Do what you do best or what you have a passion for?
I came across a really fabulous article about how to be successful. I don't go looking for self-help readings, I just come across them. Mostly on facebook that others have posted. I'm all about bettering oneself, so I read this particular writing.
The author, Mark Hanson, opens with facts about Mozart and about how he was born with natural gifts. Well, yes he was, and as a music student since the early 90's, that fact was beat into our heads. He was born with "the gift," and we were not. WEll-HMMMMM. Thanks for letting me know. I think I realized that when I didn't compose my first song at 5 years old. LOL! The one thing those teachers didn't teach us--that we COULD have the gift. We COULD be as amazing as Mozart--in OUR OWN WAY. Does one have to be child genius to be later recognized in this ever changing world? I don't think so.
The article continues, and I do agree with Hanson on this point: That success shouldn't be easy. Being afraid of success is an excuse. Being emotionally exhausted after exerting all your energy into your passion-that's part of it and saying you don't enjoy that part of success-that's also an excuse. If someone is afraid to become an artist because their parents would rather them be a doctor or a lawyer--excuse. Yes, Hanson said that, and I agree. I have to say, the most incredible feeling is after a show. Especially when you have worked so long and so hard--you've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into rehearsals, then the concert is over in a blink of an eye. Then afterwards, all the emotions come out. It's almost ritualistic. I can't sleep for a couple of hours; my mind is going over what went superbly well and went completely wrong. Or sometimes, I completely forget everything about the show, except for the fact that the audience enjoyed it. Emotionally, a performance should not be draining, unless you are working with people who don't have the same goals as you. Been there, done that. But, I still tried to see the positive between that negativity---which is part of becoming successful in what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I was recently in Nashville, and I had the amazing opportunity to work with some of the most beautiful human beings on the planet. A week's worth of gorgeous music making with people of all ages and from all over the world. The concert at the end was nerve-wracking, exciting, joyful, funny--and sad. Sad, because it was over until next year. However, emotionally, we were all rung out. We gave it all we got. Our hearts were on our sleeve and we were open to success--but when you are open to success, you have to be open to failure that could come. The tears that we shed, weren't out of sadness--they came rushing out of our eyes because amazing people made wonderful music. For a week, in our own little world, there was peace. WOW! Peace.
I digress because when a person or a group of people have a passion for something, in the end; it doesn't matter if you are like Mozart. What matters is that passion spurs creativity and the drive to do your best.
Should one just go through life doing what they do best or what they have a passion for? (Some people are blessed that they get to do both...most of us are not that lucky.) Now, one may argue that what I just typed is an excuse as well. I beg to differ but I also agree.
Is there something that you are passionate about? Something that makes you truly happy? Do it. In some way, do it. Find a workshop, take private lessons, join a club--if you do it once a week, you are feeding that passion and you are getting better at it. Don't worry about failure. Just fail better than the time before. :) Don't say you are too old, that's an excuse. (I've taught an 88 year old to play the violin.) Don't say people might make fun of me, that's an excuse. I could type a million more. JUST DO IT!
But please remember--if you are going to be starving artist...make art. :)
Find your passion. If you have the opportunity to work in the field that you are good at and that you love---hold on to it. There are millions who aren't as blessed.
Fiddle on my friends,
Lacie
Article: "To be successful, Do what you do best." Victor Mark Hanson
