Laughing in the face of doubt.

Jay Mavani
3 min readJan 31, 2024

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Good ol’ Adam Sandler approach to pursuing passion.

Once upon a time, in the bustling streets of New York City, a young and aspiring actor named Adam Sandler found himself at the crossroads of his dreams and reality.

Adam had enrolled in a prestigious acting program at a renowned university, determined to make a mark in the world of entertainment.

Little did he know that a fateful encounter with his acting professor would become a turning point in his life.

In the hallowed halls of the university, Adam was passionate, energetic, and always ready to push his boundaries. However, his professor, a seasoned veteran of the industry, saw something different.

After a particularly intense class, the professor took Adam aside and invited him for a beer. In the dimly lit pub, the professor looked at Adam with a stern expression and said, “Listen, you got heart, but you don’t have it. Choose another path.”

Those words hung heavy in the air as Adam processed the unexpected advice. The professor believed Adam lacked the elusive “it” factor required for success in acting.

It was a crushing blow, but rather than shattering his dreams, it fueled a fire within Adam. Determined to prove his worth, he continued to pursue acting with unwavering passion and resilience.

Years passed, and Adam’s journey in the entertainment industry began. He faced rejection, took on odd jobs to make ends meet, and worked tirelessly to improve his craft. His unique comedic style and genuine personality set him apart, gradually winning over audiences and casting directors alike.

One day, at the peak of his career, Adam found himself in a luxurious restaurant, surrounded by friends and enjoying the fruits of his labour.

As fate would have it, his former professor walked in. Most people in Adam’s position might have seen this as an opportunity for vindication, a chance to rub success in the face of the one who doubted them.

However, Adam Sandler was different. Instead of harbouring resentment, he approached his old professor with a smile and a warm greeting. “Hey there! Do you remember me?” he asked, extending a hand. The professor, surprised but gracious, nodded.

“This is the only teacher to ever buy me a beer,” Adam announced to his friends, introducing the man who once questioned his abilities.

The professor, humbled by the unexpected reunion, exchanged pleasantries with Adam and his friends. There was no bitterness in Adam’s demeanour, only gratitude for the lessons — both encouraging and discouraging — that had shaped his journey.

The story of Adam Sandler’s encounter with his acting professor serves as a powerful reminder.

It speaks of the importance of following one’s passion despite the naysayers and trusting in oneself. It also emphasizes the value of forgiveness and letting go of grudges.

Adam’s ability to rise above the doubt and extend kindness to the person who once doubted him showcases not only his success as an actor but also his triumph as a compassionate and gracious human being.

And let’s face it, there’s a whole lot to learn from that.

Legend has it that once upon a time, Jay was a creative + marketing director with an inquisitive mind, positioned somewhere between a strategist, designer and a writer.

After immersing himself in the world of marketing + advertising for numerous years, he now returns to the core of his creative odyssey — graphic design, visual arts, and creative writing.

From always trying something new to occasionally making photos “speak”, he’s known to express his passion for problem-solving, creativity, philosophy and humour by playing with various canvases.

To know more about Jay, you can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Jay Mavani

Jay Mavani (aka jaymavs) loves to express his passion for problem-solving, creativity, philosophy and humour by playing with various canvases.