Being Discovered

In the entertainment business, the most common approach for those who seek fame and fortune is to hone their craft and then hope that they’re discovered by some scouting agent. As stereotypes go, the magical person they’re waiting for will see the artist’s work, recognize his star potential, and then whisk him and his mates away in a long black limousine to a life of fabulous prosperity.

Even in the days before most of the creative industries suffered an Internet-induced meltdown, this was fantasy of the highest order. The fact that the scenario I just illustrated actually happened on rare occasion is a terrible thing, as it encouraged people to embrace a career strategy that was on par with spending all their money on the lottery each day in hopes of striking it rich.

It’s okay to hope that you’ll meet an influential stranger who can forever change your life. However, if hoping is all you do, you’re screwed. It is the height of folly to sit back and do nothing, taking a passive approach to your career while waiting for the good fairy to show up and tap you on the head with a magic wand. On second thought, maybe a tap on the head is just what the doctor ordered. It might just knock some sense into you.

The chances of you being "discovered" and living thereafter as a rock star - no matter how great your talent - are about the same as buying a winning lottery ticket. You’re better off using the money you’d spend on tickets to buy a cheeseburger. Work to create your own opportunities.

Dream big, and dream often. Then get off your tail and do the work.