Don't Do Too Much

There's a famous story about the day Jack Lemmon received a master class in acting for the camera by director Billy Wilder. The two were on the set for the classic film, Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. At this point, Jack Lemmon had done a considerable amount of theater and television but was still relatively new to the world of feature films.

As the story goes Lemmon was in the middle of a scene when Wilder stopped him. "Less Jack. Less," he said. Lemmon supposedly took the note and resumed the scene. A few minutes go by and Lemmon feels like he's really cooking when once again he's stopped by the Academy Award winning director. "Less Jack. Less." Lemmon scratched his head, took the note again, and continued to plow along. The scene goes on for a while before Wilder stops him for a third time, "Less Jack. Less." At this point Lemmon's had it and screams, "Billy, if I do any less I'll be doing nothing." Wilder supposedly smiled before saying, "Exactly."

Too often we feel we're not enough when the truth is we're infinitely interesting. The key whether on stage or off is to trust we have a voice and something of value to offer without overcompensating for what we mistake to be deficiencies. 

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. 

Embolden Your "Why"

For as much effort as I put into each important endeavor, the truth remains, I work hardest on myself. And so it still confounds me that I don't get more things done.

Perhaps this is a hang-up many of you can relate to. There just never seems to be enough hours in a day, or you're secretly haunted by the knowing there's simply a better way. You just haven't figured it out yet.

But how many of us work steadily towards a goal, sometimes for years on end, without occasionally taking inventory of its importance? Does it still matter? Is it a long-term goal or simply a means to one? And more importantly, do I have a philosophy on life? What is it exactly these goals that I value so much are helping me do? Be? Get out of life?

As of late, these are questions I haven't asked myself nearly enough. I'll plop down in a chair and begin typing away without a second thought as to why. I know they're important, or were at one point, but fail to dig deeper asking, "What is the long-term objective here?"

As a result, it's easy to lose sight of the broader vision. In fact, for some, it's impossible to lose because you never had it to begin with.

Stay focused on your dreams. Work hard. Go forth undaunted.

Just check in with yourself from time to time and embolden your, "Why." It may make all the difference.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

"I like getting older," my friend Alex told me. We were at our friend Sean's wedding over the weekend and what prompted his comment was an observation made by his better half, Liz. "You grow to appreciate that you can't do everything. And that's okay."

I took her words to heart later that evening. She was right. There's power in giving over to what is just not in the cards. It's not a form of defeat, or complacency, but rather an understanding that we can't be great at everything. You can still dream big and work diligently towards those grand ambitions, while also grounding them with a sense of truth. It's up to you to discover what that means.

I know I'll never play mid-fielder for the Men's US Soccer Team and that's okay. Instead, I have more time to go all in on my strengths and focus on what I'm skilled at doing.