I have brought you to the ring, now see if you can dance.
I have brought you to the ring. Dance if ye can.
I have brought you to the Revel, Now dance if you can.
- Sir William Wallace
I have an acquaintance, a friend is how I like to describe him by the name of David Baker. He is an independent filmmaker, actor and motivator of others. Not only does he have a great passion for the film business but also in teaching others his craft.
Now I will admit we met each other through the social media tool called Twitter. It was a chance connection that caused us to learn of each other. I believe we have now known each other for four years and supported each others endeavors over that time. I do boldly call him a friend even though we have never stood in the same room.
One day our travel schedules will give us the opportunity to drink a Scotch together, in person. But until that happens, I will continue to support his efforts. I admire his commitment to success, doing what he has to do in the pursuit of his goals.
Never letting go of his pursuit, taking that road less traveled.
His drive for success reminds me of a quote by Albert E. N. Gray, that reads “The common denominator of success --- the secret of success of every man who has ever been successful --- lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do.”
You see, each of us get to determine our own level of success by what we are willing to do. I'm not talking about the moral or ethical choices because I believe you should always take the high road on those two subjects. What I am talking about is the hard work that is required. The hard choices one must make to travel their chosen path.
It could mean taking a job sweeping a McDonald's car park in order to support yourself. It could mean giving up certain comforts such as a nice car or expensive living arrangements.
It means finding a pet donkey at the local park that you can talk to in order to unload your frustrations. It also means giving that donkey a carrot or two and letting go of those frustrations and moving on.
As the quote reads, it is in doing those things necessary that failures would rather not do. We build ourselves and what may seem like two steps back is actually going to push us ahead even further.
You brought yourself to this point...now see if you can dance.
There is no way I can predict David's success nor can I know what level of success you will have. I can only encourage and wish you great success. I feel David will achieve what he is moving towards as you will also. But it takes hard work, hard choices and sustained belief in yourself that will actually propel you to greatness.
Be willing to do what others will not. It is there you will find yourself on the path to success.
To learn more about David and to support his efforts, check out his current project.
Stay inspired my friends!
