Editor’s note: it’s Friday. I’ve been slaving over a writing project and my brain cells are down to triple digits. I’m tired of the sound of my own voice, so this post is (mostly) just for fun.
Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day for romance. A a day for flower shops, card sellers and chocolatiers.
If you’re single, or just not into the hearts and flowers, you’ll be just as glad when it’s over.
Wait. There’s an antidote.
Not too long ago, I was talking to an artist about the way some people react to her prices. She was beyond frustrated. “Don’t they know how long this takes?”
Another artist was of the angry opinion that “People are stupid.”
There are way too many people in the industrialized world who have no idea where their food comes from. They think pizza comes out of a box. Why would they know about what you do? How could they even begin to know?
Have you ever watched an acting company prepare for a show? It’s a fascinating experience.
First, the actors, director and stage managers sit down for a read-through—just the people and the script—to get a feel for the play. Then rehearsals begin. The director works out the blocking—where he wants the actors to enter and exit, where they should stand and move on the set to convey the right message to the audience.
There are more rehearsals.
The set is built, the lights are hung, the sound guys do their work, the actors adapt to their new environment.
The following quote is a Stickie on my desktop:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans—the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.”
W.H. Murray
Scottish Himalayan Expedition
There are people who would have you believe that positive thinking will make all your dreams come true. There are enough self-help books pushing that message to sink a container ship.
Are you one of those people who procrastinates? Do you wait until a deadline is way too close before kicking into high gear? How many people do you know who do the same thing?
Do you approach business that way, too?