While packing for a holiday recently, I found myself debating two choices of reading material for the plane. One was a pseudo-textbook on sociology. I only say ‘pseudo’ because it essentially contains the highlights of influential works and events through recorded history without going into too much detail. Figuring a sociology book would be way too much science and philosophy to cope with on vacation, I opted for my second selection, Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy (2015) . This was a book by Judd Apatow, esteemed writer/director of such memorable Hollywood films such as “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up.”

At least, I thought it was a comedy book.

As it turns out, the actual content was a series of interviews Mr Apatow held with famous comedians dating to his high school days in radio prior to national acclaim. Some of these comedians were not house-hold names in the early ’80’s, and were just getting their start on the club circuit. As the interviewer progressed through the industry, he kept transcripts of these interactions in order to tell a fascinating story. Coming from a broken home, he decided at the age of 15 that he wanted a career in comedy, partly to escape the trauma of real life issues and partly to gain acceptance into the burgeoning comedy fraternity in Long Island.

The interviews have plenty of humorous parts depending on the interviewee. Be it Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, or Adam Sandler, their wry wit is unavoidable, as is their unique view of the world around them. However, the meat of the conversations is delving into the psyche of uber-successful talents. What got them started? What drives them? How do they produce material and be prolific? How do they deal with failure?

The last question there is telling, mainly because that theme is pervasive in almost every interview. The late-night bomb sessions. The hecklers. The sets that get no reaction one way or another. All could have given up at many points, but they managed to overcome to achieve commercial success. The really weird thing to me is how many of them still seek out dive bars with jaded audiences to perform unannounced. The point is to risk failing again whilst working out new material and just ‘playing’. They had reached a point of popularity where they weren’t sure if they were still actually funny, and needed a reality check every once and awhile.

Judd is extremely self-deprecating. He worked hard at his craft, but not with the thought of being the best; he never expected that he could hold a candle to the comics he interviewed, but wanted to feel like he wouldn’t be out of place in the same room with his heroes. In fact, the reason he interviewed Jerry Seinfeld in 1983 was the hope that Jerry would help teach him how to become a comedian.

SO…what does all of this have to do with a pharmacy blog?

Well, as I was reading these stories, it occurred to me that the pharmacy profession has blessed me in so many ways: the opportunities I’ve enjoyed, the projects to which I’ve contributed, and the challenges I’ve tackled have made for a satisfying career thus far. The root of my successes have always been, and will continue to be, my interactions with people. I learn so much about myself by living through others. Speaking with a mother who lost a son to an overdose before the age of 25. Hearing about the sheer joy from a pharmacist colleague when they resolved a life-altering drug-related problem. Having a mentor recount difficult business decisions they had to make early in their careers. A manager friend describes HR missteps and how they learned from them. The technician student describes being fearful of their entry to practice. In all cases, my life experiences are enhanced by those of the people in my life. There is a burning need to reflect and wonder how I would behave myself in similar situations. I often marvel at the behaviour of others and how their instincts seem much more appropriate and effective than mine. What would you do if a customer had a seizure in the front of the store? How would you react if someone falsely accused you of a breach of conduct? What changes would you make when work/life balance is taking a toll on your mental health? If it hasn’t happened yet, then the only way to prepare yourself is to rely on the experience of others.

Like reaching through a mirror, I grab that person in the reflection and put them in unfamiliar circumstances of joy, pain, pride, and failure. I can’t take for granted any of the meaningful interactions I have in my daily life. When someone asks me for advice, or simply wants to catch up, they may not realize they may be helping me a lot more than I am helping them.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.