When you have to fill really big shoes

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Do you ever get the feeling your living in the shadow of a legend? You know, that sad sick feeling that somehow you’re putting on someone elses suit that just happens to be way too big?

Need me to make it mroe clear? Here’s what I mean. You’ve just joined up with a guild.  Maybe you’ve even secured a regular raid spot in a progressing guild, but you keep hearing veiled references like, “Geez, I really miss Hunteriffic! He sure knew how to top the meters.” Or how abot the new class lead hearing in /Gchat “Anyone know where StatHunter is? I have a questions about re-speccs.” (Ouch that one hurts.)

This happens to everyone from time to time.  Especially during change overs, summer raid replacments (nowadays it almost seems like weekly replacements.)   And trust me, it’s not just a gaming thing.

See, people really don’t like change.  Don’t believe me? Think of how many television series or movie projects have faded away all because the original actor left the series.   Or even better let’s  recent series that just released a film this week, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Back in 2004 before filming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban the late and great actor Sir Richard Harris passed away.  Scrambling to find someone to play such an iconic role as Albus Dumbledore was not only a major undertaking. But who would want to step into the role defined by Sir Richard?  But someone had to right? In steps Sir Michael Jon Gambon.  (As a side note, I want Sir to be added as a title in WoW.  Just a simple Sir. I’ll be honest, I would like to go around as, Sir Brigwyn.)   Talk about pressure to step and fill a gap left by a legend.

Here’s the funny thing about replacing a legend. You need to face the fact that you can NEVER ever replace them. Don’t try, don’t even think about it. Focus on the job at hand and do the best that you can do. Remember, you got the spot, job, responsibility being you not because you were that other guy.

As a matter of fact Sir Michael put it best when interviewed about playing Dumbledore he’s quoted as saying:

“Well, I don’t have to play anyone really. I just stick on a beard and play me, so it’s no great feat. I never ease into a role – every part I play is just a variant of my own personality. I’m not really a character actor at all. - Sir Michael, 2o07″

So there you have it. When you step into a new role remember to be yourself.  You can’t become a legendary Hunter if you continue to try and replace one. You only become a legend Hunter by doing legendary things as yourself.