If something is worth doing then it’s worth doing properly. Don’t cut corners. There’s no substitute for hard work. You should apply the maximum amount of effort into everything you do regardless of the size of the audience or pay packet. Whether you’re playing to an audience of 10 or 10,000, doing something for free or getting paid handsomely, it should all be treated equally. You never know who is watching or listening and therefore what new opportunities might arise from the job in hand
If you find yourself unable to maintain that 100% level of commitment, then you’re either doing too much or you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place. Remember less is more. Choose carefully. Learn how to say no.
- But don’t over think either. We spend far too much time worrying about past events which have been and gone and cannot be changed or rehearsing for situations that will probably never arise. Live in the present as much as possible. Your first gut instinct is nearly always the correct one.
- Never lose sight of your original goal until you achieve it, and then focus steadfastly on your new one. Set yourself manageable targets. One step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- Be nice to everyone (or at least cordial if “nice” doesn’t work with your carefully cultivated image) you never know who’s your next best friend. I got my big break in the industry through a random meeting with a stranger whilst standing in the queue at Macdonald’s. True story! It could happen anywhere. So always keep an open mind.
- Don’t surround yourself with sycophants but with good honest people instead. If you choose the team around you correctly, then you’re halfway there already. Listen to their criticisms and suggestions. Of course, it’s entirely your prerogative to dismiss them but don’t do so out of hand. Sometimes the truth is hard to take but honesty is the best policy.
- But most important of all, enjoy the ride. Don’t let it pass you by.
- And like Oscar Wilde said, “be yourself, everyone else is already taken”.
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