The secret is...each success is as individual as each person
is unique.
I have a different view of achievement and risk than most
other people I know. And I think it comes from years of
falling through the cracks, which could also be translated
into perseverance against all odds.
I'm all for information and research, in fact I do quite a
bit of it before I take on any endeavor, and continue
learning along the path. But I tend to filter out the bad
stuff and emphasize the good. I figure if someone else has
done it, I can do it, too, despite what anyone else tells
me.
I was told the college of my choice had high G.P.A
requirements and low acceptance rates. I applied even though
I didn't meet the requirements, was accepted and enjoyed a
successful college career.
I was told there were few summer jobs in my field of study,
that none of my fellow interior design peers were able to find
one. I doubled my efforts and landed a great summer job in a
commercial firm, which lead to a permanent job offer after
graduation.
My parents said I'd never make a living with an art degree.
I knew my strengths and followed my gut. Of the nine careers
I've ventured into since graduation, five of them have been
art/design related. One of those was more lucrative than a
beginning physician's salary. All the others have been, or
still are, successful endeavors.
Others in the medical field told me I'd never get a job in
ultrasound without going through x-ray training first. They
said the school I was going to was worthless. I eventually
landed a job at a premier institution working hand in hand
with some of the most brilliant Radiologists in the
country...unarguably, the greatest level of success in my
professional life.
And...
When every writer seemed to harp on how hard it is to get an
agent, I tried harder, casting a wide net and sending out
hundreds of queries and collecting hundreds of rejections.
My efforts lead me to my current agent.
One of my crit partners has researched the numbers regarding how
difficult it is to get published in today's market--a very
smart thing to do. But I told her I didn't want to know
anything about those numbers, didn't want to see the wall
I'm up against, because, for me, ignorance is bliss.
Call it stubbornness, perseverance, or just dumb luck, but
focusing on and planning for success instead of worrying
about roadblocks and failure has brought me a long way in
whatever adventure I've chosen to embark on over the path of
my life so far.
My secret to success: Ignore the bullshit, believe in
yourself and just keep on going.
Here's another great article on the topic:
http://www.lorraineheath.com/articles/hadIknown.htm
