Daniel Day-Lewis is arguably the greatest actor of our time. His approach to his craft is-to say the least-intense. He is a tremendous example of pursuing what you do with full passion. What if we did the same with our own careers? Greatness would be the result.
For better or worse, the choice is ours.
Take a look at the interview below with Mr. Day-Lewis and see if you can’t pick up some career advice.
I was pointed to Change This by Seth Godin some months ago. They have a neat concept and approach that I’ve decided to through my hat into. You can view my Manifesto Proposal and vote accordingly.
If you want more detail on how their system/process works you can click here to learn more. And I thank you for your vote:)
Barnes and Noble now has Waking Up In Corporate America on their site and ready for ordering. Some folks were wondering about B&N.com…I confess that I was too. But after some emails and communications of the obvious, you now have another outlet for purchase.
Thanks again for your support of the book.
There is an article in today’s Wall Street Journal that I can’t linked to because they are subscriber only (come quickly Mr. Murdoch, come quickly). But the article’s about Ludwig van Beethoven and his 9th symphony…his last. Do you realize he was deaf?
Which brings me to perseverance and time. I think Beethoven was 53 when he wrote the masterpiece. I wonder if he knew that the deafness and frailty of life would be the right elixir for what many consider to be the greatest composition ever written? I doubt it. We move thru life taking our blows and disappointments, not realizing that they, not wild success and notoriety, are the keys to the beautiful symphonies we create. I guess the key is know what’s in your heart. Beethoven spoke of that…
I communicated today with a former colleague/vendor who I worked with while in corporate America. We don’t communicate often, but with the release of my book (Waking Up In Corporate America) I wanted to let him know it was out. My contacting him was part of my strategy to go viral with my marketing…a good strategy for someone in my state.
Tom and I talked about a lot of things when I roamed the halls of corporate America. We spoke of funny things, business things, and the deep stuff too. Some type of symphony was formed, but I didn’t know it at the time. As time passed, our lives moved in different directions (natural when a season ends).
Well, I digress, Tom emailed me today and informed me that he bought 5 of my books. One for himself and 4 to share with colleagues at a sales conference. Obviously, I’m grateful for the multiple copy sale. By the way, I believe this is what viral marketing is all about. And viral didn’t start today with Tom, but years ago. Deposits were made…essential. But even more important was how he showed me that you don’t have to be conscious of all the greatness you create. You just have to be working in the land of greatness, which resides in your heart.
So have you stopped to listen to the symphonies?
Physically touched my book for the first time today.
I cried at the thought of how much work, faith and perseverance went into the project. A great release for me.
I smiled when my wife gave me a great card and a wonderful bottle of 2000 vintage Barolo.
All-in-all a wonderful mixture celebrating a triumph.
Was looking at the television news yesterday (local and national) and I thought I was in the movie Ground Hog Day.
I said to myself; "I’ve heard this before…a recession is coming, a recession is coming." It was as if I was transported back to 2000 or 1994. Same panic, same doom. Isn’t it surprising that we survived? I don’t think so.
You should be concerned about the following:
As many of you know I have been working on a book. Waking Up In Corporate America: The Seven Secrets That Opened My Eyes is the title and it will be live on January 15. You can order from my new site here or from Amazon (see the link in the right-hand column of this post). Barnes and Noble should be live on the fifteenth. I can’t tell you how happy I am…another dream fulfilled…something from my heart now out.
Since I believe in viral marketing, I would ask that you buy the book and help me spread the word by telling your sphere/network about the ideas contained in the work. I’d also love to hear your feedback.
Stay tuned…
You’ve probably already heard about McDonald’s plans to enter the world of gourmet coffee(Starbucks, Caribou, etc.). I’m just wondering if McDonald’s really believes this fits their brand. I’ll leave the in-depth marketing analysis to Seth Godin. But for my money, I don’t get it. Since I don’t frequent McDonald’s, maybe I’m not the person to ask if I would go there versus Starbucks. Last time I checked McDonald’s was a place to go to get what you want fast.
From what I understand Starbucks isn’t concerned. You can look at this article from Forbes and get a feel for the pulse.
Here’s how to avoid the McDonald’s Complex:
I did a radio show a few weeks ago and the host asked me if I thought most Americans were "soft." I answered him with a yes, but not for the reasons you might think. My reply surprised him. I explained that Americans (not all) have lost their hunger for a vision. In other words, finding vision builds strength.
Somewhere along the line we decided that vision was just too mystical, so we cast it into the abyss of "soft." When that happened, vision became the sport of heretics, revolutionaries and madwomen. I went on to say that without a compelling vision it is very difficult to sustain anything.
Here’s my example of a compelling vision:
Nike Running is a great partner in my vision for better health. I embraced running about 5 months ago. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I have been faithful to my routine and I miss doing it if the weather isn’t cooperating (sometimes I run even when it’s not). My desire for a better life, without a guarantee, health wise causes me to stay focused and committed.
Take the time to discover a compelling vision…it beats within you.
Considering that I live in Ohio (right in OSU’s backyard), it seems only appropriate that I write about over confidence. I’m referencing the type that is being poured out by many sports writers into the heads of LSU players/coaches/fans today. Specifically tonight’s BCS Championship game. Of course, I want the Buckeyes to win, but I don’t wish overconfidence on anyone.
If you’ve been reading paper/online sports columns, then you already know that Ohio State doesn’t have a snow ball’s chance in….
Maybe the above is true, but here are 10 rules for not getting over confident in life and work: