We hear the stories. Men and women who drop out of school to do something they love or to create an idea they only have. We only hear about the success stories and not so much the failures. Among the success stories is film director and creator, Quentin Tarantino.
At 17, back in 1981, Tarantino dropped out of school and moved to Hollywood. The purpose was to study acting and film. That he did. One of Tarantino’s teachers noted how obsessed he was with film, thinking that Tarantino “must have watched every movie in history.” As a result of this raw, deeply rooted obsession, Jack Lucarelli, the teacher of Tarantino, knew he would have a successful career.
“He was in it for all the right reasons,” said Lucarelli. He continued, [ I’m paraphrasing] that it was very enlightening-that he was in it because he lived film. Too many people do things for the wrong reasons. Money, rewards, recognition, attention, to get a star on the walk of fame. The success of Tarantino was because of his love for it. Many did not success because they were in it for the wrong reason.
“Most people would have quit after donating three years of their life to such a failure.” - Quentin Tarantino
I am not saying you should or need to quit school. However, the takeaway here is, becoming obsessed with what you want to do. Too often we expect the results without the work. Many people want to write a book and most don’t. Why? Because they are not in love with the idea or obsessed by it.
Have you read all the books on the thing you want to learn about?
Have you watched all the movies? Heard all the podcasts? Have you done the research?
Ultimately, your success in any aspect of your life comes down to what you do. No one will do it for you. Recently I wrote about Incrementalism (linked below). This can lead to that obsession and eventual success in what you want to do.
What is incrementalism?
Matthew Dicks in a recent podcast mentioned how life changing incrementalism is and can be. Ultimately, over time, the thing you do today will mean something. Today you may feel as if the work is pointless or you may even feel like quitting. But don’t.
Thought Provoking Question 1 : What have you always wanted to do?
Thought Provoking Question 2 : What can you become obsessed about?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read on sharing wisdom and asking though-provoking questions.
What are your thoughts on this piece? Comment below…