"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.

Square Peg into a Round Hole

Stephen Hawking once noted, "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." A poignant observation from a very intelligent man. 

I arrived back in New York City yesterday after several months away. One of the most exhilarating times of my life was moving here to attend drama school many years ago. Everything was out in front and the possibilities seemed limitless.

For a long time, each time I returned I tried to recreate that experience - that same feeling. But as I've gotten older I've realized how important it is to move forward with the times. 

People change, cities change, and our relationships to everything evolves over time. Trying to hold on to the past is like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn't work that way.

The beauty of all this change, as scary as it might be, is it allows for growth as long as we're open to it. The shininess might have worn off, but there's also great value in having a little life under your belt and applying what you've learned. 

Of course, lending a hand along the way to those traveling the path you once trotted is also deeply rewarding. 

It Matters and It Doesn't

"Just think, a million people didn't wake up today, but you did. Doesn't that make today a remarkable day?" the guru asked. It was a question that forced a point of view I hadn't considered in a while. I paused briefly, giving thought to my own mortality, but not in some dark or sullen way.

On the contrary, I considered the fact that we'll all die someday as profoundly liberating. What I mean is, it freed me up to realize what I want to accomplish in life is both incredibly important and at the same time, not at all.

Looking back, I would have benefited greatly if I'd given greater thought to life's fickle and swift nature. How many times had I gotten worked up over a scene not going precisely as rehearsed? A bombed audition? A film not being accepted to a festival? It all mattered so much and at the same it didn't.

My point is not to stop dreaming big, or working diligently towards your goals. Goals that resonate with us are what give life tremendous meaning and value. My suggestion is to merely add perspective and emotional intelligence to your ambition.

We can't take our accomplishments, or IMDB pages with us when we go. We can however, leave a legacy of how we lived, and by doing so, hopefully inspire future generations.