We stand in awe of our heroes — athletes and actors and writers and astronauts, etc. — their accomplishments and awards. Deservedly so. They spent years and years becoming the success we admire.
If we share the same goal or passion as our hero, we want to be like them. Unless for some reason I have yet to figure out, you want to be a Kardashian. In that case, leave. Immediately.
That’s not you. You have something of value to offer the world. Whether it’s to start a business, change up your career or deeper explore a hobby or passion…it’s all good.
Besides chatting it up on this blog every day with you guys, which I love, writing is my thing. The art and craft of screenwriting is my current obsession. Does the name Aaron Sorkin ring any bells? If you’re a TV or movie watcher perhaps you’ve heard of THE WEST WING, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE SOCIAL NETWORK (he won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for that one).
What I’d give to write banter dialogue like him. Or, no lie, have his Oscar. Well, not his, my own.
But our heroes started out like us. With no knowledge. Okay, maybe a few lucky breaks. Knew somebody who knew somebody. Had a rich uncle.
As sure as the Earth orbits the Sun (why is this still debated?) our heroes spent many Moons to get where they ended up. And I spent three minutes crafting a totally crappy astronomy connection. Fail.
Getting better is a process.
Use your hero as inspiration. Learn from them. Emulate the good traits that took them to the top. Avoid the bad ones. (Sorkin did a stint in rehab).
Say you’ve always wanted to be a portrait photographer. That’s great. Instead of thinking that you need to know everything there is about it — camera equipment, lighting, art direction, make-up, etc. — start taking pictures of people you know. Enroll in a class. Offer to be an assistant for someone who is doing exactly what you want to do; find a mentor. Study the works of Annie Leibovitz.
Don’t get me wrong, it takes a long time to become excellent at a profession or craft. For some, it’s a life long process. For others, like me, the journey holds as much (or more) satisfaction and joy than the result. Notwithstanding the Oscar.
BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!
Original graphic and quote: Stephanie DelTorchio
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