I had a rude awakening the other day when one of my kids came in and announced that she was going to be an actress ( *wink* to all those who know my daughter). Of course I asked her why it was that she thought this was the discipline in which she should go. Without hesitation she said, "Well, not only do I not get to wear costumes everyday but guess what, I get a ton of money to pretend to be someone else all the time." Huh? Interesting that a 5 year old in the simplicity and brash truth that only a child can get away with, she pegged it right on the head as to why so many of our youth aspire to be "famous" rather than a person of substance remembered for their contribution. Now, I do not want hate mail about me bashing actors and actresses lest you all forget that I spend time in front of cameras too... I am trying to point out something a bit deeper than simply vocation, I am thinking more about motivation. Me being in front of a camera is a necessary end to a mean just like paperwork is to good bookkeeping I suppose, it comes with the territory. My daughter wants fame and, not only an excuse to lie without not getting punished but, to also be heavily rewarded for her fabrications in the process... don't let her fool you folks, she is a master of 1-800-justify thinking.
So, back on topic. What motivates you to do what you do? Perhaps a better question is, what do you want your career to provide you with? Now, I will say this point blank and up front, I am a capitalist and if money is your motivator, more power to you. I believe that a person is happiest being self-sufficient and working hard and being rewarded for those efforts (rewarded in ways you feel are fair and just be that monetarily, awards or otherwise). I think there are selfish and greedy folks in the world yes but, it's not my job to punish them for their character flaws nor be jealous of their ill-gotten means and lavish lifestyles. We're on different ladders. Back on track here. When you decided to earn a living from what you create, what were the reasons why you thought this was a good idea and what did you want to accomplish? I'll give you a thought to ponder for a minute while you marinate on those questions... I asked a woman I mentor once, how much money do you want to make? She said, "Oh, not much, I just want to live comfortable..." Don't we all however, what is your comfortable, what is mine? The same question could apply to success, what defines that for you? Being on the cover of some magazine or having an exhibit at the MET? My daughter wants fame and fortune and to be the center of attention at the tender age of 5. Me, well, my idea of successful is a bit different I suppose ;) The gist of it is, without really knowing, how can you achieve it? If you want to be the next American idol, what would you have to do to be that? You'd need singing lessons, an image consultant, adoring fans and lots of folks willing to text in their vote right? What if a smokin' bikini wearing beach ready body is your motivation? I suppose a personal trainer, a diet plan, and for me a good plastic surgeon would get that done right? So, you're a creative trying to earn a living and accomplish __________ (fill in the blank)- what do you have to do to get there?
Recent Comments