Getting There, Doing That

The urge to "skip ahead." It's widespread and symptomatic of our fast-food culture. And it's particularly, sadly, evident in actors and wanna-be actors.

From the point of view of someone who values mastery, it's maddening, of course. But after all, who wouldn't like to have a great physique, for instance, while eating whatever you like and never having to exercise?

I get that. Only, life doesn't work that way. And we know it, too, we just don't like to admit it.

Remember this: There's a price to pay for getting what you want. Always. And that price, as a rule, is a pretty fair reflection of value. In other words, what comes cheap, generally is cheap. Not worth much. You get what you pay for.

What's more, what's worth having is worth working for. Because it isn't the "got it" that satisfies, so much as the "getting it."

"Been there done that" – where's the energy in that? How about this, instead: "Getting there, doing that!" Feels a lot better, don't you think? 

There's simply no achievement without effort. And there's no great achievement without great effort, great work.

So forget about skipping ahead. Skipping ahead leads, inevitably, to falling behind. And finally to quitting. It may satisy in the short run, but it's a loser's bet.

If you're inclined to skip ahead, I suggest the following alternative: Decide to give up. That's right. Decide to fold. Admit that you aren't willing to put in the work. Because that's honest. Actually, you can live with that, you really can. And then you can move on.

On the other hand, if you're good with step by step, if you're not interested in skipping ahead, if you're up for training and practice, then you're in another class. Let your desire fuel your steps and go for it. Train and practice hard and consistently. Have a long-term perspective. Keep your eyes on the prize and pedal to the metal. Because you, unlike the "skippers" who don't stand a chance, in fact have a real shot at getting exactly what you want. Maybe even more. Because you have what it takes.