8 keys to success Article Summary
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Published: October 01, 2007
#1: PASSION Passion is that "demonic compulsiveness" that John Gardner talks about in his book, "On Becoming a Novelist." It''s what fires any creative person, something that gets you angry, or something you love and want to share. It''s ambition, a vision for your future, dim though it may be. That vision leads to setting goals, long-term goals (I want to be a photographer) and short-term goals, (what camera do I buy?). I ask everyone I interview, have you written down your goals? Most people have not. Have you? Do you know where you''d like to be in five years? I do. I have written it down, so that at year''s end, or on some quiet evening, I can look at what I''ve written and reflect on where I''ve been, and where I''m going ? how far along the path I''ve come and how far I''ve got to go. Often, I realize I''ve reached my goals and need to be dreaming about new horizons, new challenges and new goals. Write down your goals. They will tell you what to do for the short-term goals ? what books to buy, skills to develop, workshops to take, exercises to do to get better. #2: ABILITY TO ACCEPT A RISK I do not know anyone who has succeeded who has not been able to assess and take a RISK and then live with the consequence - success or failure. Risk avoidance is a sure way to remain mediocre; being safe does not promote personal growth. Failure or making a mistake is not a bad thing; it''s proof you were exploring new ways to do something, and that''s better than safe success. We learn from our mistakes, not our successes. Really creative people embrace risk. They can sustain a high level of ambiguity; they do not need to know where they are. They do not mind being lost, for they call it just taking the longer, more interesting way around. #3: HIGH SELF-ESTEEM You think well of yourself. You are not boastful or egotistical, but do have an honest understanding of your talents, handicaps and are working toward getting better. #4: PERSISTENCE How long is long enough? Well, it will take 10 years. I have asked hundreds of accomplished photographers, writers, filmmakers, painters and musician how long it took before they felt they were able to speak from a source within. Ten years was been their unanimous answer. #5: BEING NICE TO WORK WITH Why is being nice important? Because it will be other people who will help you acquire the craft, help you discover and develop your vision, give you a job, introduce you to opportunities. People want to help others, but only if they show a willingness to work, to contribute and are nice to have around. People want to have positive, enthusiastic people around, people who will solve problems, not create them. #6: WHO YOU KNOW If you are nice to work with, the next will follow. You need to know and be known by people who will help you, hire you, buy your work, and give you advice. #7: MASTER YOUR CRAFT Learn a craft, so you have a tool with which to earn a living. This tool can also be used to explore life - outwardly and spiritually inwardly - as you search your soul for the reasons of your existence. #8: TALENT talent is the last thing you need. You have to have some of it, but you do not need a lot. Too much talent is often a handicap.
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