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We all sometimes wish for the 'lucky break' in our lives... the moment we are 'discovered' and then do exactly the kind of work we want - whatever that might be.
I've made it a hobby of sorts to study people I admire who have 'made it'. I just finished reading a new biography of Walt Disney by an author who is intent on telling Walt's life story without any hyperbole... no super positive spin. It was a good read.
The purpose of my study is to learn the steps to success, but most often my research reveals what I already know to be true.
Almost without exception the folks who have reached the top of their field have worked hard at it for many years. They aren't a flash in the pan... but rather season veterans who have paid their dues many times over. They know what they want, work hard daily to put it into practice, and eventually rise to the top of their game. Even that isn't enough... for they must continually challenge what they have learned and keep discovering, keep stretching the limits of what is possible. Otherwise they become yesterday's news... and fall into a rut of their own making. Not a recipe for happiness.
I've come to the conclusion that there are very few legal ways to shortcut the process... save for a few very lucky ones who are in the right place at the right instant. Winning a lottery works for a few, but the rest of us are destined to do it the hard way - one small step at a time.
The important thing is to live while we journey towards our goals... today is even more important than tommorrow's dreams. Celebrate what you have today and then do something that brings you one small step closer to your dream.
Livin' my dream in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8771 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I striped my first Harley this week, it was a factory design FATBOY, but BOBBO'S brush sure came in handy..did some lines on an '08 Toyota Tacoma today... going to stripe for 3 days at the Hot Rod & Harley Show at the TacomaDome end of the month...it's the Journey...
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
Dan, I heard an interview with a 'celebrity' a couple of years ago, and he said he was often asked what's it like to be an 'overnight success'.
His reply: "It's taken me 23 years to become an overnight success!"
That echoes your comments of no or very few shortcuts, but that doesn't mean you can't have 'lucky breaks'! I also enjoy reading biographies for similar reasons.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7017 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Not everyone is a Disney, but we all have more potential and creativity than imagined. It's just ideling, waiting to be set into motion. Finding the keys to set in motion and free up this germ is illusive. But in the final analysis that may be the difference in living a fun and sucessful life. Stop signs are everywhere. Getting around them is the trick.
The future has always been built on dreams which are acted upon.
Good thoughts to all my artist friends. I'm rooting for all of you.
Joe
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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