Not Everyone Will Get It

Ever had an idea you were convinced was the best thing since the iPod? Then when you tried to share your brilliant innovation you were met with confusion, a cordial nod at best? 

The truth is, not everyone is going to get what you do and that's okay. In fact, it probably means you're on the right path. If an idea is universally accepted it's likely it's been done before, or isn't bold enough.

Anyone who has ever achieved anything notable, or disrupted an industry was told "no," once, twice, hundreds of times. Their ideas were met with indifference and probably even hostility.

The point is to share your goals with only like-minded folks who support your vision and will hold you accountable to taking action. Don't allow yourself to get discouraged by other people's inability to recognize your idea. 

Protect your dreams fiercely, keep your head down and just put in the work. 

"Some People Need to Move to Think"

In a 2006 TED Talk, author, speaker, and educational adviser Sir Ken Robinson said, "Many talented, brilliant, creative people think they're not because the thing they were good at in school wasn't valued or was actually stigmatized. And I think we can't afford to go on that way."

A few weeks ago, I taught an acting workshop. During a break I spoke with a gentlemen in standing in the back of the room who was patiently waiting for his teenage son. "My son texted me several times during the class to thank me for taking him here." I told him how great I thought that was. "No," he said. "You don't understand. He's being bullied at school for wanting to be an actor so this really meant a lot."

It's important to understand that intelligence and creativity is diverse. We need to move toward embracing those remarkable differences rather than denouncing them. 

What's more, we must also protect our own sense of being despite pressure to conform.

Be Happy Where You Are

A close friend of mine is one of the most talented artists I've ever met. She's worked for major theater and opera companies, toured the world, and from the outside seems to live "the life."

Yet, each time we speak she seems to be in a frenzy. She wonders where her next job will come from, why certain directors won't call her back, and seldom seems to acknowledge her accomplishments. 

As a casting reader for Broadway plays, I spent years reading opposite brilliant actors -some famous but most were not. 

What I discovered is no matter where you are in your career you never not have problems. Your obstacles just change. 

As a result, I've learned happiness is not attained through achievement alone. One must first make a concerted effort to be happy wherever they are. And when unexpected events occur, good or bad, you're more likely to show poise because you've already decided to bring your own weather wherever you go.