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Today happened to be the kind of day where questions were abounding about how does one become successful and how does one become an expert at something. I stumbled upon something from CC Chapman [Watch] that started the morning off. He had made a rant about this topic on video and it was flawless! After watching, it got me thinking; now, I’m not as big an influencer as Chris Brogan or CC Chapman, in the social media space, but I get asked the same questions at my video podcasting talks. Here are some of the most common I get:
How do I make money in [fill in the blank]?
How do I become famous doing what you do?
How do you know so much about video/film/music and how can I be an expert like you?
The only thing that one should do to be that “expert” is to just do things, and do them often. If you have a day job but you’re passionate about film making, make short films in your spare time. If you’re a musician or singer/songwriter, pick up your instrument and strum a bit, don’t make an excuse why “you can’t…” do what makes you happy – you have one shot here, build on your passion then shoot for the stars. That’s how I know a bunch; I just do things – I read, I ask questions, I meet people, I google stuff…I’m a sponge!
The Right Wrong Attitude
The other day I had this conversation with someone over lunch. I was told that me and anyone else, in my similar world, circle, or line of work, are NOT valuable and don’t mean jack because we don’t completely live off and make money at it. So effectively this individual discounts everything any person has done, everything, because we don’t LIVE off our “success.” Honestly, that person (and to anyone else that thinks that way) should get this in their heads now…that kind of ideology is completely so far from correct that any individual that feels like this should just give up at what ever pursuit they’re going for now because they’ll never make it, that is a terrible attitude! Money, or living off your craft, does NOT equal fame and success. If you’re doing something for the wrong reason and don’t truly want to help, DON’T DO IT because doing something for your wallet and saying it’s heartfelt is a lie.
Skills Required
You don’t need a Berkley, NYU or Harvard degree all you need is passion, drive, & talent. No doubt having a degree helps but if your heart and mind is focused and you are determined, there is NOTHING that will stop you. Fatigue is an obstacle to overcome, responsibility is a given but that should not be the excuse for failure or procrastination. When others feel your passionate energy they will follow you, ask Gary Vaynerchuk or listen to him tell you himself [Watch]! If you’re a musician, it doesn’t matter if you’re making a record for five hundred thousand people or five people; if you’re passionate, proud of your work and it adds value for others then you are successful. You don’t need a constant flow of money, obscene amounts of “free time,” or people patting you on your back to make you feel that you are successful.
Revisiting History
Yes, you have the right to revisit your previous accomplishments – not in a gloating way, nobody likes that, but in an informative way – because it allows you to progress further and it is a track record of your experience. You earned it and that history IS valuable, even if you didn’t “make money,” you’ve made connections so don’t listen to anyone else saying otherwise. A positive attitude can move mountains.
Final Thought
Consuming your life with “the record deal,” making loads of money and demanding the fame YOU (so called) deserve is a waste! Be honest with yourself & be passionate then everything will fall in line; not overnight, but in due time. Let’s be real, there is a big difference between passion and desperation, and when a desperate person is at the wheel, look out, a crash and burn is inevitable…. That’s just how I feel, what do you think?
This video of Twyla Tharp says it all! Some I know should REALLY watch this…
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Hear, hear!
Bon nochi/dia!
I always look forward to your blog posts. I connect with your opinions, thoughts, and views on life. As a Cancer survivor (twice), I believe and know that I was placed in this world for a purpose and reason. I’ve been in remission since 2000.
Since then, my career took a major hit. The “hit” actually saved my life. I had to find myself and allow for creative spirit to breathe. I was making so much more when I was part of the corporate game but was so unhappy. Now that I make a good living as a consultant & event planner, I have more time to enjoy life and examine what I want for tomorrow and the day after.
Your posts are inspiring…so keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed the Twyla Tharp clip. Wow…she’s amazing!
Cheers!
A great post. There is a lot writing about the plight of creativity, but I think you have some really sound thinking here. I especially appreciated the Twyla Tharp clip.
John, Thank you for your comments! I’m glad you’re check’n my blog out. Everyone reading this please check out John’s great new show Odd Noggin Land!
Excellent post. For some time, I’ve been “fretting” over not being “Expert” at any one thing so I have taken some time out to just have some fun with my blog and I feel a whole lot freer and happier.
Carma, That is the key word, FUN! If it isn’t fun – stop doing it, not altogether, just until you get the drive for it again. Guilt sucks – I understand it and I feel it also with things I really want to accomplish, but in my opinion there’s no real value in force. Try to accept two things, either it’s gonna happen or it’s not and don’t worry ’bout it. We live in a time where we can move to other thing that may spark creativity elsewhere. Have FUN & thanks for commenting.