I got sucked in to watching this show where scouts pluck girls from obscurity and decide whether or not to sign them with a modeling agency. And hidden deep within the photo shoots, heavy make-up, and hair-blowing-in-the-wind, was an important lesson.
The episode I watched pitted two would-be-models against each other. Let's call one Pouty Edgy Girl (PEG), and let's call the other girl The Other Girl (TOG).
Pouty Edgy Girl was a natural. Her photo shoot was perfect. She nailed every pose, and the photographer loved her. She had a pouty attitude and edge, and the scouts and agents cheered her on. But PEG wasn't sure modeling was her dream. Her uncertainty and lack of passion shone through.
The Other Girl wasn't a natural. Her walk was clunky. Her poses lacked confidence. The scouts and agents shook their heads with worry. But for TOG, modeling was her dream. She was passionate, determined, willing to improve, and considered herself "blessed" to have this opportunity.
You probably know where this is headed, right? You guessed it. Pouty Edgy Girl was not signed. The agents loved her, but they weren't willing to take a chance on a model who lacked passion and commitment. The Other Girl's winning attitude caused the agency to want to work with her and shape her career.
It was another reminder that all the stars can be lined up...talent, luck, connections. But if we lack passion for our work, and the commitment to see it through to the end, whatever that end may be, we're missing the winning ingredients.
I found a quote by an unknown author that sums this up perfectly. "When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible."
Pouty Edgy Girl was an artist, and art was her passion. She'll be just fine. As for The Other Girl, we might see her on the cover of a magazine some day.
What are your thoughts on passion and commitment? Are there days when you're lacking one or both? How do you get it back?
It's funny, I was talking about this yesterday. My daughter wants to pursue a career in art, and is working towards it. My Honey and I were discussing this when he said worriedly 'what if she isn't as good as we think she is?' (Of course, we both think she's amazing!). My answer was that she might not get all the way to the top but she has the passion and the determination and yes, talent, to make a career somewhere within her chosen field. And because she loves it, being at the top won't be as important to her as being happy and fulfilled at what she does.
ReplyDeleteSorry, may have veered off topic slightly!
Wow, Sarah, I loved this...
ReplyDelete"And because she loves it, being at the top won't be as important to her as being happy and fulfilled at what she does."
An excellent reminder for all of us!
So true! Passion can take you a lot of places. When I'm talking careers and guidance with my students, I usually give them two pieces of advice. #1 Don't close doors on yourself - take as many tough courses as you can. You never know what you'll want to do later. #2 Follow your joy.
ReplyDeleteJemi, that is excellent advice! My son is a freshman in high school, and this topic is big right now
DeleteJulie, your post reminds me of when I "tried" to play basketball in jr. high. I was short (still am) and lacked talent (still do). There were two girls at the school who were over six feet tall. The coach forced them to play. They were horrible. They quit mid-season. I wasn't so good, but I had passion. I was "on the team" for the during of my jr. high years and even made the high school team because of my passion. (I eventually gave it up in 11th grade.)
ReplyDeleteSo, yes, passion can sometimes take us farther than skill. :)
Wow, wow, wow. What a story about passion and determination! Thanks, Linda
DeleteGREAT post! Tweeting this. Writing definitely demands that kind of passion, that willingness to BEND on some things (I definitely took time to learn that one!). Basically, a determination to make the most of your ability and listen to wise advice along the way (and that doesn't mean ALL advice! grin).
ReplyDeleteAh, this is so true! Sifting through all the advice is tricky, but if we're open to learning, that's an excellent start :)
DeleteGreat post, Julie. For some reason a quote comes to mind: Never underestimate the heart of a champion. Heart is what keeps us going, where talent and ego fall short. There are books and movies full of the underdog overcoming his obstacles to reach the goal. Thanks so much for this awesome reminder!
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I love that quote! The heart of a champion...it's nice to know there's a champion within each of us.
DeleteI've heard about this show. I've always believed that passion can get you to accomplish your goal. Whenever I'm low on passion (usually not enough time or too tired), I just think about why I wanted to write in the first place and I find my core again.
ReplyDeleteKaren, that's great advice for recovering our passion & determination--to remember why we write in the first place. Thanks!
DeletePassion is key. If it doesn't set your heart on fire, why do it?
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, Leslie!
DeleteGreat story!! I can totally see that happening. Writing is my passion and although there may be others better than me, I will drive myself harder to make up what I lack in talent.
ReplyDeleteI think passion and commitment are just as vital as talent. They will certainly get you far! A truly great artist, of any kind, has both.
ReplyDeleteWithout passion for our own work, why would we expect others to feel any different? Passion should be the foundation for everything. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the thought-provoking post!
I can't remember the last time I awoke without passion and commitment.
ReplyDeleteYou see... if you are passionate about something, you become committed to it. Your commitment then fuels your passion.
I would hire someone with passion over anything else. With passion grow the wings of success.
Good for the selection on this show!
Passion and commitment mean everything.
ReplyDeleteWatching reality shows. . .doesn't. hehe :)
erica
Great to think about. I think passion and commitment are not feelings or emotions. So even if you're not feeling it on a certain day, doesn't mean you're not passionate or committed!
ReplyDeleteWow, loved reading this post and the comments. What great encouragement - it's not about being the best naturally, but about your drive.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting show. I can see how you need both passion and commitment in order to make it as an artist. It's so hard to "make" it, so you need that drive!
ReplyDeleteI've found that passion pushes you through the difficulties, makes you try harder and not give up. This is a great post, Julie! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBanned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteSuplemen Pelangsing Herbal
Suplemen Peremajaan Kulit
Obat Herbal Penyakit Gastritis
Obat Herbal Patah Tulang
Jenis Suplemen Yang Baik Dikonsumsi Ibu Hamil
Suplemen Kesehatan Tulang
Obat Tradisional Penurun Kolesterol
Suplemen Penurun Kolesterol Dalam Darah
Suplemen Penurun Kolesterol Tinggi
Green World Blueberry Concentrate