Mothers have amazingly simple and accurate advice on success. Back in the sixties I wanted nothing more than to become a printer. The thought of writing my stories and them printing them out for all to read, fascinated me. I wanted to start my own newspaper, magazine and then a book publishing company. Of course, these were grandiose ideas pouring from the mind of a ten year old.
So, one day I was sitting in the kitchen talking to my mom and mentioned to her that I was going to go to the library. “What books are you going to take out this time?” she asked me, knowing that I would bring home the maximum allowed (I was a regular at our public library, so much so, that they had given me the rare honor of an adult library card, because they felt I had read most of the books in the children’s library).
I told her, “I’m going to get a few books on printing.”
“Why do you want to learn about printing?”
“Well, ma, I figure one day I will become a printer and then start my own newspaper.”
“That’s a great idea,” she started, and then added, “Don’t you walk by a printer’s shop, when you go to the library?”
“Yes ma’am,” I answered.
She smiled and said, “Well, he seems like he’s a pretty successful printer, so, maybe if you stop by, introduce yourself and tell him you’d like to one day become a printer, he might be able to help you out.”
Use Others’ Success as a Blueprint
Brilliant, I thought. It had never occurred to me to do that. That was many years ago. But, I have always followed that advice from my mother. And that advice holds true today – if you want an accurate blueprint to success, simply follow the advice of someone in your profession that is successful.
I never became a printer because the advice that I received from that printer set me on a different path. But, had I wanted to follow in his footsteps, he offered me the opportunity to become an apprentice when I turned eighteen.
Your Path to Success
There are many ways to set about creating your path to success. You can ask someone where you currently work to become your mentor. You can take advantage of the library and read as many books as you can about your chosen path. And of course, in this day of the Internet, you can sign up for training through a number of different sources.
If you want to direct movies, why not look to Ron Howard to teach you how? If you want to learn photography, Annie Leibovitz, one of the greatest photographers of our time, has a MasterClass. You want to learn to sing from Christina Aguilera? It’s possible. Take her class! There are classes today offered by some of the greatest legends in their chosen profession. It only takes a little research.
But regardless of what decide, commit to doing something to get you to where you want to be. Thinking about it won’t get you there. Action will. Good luck!
