The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly.
– American director, and producer, Cecil B. DeMille, was born on this day in 1881 (died 1959)
Dreams. Projects. Goals.
They all take work.
Cecil B. DeMille knew what he wanted and went after it.
Interestingly, the only Academy Award DeMille won was when The Greatest Show on Earth won for Best Picture in 1952.
DeMille didn’t worry about that saying that he won his awards at the box office.
Still, one would think The Ten Commandments a sure winner, but it was up against Around the Word in 80 Days (winner), Giant, Friendly Persuation, and The King and I.
Face it, they don’t make movies like they used to.
I digress.
DeMille knew what he wanted to do. And he knew he had to work to do it.
No doubt the had some setbacks along the way. We all do.
When those inevitable setbacks come, we have two choices. We can let them derail us, or we can let them teach us and inspire us to work that much harder.
Hard work doesn’t guarantee that a project will be a success or that a dream will come true.
I’m not preaching, and I’m not trying to over spiritualize this. But scripture says:
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
– James 2:26
It’s about looking ahead. It’s about seeing what we want and being willing to work for it. It’s about working for what we believe or because we believe.
I’m not talking about the day job that just pays the bills. That’s important. But unless what you’re doing is your absolute dream you’ll never consider it to be a success of living.
I certainly won’t. The day job is cool. The day job pays the bills.
It’s not who I’m called to be. It’s not who I am.
And, it’s not what will describe success in my life.
But it will help me get there. And for that, I am grateful.
I know what my goals are. I know what I’m working for.
Do you?
Don’t let obstacles, or day jobs, stand in the way of your goals and dreams. Either figure out how to eliminate or move the obstacle, or find a way to get around it.
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