My friend on Facebook shared this link on Thursday. Put simply it knuckles down to explain how effort and persistence in the presence of quality feedback lead to success, not talent. The author says: “You have to seek out situations where you get feedback [about your performance]. It’s a myth that you get better when you just do the things you enjoy."
She identifies that in the pursuit of excellence, those with an interal locus of control, a deep belief that they have the necessary control over their own lives and destiny are successful. Her words "since early childhood they have developed the belief that outcomes are contingent on factors within their own control." are an inspiration to my parenting, to guide my children to having that internal locus of control mindset. It is also a challenge to myself, to change years and years of being 'external' and to re-learn an entire thinking process.
The author notes that one of the most highly successful ballerinas that she interviews was one who 'never won competitions as a child'. Success is not instant, it is persistence that is the important factor, persistence and the seeking of feedback from experts. She notes that simply doing a favourite activity over and over again will not result in successes in that field without this feedback.
How do I tie all that together and bring it back to my own life experience? Well it occurs to me that I have work to do, and this is a blueprint for the framework for that work. I see that I need to work on establishing a belief that I can change my energy, and acting on that belief, stepping out into the world where I will receive feedback and being persistent.
And then Bruce Springsteen blew me away with his Wrecking Ball show. The whole album is an inspiration of rising up from ruins and the indomnitable human spirit. And there is no motivation like being shocked out of your seat by a 63 year old man who simply hasn't stopped. His music is a testament to the truism of the article by Sarina Lewis. The lyrics are incredible, and my realisation is that this man has answered for me a question I've been too afraid to ask myself, that is: "Whats it all about this temporary thing called life?" Its simple, in the words of the song "We Are Alive", "Its only our bodies that betray us in the end" - personally I am quite comforted by the idea expressed by Mr Springsteen at the concert that our spirits live on in the next generations (March 14, 2013, Bribane Entertainment Centre, Boondall).
How have I put this motivation into play? I'm just plain happier, lighter and that is giving me more energy for all the normal things of life. It has inspired me to re-evaluate my own career, which was stagnating, and to seek out feedback in what I do. I realise this is one of the reasons I so enjoy Tai Chi, as the instructors are wonderful at giving individual attention and feedback, so I feel that I am improving. Its darned nice to feel that feeling after a long while of negativity (workplace bullying) and fatigue (illness).
I have new goals, to finish my Childbirth International Doula course, so that I am seeking feedback, regardless of whether when I get to the end of the course I continue to practice as a Doula. Taking that action will, like Tai Chi, help me improve on myself. The house cleaning remains a goal, and I'll continue to blog that progress. I believe my whole of life experience will be reflected in the house, and visa versa.
I also want to leave you with these links today, just because I think they are awesome.
A daily review of the songs of Bruce Springsteens Wrecking Ball Album, here.
The webpage for the charity Bruce Springsteen supports in Brisbane, here.
The very first review of the Brisbane concert I attended, here. I particularly like this as it was written immediately after the concert and captures the euphoria.
I hope that somewhere my hastily written musings have managed to share with you at least a part of the wonderment I am feeling.
Just look at this energy! Don't you want to tap into some of that? I do!
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