I’m So Excited

“I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it.”

The Story

I was a huge “Saved by the Bell” fan when I was younger.  Something about that show resonated with me in a way that things like “After School Specials” never really did.  I think it was because the show depicted a completely opposite context from mine — high school kids in Southern California.  The show ran from 1989 to 1993, when I was in elementary and middle school in Ohio.

I caught most of the series on cable TV re-runs in the years after it initially aired.  There were multiple episodes shown every day, before and after school.  I’ve probably seen every episode a half dozen times.

One of the most legendary episodes that remains in pop culture today is titled “Jessie’s Song.”  It deals with the “brainy” cast member, Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), becoming addicted to caffeine pills so that she can forego sleep.  This is her solution to balancing her busy schedule that includes academic excellence and performing as part of the girl singing group.  (In true sitcom fashion, this addiction and girl group only existed for the duration of this one 22 minute episode.)

The pivotal scene in the episode involves Jessie breaking down as she sings part of the Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited” to her longtime friend and main character, Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar).  “I’m so excited,” she screams before breaking down and sobbing, “I’m so scared.”

The Lesson

As I was thinking about what to write this week, some comments from a colleague of mine were still ringing in my ears.  The general gist was, “In the workplace, I’m always excited about change.  I know it’s for the best.  But not everyone shares that same attitude.”

Pearls of wisdom to be sure.

With those sentiments ringing in my ears, my brain somehow made the “Saved by the Bell” connection.  I think it’s because of what Jessie Spano says — “I’m so excited.”  And there’s a pause before in the next breath she says, “I’m so scared.”

“I’m so excited.  I’m so scared.”  It’s such a natural set of feelings towards change.  Whether it’s the feelings of the people leading the change, or the people who are being asked to change.  The initial “request” to change is often quite easy — a leader comes in and talks about why something needs to change and then hopefully offers some vision of what the future looks like.  That’s the exciting part.  It’s the follow through, though, that’s hard.  And, let’s be frank — it can be scary.

The lesson about change, whether it’s in the workplace or not, is to have enough self-awareness to know that not everyone may feel the same way about it as you do.  Excitement is an emotion that only goes so far.  While it can be addictive, and maybe even persuasive, it needs to be offered along with a dose of empathy and understanding to the people who aren’t as excited as you.

The Pointer Sisters — “I’m So Excited”