Don’t close the door on inspiration, conversation, or work
Years ago I met an aspiring musician who didn’t listen to music because he wanted his sound to be unique. I can think of few better ways to guarantee mediocrity than to refuse to be inspired or participate in the conversation.
If you were to ask a struggling director whose films she most admired, and she shrugged and said she didn’t really watch movies, how successful would you predict she’ll be in her career? How about a web designer who doesn’t pay attention to web, or a journalist who is uninterested in current events? With many careers (especially in the arts), it’s easy to see that success requires personal investment.
I am surprised at how many people I talk to who are vaguely piecing together career paths around general interest, but not passion. They are unaware of what peers and pioneers are doing in their industry. They are not tuned in to the conversation, aren’t even fluent in the language of their craft, and somehow believe that nothing more is required of them for success.
I don’t mean to be rehashing Lisa Barone’s snarky explanation that it’s not the economy, it’s you (although I do agree with her on several points). Let me say, though, that THE WORLD DOES NOT OWE YOU A JOB. Even my mom can see the value of staying current in her industry, and her employment aspirations are rather old school. (Mom, if you read this, no disrespect.)
If there were ever a time to take personal inventory and build your own brand equity, it’s now. Who inspires you, and what are you doing to emulate them? Who do you read? (Mom, what does Jim Rothenberg have to say this week?) How do you get new information? How conversant are you in your field? How are you contributing to the conversation? What are you doing to be relevant?
I am honestly optimistic about the potential to contribute and find work, even in the current economy. Personal investment and passion are not just employment value-adds, they are the foundation for success. Don’t be afraid of inspiration. You can’t be inspiring if you’ve never been inspired.
