LET ADVERSITY FEED YOUR CAREER

The other day, I spoke with a student attending an ad school. She described her commitment to succeed though she knew the many difficulties of an advertising career. I appreciated the attitude and encouraged her to remain steadfast in that commitment.?

What motivated her commitment, though she faced sizable obstacles? After talking to people over the years, those like her share common reasons.?

Desperation?

I grew up in very poor circumstances where escape from my socio-economic strata seemed impossible. Once I had a success that proved my potential, nothing would hold me back. Any subsequent challenge was met with re-doubled effort, fed by desperation never to return to that past.

Fear of failure?

Most creatives have imposter syndrome. Some give in to fear and give up. Others use fear as motivation to prove they belong. I advise people to get mad when anything or anyone suggests they will fail. Actor Harrison Ford told a story about his success because someone told him to give up on acting because he wasn't good enough. He decided to prove them wrong. Has anyone told you the same? Maybe that someone is you. Use it. Get mad and prove them wrong. Make it your mission to show everyone you have what it takes.

Appreciate the opportunity?

We're pretty spoiled in this country. We live better and have more opportunities to prosper than most people in the world. Having it good can make one soft when a goal requires extra effort. If we keep in mind our good fortune to live where hard work is rewarded, we'll push through our feeling of entitlement and do the work.?

There is nothing more important to your future than you. Everything you invest in success – time, money, and effort – is worth it because it's for you. Never give up, no matter your circumstances. Your potential is beyond what you believe. Fulfill it.?