Hard Work – The Key To Success

Dwain Wellington Rattray
Pride Contributing Editor

Regardless of what an individual thinks they are worth, or entitled by reason of education, talent or birthright, getting the proverbial foot in the door is often the only important thing when attempting to reach any level. The question then is this: How do I move from standing in the cold to the warmth of the lobby? The answer is quite simple: Instead of gazing up at the seemingly insurmountable glass tower, walk into the lobby. As simplistic as that may sound, it is a universal truth that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

The magic of social media allowed me recent observation of a Twitter conversation between three working poets in Toronto – LaMoi (@LaLaArdor), Greg Frankson aka Ritallin (@Ritallin) and Patrick de Belen (‏@Patrick_deBelen) – as they discussed what was needed to be a successful artist in an art-rich city. Art in its purest forms transcends all boundaries, and illuminates the darkness of society. It is no surprise then that artists would theorise on solutions rather than belabour inherent problems – real or imagined.

“If you are not proactively trying to prevent obstacles from consuming you, stagnation will kill you,” says de Belen. He continued, “Stop blaming everyone else and make it happen – in whatever way you can.” The problem is that many do not take this kind of advice seriously. Through fear, lack of passion or lack of knowledge, many are content to remain in a state of complacency.

There also exists the argument that there is oversaturation in a particular geographical area or a specific field. The dialogue is that there is no door to enter. Here is the response: If there is no door then you must build a door. Do not use your energy to complain; use your energy to create opportunities. The poet LaMoi has “created and continues to create opportunities” in her local community. “Making opportunities is what art is all about,” she says. But this statement rings true through all avenues of our existence. If I may take a little editorial license, I will say, “Making opportunities is what LIFE is all about.”

But what if all of that fails? Greg Frankson aka Ritallin brings us full circle. “Workers get work and chillers get frozen out. Nothing is handed to you. Go get it,” he says. Ritallin gives sage advice that again is applicable to everyday living when he says, “Make business cards (and connections), practice your craft & become expert at something novel.”

When all is said and done, there will still be those waiting for the door to be swung open with no effort of their part. As LaMoi poignantly asked, “What do you think inspires this ‘it will come to me’ attitude?” The answer may be a little bitter going down, but no less true.

“We live in a world where people have been coddled – by schools, parents, authority – so naturally hard work isn’t necessary for them,” says Ritallin. The message is clear, and we must teach that lesson to ourselves and to our children: Hard work is the only certain key to true success. If anyone tells you differently, it is a lie.