As a young kid in school I struggled badly with reading and math. Soo badly that I was held back in first grade and placed in remedial classes. I was told by the education system that I was of below average intelligence and basically written off as someone who would most likely not succeed at much in life.
Fast forward, despite these adverse beginnings, I ultimately became a successful 6 figure earner before age 25, a computer programmer, a published songwriter, and among other things the first person in my family to finish college. Yeah I know in the grand scheme of things these accolades don’t necessarily define success in life. However, they are in stark contrast to what I believed I could achieve as a kid.
So what made this possible? Before I go any further I must acknowledge there were many people and factors that influenced and impacted the positive events in my life and for them I am eternally grateful! But there were also other constants driving, and pushing me forward. And those are the things I want to talk about right now because just as they helped me. They can also help you.
See I think we all have things we are innately good at doing for whatever reason. And when nurtured over time those things turn into our core skills or crafts. For some people it may be basketball others Cooking, or even Business. For me it was creating art. Drawing, Sculpting, Music. Creating art was the thing that held my focus regardless of what was happening in my life.
I remember the moment in high school I was told that being creative could be an attainable career path for me. But that I would have to improve the grades in my other subjects drastically to have a shot at going down that path. Up until that point I believed that I would never be more than a C student, and that education just wasn’t my thing. However, once I realized education stood in between me and my dreams of being a creative professional, I was compelled to push myself and became an A student.
I began to excel at concepts that had perplexed me my entire life. It was a light-bulb moment. Everything became easier and more attainable. I now know that anything can be achieved once you have a compelling reason and possess the skills to execute.
So whenever I’m faced with the question of how do I stay focused? I only have to think back to that little boy who was told he would be nothing and then think forward to the man that has become everything he has ever wanted to be.
At some point we all experience our own adversities. But we don’t all learn how to use those adversities to propel us forward. I want you to know right now in this moment, that you can. And it doesn’t matter how large or small those adversities are in comparison to others. Just know that those moments and memories are yours. And you can use them to sharpen your focus.
People may doubt you and at times you may even doubt yourself, but stay focused on your craft. Time will pass. You will rise and fall and Opportunities will come and go. Stay focused on your craft. Don’t waiver or relent in this. Because when excuses mean nothing and the only things that matter are results, you need to be the best to be the light in the darkness. Don’t fake it. Actually make it by staying focused on your craft.
If you aspire to of be something greater than what you feel you currently are, I ask you, I urge you, I beg you, please – Stay focused on your crafts whatever they may be. And in time, they will pave the road to achieving your dreams.