No One Begins as the CEO

Recently as I was speaking with high school students I reminded them that no one begins as the CEO of a company.  Everyone starts at the beginning...including artists.  I've come to realize that there really is no such thing as an overnight success.  Even if a musical group or actor suddenly sky rockets to fame, if you read about their history they have certainly had their struggles and they have put in their time somehow.  I think there are two reasons for this...one being the fact that none of us is born knowing how to do everything without trying and failing first (like our first steps, or riding a bike), and that others need to see our commitment and growth over time.  Some people might get a leg up on the path but they still have to do the work and prove themselves through it. 

There are many stories of actors, musicians, writers, and more who had a success early on in their career but struggled after.  And more stories of those who have faced rejection over and over and over again before hitting their stride - J.K.Rowling and Walt Disney immediately come to mind.  I find peace in this because I have seen this happen time and time again on my own journey.  And I don't think it's a bad thing.  In fact, sometimes I have seen the opposite, that when something comes too easily to some, they immediately give up out of boredom or a myriad of other reasons.  But I do believe we need to be challenged, to continue to learn, to grow.  Oh how I wish I knew that as a young woman....life would have been so much easier.  But I am glad that I kept going in spite of everything because I love the creative process and the knowledge that comes with it.