I hear this all the time; “You’re so lucky to get to do what you do”. I often nod and agree. But I also know how hard I’ve worked and how much risk I’ve taken, and despite being a scientist by education, I can’t help but acknowledge a little luck gets sprinkled into the equation. I often feel fortunate or favored to have the opportunity to create value from ideas. I know all about causation and most of the time I can figure out the connection to effect, but sometimes the connection is tenuous. Things fall out of the clear blue sky and I ponder the idea of “what great luck.”
Twyla Tharp the great choreographer said it best:
“You don’t get lucky without preparation and there is no sense in being prepared if you are not open to a glorious accident.”
These accidents are usually moments of joy. They make you stop and realize what a privilege it is to be in that moment. That joy has leverage and when captured it creates momentum. Here’s an example:
I went to the opening night of the latest film from Quentin Tarantino– ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. It is the 9th Tarantino film. Yes, I am a Tarantino fan. I believe he is one of the three greatest dialog writers working in movies today. I also know, he’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
One thing that screams out loud about all of his films is his absolute love of not only what he does, but of the art form of cinema itself. He is constantly paying homage to those films that impacted his perspective.
I was reading about this film and stumbled on this story:
“If you love movies enough, you can make a good one.”
“Tarantino has a daily ritual for everyone on set. He reminds them that it’s a privilege to make movies, a professional gift that deserves commitment. It is especially important to remember this when he, as director, asks his actors for another take. He will say; all right, we got it, but we are going to do one more. You know why? EVERYONE shouts -= BECAUSE WE LOVE MAKING MOVIES!!!” When the stars like Brad Pitt and Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio join with the gaffers and catering crew, you know they feel privileged and a bit lucky to be in those moments.
It is a privilege to love your job. I have found myself blessed with being able to do something I love for the last 35 years. I believe it is a bonafide miracle.
I hope for you that there is a hunk of love in what you do and I wish for you those glorious accidents!
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