Day 1 (Motivation) Talent Is Overrated

It might get you noticed, but it won't get you hired - or keep you hired. What matters more: how consistently you show up, how you take feedback, and you carry yourself in the room. Your energy often speaks louder than your steps. Talent gets applause. Work ethic builds a career. ~ Ayca Anil

But Scott, wait a minute, isn't it the talent that gets us the contract? Isn't it what the editors and agents first when they are looking at those submissions?

Well, sort of... But that is not what we are talking about here.

If you really focus on what Anil is talking about here, it is about consistency and presence. It is about work ethic. Sure, we will read about those authors who come out of no where, make it big and then what happens? They disappear. They become a nobody. Why does that happen? They seem to think that now that they have made it, they feel that they have the talent and they are so good, they don't need to do any more than to live on that talent. Oh how wrong they are!

Just because your first book sells does not mean there is not room to learn. Someone can always give us a new insight into what we are doing, but we have to be open to just listen and consider what that person has to say? We also have to be open to take that feedback. We cannot slam the door on someone who gives us feedback because we don't like them, or because it hurts our feelings. In fact, Ayca's post on social media actually starts off with the comment, "Dance Career Advice I'd Give you If I Wasn't Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings." Sorry, but "Suck it up, Buttercup." It is time to learn and listen to what other people have to say."

It is also about how you show up in public. Again, too often I have seen authors, who have once they have gotten that "first big contract" suddenly become a DIVA, and refuse to talk to "those below them." They seem to have forgotten that just days below, they were one of those underlings. Regardless of your talent, regardless of whether you are on the NY Times Best Sellers List or you are just selling a lot of books with a smaller line, you still have the same number of legs and the same number of arms as those who still are trying to trying to get there. Be humble. Be nice. Come in with an energy that says, I am here to learn with you and I am also here to help you get to where you want to want to be.

Sure, some people will get those standing ovations, but you can sit there and, in your heart know, you are doing great work and being a great person.