The scars to success ratio is never 0:1, 0:2, 0:10, 0:100, and so forth.
In reality, for those of us painting art, writing music, changing things, and stirring the pot, it’s probably 1:1.
For every success there is (there will be) a scar.
Every mentor I have walks with a limp and is covered in band aids. The difference between them and the mode is that they play through the pain and never ask to be “subbed” out of the game.
May these words free you.
Today, you can throw away your slide rule, your graphing calculator, your spreadsheets, your iPod, your compass, your protractor, your ruler, your telescope, your microscope, your graphing paper, your laptop, your cell phone, and even your iPad. They’re helpful, but not necessary.
Today, you can stop pointing at the past, the people, and problems you feel have held you back.
It’s not your God-given name, nor your background, nor your tools (or lack there of) that will take you to the success you long for.
You were pre-installed with every bit of hardware and software that you would need before the foundations of the world were created. In other words, your God-given guts and hands are just waiting for you to boot up.
Listen….You can be named Bubba, never have had a professional lesson, and still champion whatever field, sector, or industry you’re looking to master.
I love the guy that is unashamed on the dance floor.
I would like to offer you the invitation to be that guy/girl.
You are free to be WHO you are and move HOW you like/love in the marketplace (dance floor).
Just keep dancing to the music you’re hearing and making the moves that feel right.
The masses may not be getting it, but slowly – if you are notable, getting talked about, being pointed at, and sometimes even being mocked…you are on your way becoming a very desirable dance partner in the marketplace.
Careful with always and never.
These words, when spoken, can be detrimental to your relationships. They freeze the subject matter and give it no room to breathe.
And these words, when thought, can be detrimental with you and your future with your customer(s).
Constantly dig into what is trending. There you should (notice I didn’t say always) find points of debate to what you think always or never happens and goes on.
Watch musicians while playing with their instruments.
Musicians make funny faces. Musicians have weird moves. Musicians have their eyes wide open. Musicians move with their eyes shut.
Now turn and watch the musician’s fans…they are not bothered by the weirdness. Actually, they promote it – talk about it – sometimes even reenact it. The strange ways of the musician are why the fan buy his album, his shirt, and the ticket to his show.
Remember, our instruments make our music and our music tells our story.
The marketplace gives you a lot of freedom to be you when your instruments are in hand.
Let the music play.
Ashton.Gustafson 