We recently connected with Eric Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eric, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As I grew up I’d always be approached by people for varies reasons, or so I thought. At first it was a bit overwhelming because I never thought what people saw in me, I always thought “why me”. I always knew I was a person of service but one of my teachers in grade school told me I was a light to brighten peoples day. I then started to focus on what people were asking of me and realized it was service requests and opportunities to elevate a day that may have been unfavorable for someone. I knew that I wanted to help people always, and over time it began to fine tune itself into my purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m finishing up with earning my certification in life coaching. Talking people through their problems and solutions is extremely satisfying to me. My vision is to create space for those who have experienced major trauma and may feel stuck, allowing them to clear up any fog created by the traumatic event. Solution driven coaching allows my clients to acknowledge the past and create a plan for the present to get them to the future they want. I’m also a track coach, who eventually wants to have my own rec team allowing children to express themselves through the art of running. My comedy is my baby. Being a teacher and creative has allowed my expression to flourish. I create funny informative videos for the school which allows me to hone in on my skills when I’m doing it for social media. The kids and staff are hilarious so it allows me to gain great material for my sets and being in front of people daily builds my confidence to speak in front of anyone. I’ve always loved making people laugh and putting smiles on faces. Comedy has allowed that and has always been an interest from a very young age. It has allowed me to host some events and expose me to people and places I wouldn’t have thought I would be. My next event is the school’s pep rally, something they haven’t had in years so I’m excited about that.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being open minded allows for unlimited creative flow. I’ve never been a “one size fits all” type of person. Being open minded helps me to see the difference in everyone. Allows me to cater some of my work to the audience I’m in front of. Communication is also important. Being able to speak clearly to people and organize your thoughts. You never know what a conversation could get you, learning how to speak to people has helped open some doors as well. Last but not least, determination is key. The work put into the craft should show the love one has. I’m determined to be the greatest version of myself that I can and that’s what drives me to do what I do. I advise others to be open to hearing what people have to say. You don’t have to always use what’s given, but if you’re a creator or a person of service, people’s input is important because that’s who we are doing it for. Also, realize there are ups and downs, and the work you push through with during those down moments will make for great testimonies when you’re back up. Don’t accept defeat unless you’ve literally tried everything.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My number 1 obstacle is me. During my journey I realized that I was people pleasing to an extent, which can be ok but also. An be a terribly bad thing. My version didn’t include me in the picture. I was giving everyone a “yes” and pouring from an empty cup leaving myself high and dry when it came time to pour into self. I’ve begun setting boundaries and taking time for self. It’s hard when I want to do things for others but I realized I can’t give my best to others if I am depleted. I’m taking days of “me” which include only things I want to do, to pour that love back into me so that I can give the best version of me when it’s time to give.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tall4norrason
- Facebook: Eric Williams
- Youtube: @ericwilliams1452
- Other: TikTok is @edubbcomedy
Image Credits
Photo credit: Shotbyshad Kb2funny
