Issue #128: Movin' On Up
June 15, 2007
THRIVE! Talkin'!Don't just read the newsletter, live it!Jump into the THRIVE! forum and get set for success!  Movin' On UpMatthew Poepsel, LeftBrain/Co-FounderIs it just me or is Steve Carell everywhere these days? Just this week, for example, I saw Carell starring in "The Office" on NBC, in "The 40 year Old Virgin" on HBO, and in trailers for the upcoming "Evan Almighty". He appeared alongside variety show hosts Conan O'Brien and John Stewart. In the blink of an eye, Carell is now one of those classic examples of an overnight success, right? Not so fast... It turns out that Carell has been plying his craft for more than twenty years. It's true. Did you know that his first film credit was way back in 1991 when he appeared in "Curly Sue"? Sixteen years of movies and television does not exactly constitute an "overnight" success. Let's hit the proverbial pause button for a second. It's quite a long way from a minor role in Curly Sue to the lead in "Evan Almighty" - a film that many believe will be the most expensive comedy ever made. $250 million is a budget of biblical proportions. (OK, I'll leave the comedy to Carell.) Look at Carell's career progression, and ask yourself how he felt about his accomplishments each step of the way:
The path to the top is often hard to see and impossible to predict. Still, it has to be appreciated for what it is every step of the way. Think about your own situation. Think about your home, your significant other, and your family. Do you truly appreciate what you have today or are you only looking forward to what comes next? Think about your career. Do you go home relaxed and mindful of the work you did that day or are you daydreaming of a dream job? If you're like most people, you earn more money today than you did ten years ago. Are you happy with your financial situation or do you pine for a new house, boat, watch, or just some financial security? When it comes down to it, each of us is a work in progress. And that's a good thing! I believe that humans are aspirational by nature. We are constantly striving to have, do, and be more. (I love that about us.) The only time it becomes a problem is when we cast a dim light on today simply because it's not tomorrow. A successful attitude comes down to how you look at your current situation. Think about some your recent achievements. Do you discount the achievement or do you bask its glow before raising the bar? Are the messages you send yourself: a) Demotivating - "Good, but I'm not there yet." or "It was no big deal." or "Sure, but someday..."; or Once again, let's take a look at funnyman Steve Carell. His path to success twisted and turned with excitement and uncertainty. (Sound familiar?) And by all accounts, we should get used to looking at him. "The Office" is working on another 30 episodes, and he'll be appearing in next year's "Get Smart" as none other than Maxwell Smart. And don't get me started on 2009's "Untitled Steve Carell Project". (That one's got "blockbuster" written all over it.) Each step along the path brings you a bit closer to your ultimate objective. Be sure to appreciate it for what it is - proof that you can succeed today and tomorrow. Break a leg! |
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Coaching Quickie: Movin' On UpHow would you rate your view of your personal achievements?Follow the link above to vote for your response. While you're there lend us your feedback, or share some goals with fellow readers. Check back next week for results! Last Week's ResultsCoaching Quickie: OK - Now What? |
