Last week must have been my lucky week, or something. How often do you get to say you saw a presidential candidate (Barack Obama), a venerable rockstar (Bruce Springsteen), a songwriting global activist (Bono), a stand up comic (Chris Rock), a passionate pianist (Alicia Keys), the current IT songstress (Shakira) and a former U.S. President (Bill Clinton) – all within the span of three days?
I know, let me say it again, last week was my lucky week.
Though I may get a little star struck at times, one of the real reasons I felt so lucky to have seen these household names is because I got to observe each of them at a moment of pure passion for their career and for their life's work.
It all started Thursday night when I got to witness (and marvel at) Barack Obama delivering a campaign speech to 24,000 people in a beyond packed Washington Square Park – some who came were old, some young, some ardent supporters, some unsure. Yet he was able to keep that many people packed into the park, many waited to watch him go to his car and scrambled to shake his hand. Some of that might have to do with celebrity status, but I'm sure more of it has to do with his charisma and passion for what he does. That is what held my interest. I'm not sure if I'll vote for him, but I did like hearing what he has to say and felt inspired, because he was so happy to be running for president, happy to pursue his ideals, and hopeful that he really could make a difference through his work.
The next morning, still feeling lucky to have heard such a moving speaker, I arrived at work to find that I had stumbled upon a free, outdoor Bruce Springsteen concert being taped for NBC. Talk about TGIF! Bruce has been a legend for decades, and he could play excellent concerts based on his hits from years ago, but yet he's still busy making new records, because he's not afraid of losing what he's gained. By watching him, not only was I entertained, I was given another chance to witness an unstoppable, and always forward-thinking person, who has found the secret to his personal success.
Then on Saturday, I went to an event put on by MTV and Clinton's non-profit organization, Clinton Global Initiative, to generate interest in community service, donating to charities, or donating skills to worthy causes. Alicia Keys, Bill Clinton, Bono, Chris Rock, and Shakira were all there to entertain – but also to show how they used their talents to make a successful career and give back the community. Before attending the event I would have never imagined such different people performing on the same stage, but afterwards I was impressed by how motivated and ambitious each one was. They all had given so much time, money and effort, and still manage to juggle multiple careers, busy work schedules, and philanthropic pursuits. Again this was another example of successful people in action. Without worrying about being too ambitious or setting unrealistic goals,
Fortunately in my life, I am surrounded by non-famous people who I can turn to, for advice, inspiration, motivation, and support to help me accomplish my dreams. Sure, maybe I needed a wake-up call from some big names with flashy smiles, but I don't have to go far to find impressive people. Whether it is a teacher, co-worker, friend, a patient store clerk, or a charming salesperson, a loved one who is absolutely crazy about her job, or a friend who can't get enough of his leadership in a club, we can learn from observing each of their experiences, how they present themselves and how they exude confidence and passion. We just have to remember to pay attention and listen, and let our own charisma and passion shine through for the work that matters most to us.
The next morning, still feeling lucky to have heard such a moving speaker, I arrived at work to find that I had stumbled upon a free, outdoor Bruce Springsteen concert being taped for NBC. Talk about TGIF! Bruce has been a legend for decades, and he could play excellent concerts based on his hits from years ago, but yet he's still busy making new records, because he's not afraid of losing what he's gained. By watching him, not only was I entertained, I was given another chance to witness an unstoppable, and always forward-thinking person, who has found the secret to his personal success.
Then on Saturday, I went to an event put on by MTV and Clinton's non-profit organization, Clinton Global Initiative, to generate interest in community service, donating to charities, or donating skills to worthy causes. Alicia Keys, Bill Clinton, Bono, Chris Rock, and Shakira were all there to entertain – but also to show how they used their talents to make a successful career and give back the community. Before attending the event I would have never imagined such different people performing on the same stage, but afterwards I was impressed by how motivated and ambitious each one was. They all had given so much time, money and effort, and still manage to juggle multiple careers, busy work schedules, and philanthropic pursuits. Again this was another example of successful people in action. Without worrying about being too ambitious or setting unrealistic goals,
Fortunately in my life, I am surrounded by non-famous people who I can turn to, for advice, inspiration, motivation, and support to help me accomplish my dreams. Sure, maybe I needed a wake-up call from some big names with flashy smiles, but I don't have to go far to find impressive people. Whether it is a teacher, co-worker, friend, a patient store clerk, or a charming salesperson, a loved one who is absolutely crazy about her job, or a friend who can't get enough of his leadership in a club, we can learn from observing each of their experiences, how they present themselves and how they exude confidence and passion. We just have to remember to pay attention and listen, and let our own charisma and passion shine through for the work that matters most to us.
1. I have problems with my motivation sometimes.
external harddrive at 4:24AM on Sep 25th 2009