Q: Why is it, that I have a degree and I’ve been told I have talent, but nothing is happening for me. I’m angry and frustrated, watching other people doing the thing I want to do.

A: The wise and wonderful Scarecrow of Oz once said, “Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” I feel that way about talent. On the flip side of that — that there are plenty of people with brains (or talent) who aren’t doing as much as they should/could/would do and it’s not because they aren’t talented.

Take Andy Warhol, for example. His artistic talent was questioned by many, yet he continued to create, whether the world liked it or not. Andy kept going and had something very smart to say about it, too. “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

History is full of people who get things done… good, bad, talented or otherwise. There are other factors involved for success. As far as I’m concerned, there are five:

Discipline – Craft your talent and continue to grow. Nobody is done after a handful of classes or even a degree. Stop by a jewelry store sometime and take a look at their most expensive diamond. Multifaceted and sparkling. It didn’t come out of the ground that way.

Dedication – Keep going/doing/being at all times. Even if you get knocked down or have negative feedback (even your own). Keep going/doing/being. Wring, wince and repeat.

Sacrifice – Ask anyone who has ever accomplished anything and they will tell about their sacrifices. It’s not a happy tale either. Missed parties, dances, birthdays, weekends away… the truth is, to gain, much is lost. Be prepared to be the person who has to forego experiences/stuff/people to get to your goal.

Fearlessness – Perhaps the greatest arrow in the quiver of hitting a target is just being brave. Push yourself forward, even the things that make you feel like you have the flu: Feverish. Queasy. Maybe vomiting. When you reach that level of physical discomfort and keep going anyway? Trust me, you’ll live through whatever symptoms and limits your mind, body (or other people) placed on you and you’ll accomplish what your heart wanted you to.

Talent – This is the tiny seed planted long ago, that has grown into something we can see. There were storms along the way, perhaps even a forest fire that tried to take it out – but it survived. It’s there. Maybe some scars and branches bent or broken. But the roots are there. I don’t care how old it is. It’s there. Appreciate the elements that are there, make it healthy again and continue to grow.

You may have been born with talent and desire, but utilize these five factors or the dent in your sofa is going to get bigger. Even Glinda said, “You’ve had the power all along.”

xo – t.