Paying The Price

Artists train over many decades. Countless hours of practice condition the body and mind to perform the creative movements that lift us above our daily cares. No matter what art form, the better it looks/sounds, and the less effort the performer "appears" to be expending, the more practice has been invested. Although many think they want to be up on that stage, they don't realize the years of sacrifice paid for those fleeting moments of performance. Many other things in life must be missed, especially the time wasters. Yes, sharing magic while performing is an incredible joy, but those moments are few compared to the hours and years of ongoing practice.

This is also true of any success in life. Whether it's the work of cultivating, planting, weeding, and watering all summer for a harvest in Fall, or becoming a skilled craftsman, surgeon, parent, or anything else. The price must be paid. We can't "take" success, and there are no shortcuts. It has to be earned, day after day after day.

Never become discouraged considering the cost of becoming good at anything. Instead, be grateful for the opportunity to try, and work relentlessly to reach a worthwhile goal. In the end, reaching the goal isn't what matters. What really matters is what we become in the process: self-disciplined, focused, and persistent. It's what develops character. And, while on "your" way up, encourage the next person as well. Nothing is more motivating than encouragement. It's the breeze that fans the coals of your passion!