn’t resist.
We know this because he openly admitted it. Before starting his first song, Bruce said, “Good morning, everybody. I really must want to sell some records bad to be up this early, singing these songs. It’s a little desperate, but it’s all right.”
Despite his wealth, massive album sales, and numerous awards, there he was, promoting his latest album, Magic.
I see this pattern all the time, whether during my radio days or now producing and consulting on podcasts: people want to operate on their own schedules.
While maintaining mental health is crucial—we should always prioritize our well-being—sometimes a small inconvenience can make a significant impact. If someone asks you to do something at 10 a.m. but you can’t function seriously until you’ve had breakfast and two cups of coffee, a moment of discomfort can be worthwhile.
Another note about sleep: when I was doing morning radio in NYC, I had always dreamed about performing on stage doing improv comedy and sketch shows. But my morning hours always prevented me from doing it, until one day I metaphorically slapped myself in the face and just did it. I joined a sketch comedy group that required me to rehearse late in the evening. We would gather together for several hours and wrap up around 11 at night, and I wouldn’t get to bed until midnight, knowing I would have to wake up three hours later to prep for the radio show.
Let me tell you, the lack of sleep was so worth it. I loved being part of a group of funny people finding ways to make people laugh and finding a creative outlet that was missing in my life.
Today, adaptability is more crucial than ever. The landscape of technology, culture, and industry is always changing, demanding that we remain nimble and open to change. Those who succeed are often the ones who embrace the uncomfortable, seeing every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Bruce Springsteen’s willingness to perform on a morning show—despite the early call time and the departure from a typical rock star schedule—shows a vital lesson in adaptability. Even for someone of his stature, compromise and flexibility are necessary to maintain relevance and reach new audiences. It highlights that success is not just about talent or accolades; it’s about adjusting to shifting circumstances and seizing opportunities wherever they arise.
Whether it’s waking up a bit earlier or altering our routines to accommodate new opportunities, adaptability ensures we are continually evolving and poised to succeed in whatever we choose to pursue.
Remember that even “The Boss” had to do something “a little desperate.”
