I saw an excellent article about Taylor Swift and her work ethic. Plenty of life lessons for young people in the article. It merits close reading.
Main point: “But there was one more thing that Taylor Swift sold to adoring crowds around the world this year: ambition.”
More about it:
- “I’m intimidated by the fear of being average”
- “If you have a calling for it and are ready for it, more power to you.”
- “Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth. The people who wanted it the least were the ones I wanted to date and be friends with in high school. The people who want it the most are the people I now hire to work for my company.”
- “Even before she had released a single album, Swift was unapologetically ambitious. She was a teenager who knew what she wanted and how to make it happen.”
- “I was always very calculated about it…I would think about exactly how I was going to get there—not just how it would feel to be there.”
Think about it:
- Read the article to get understand the hard work she put into her calling from the time she was 11 years old.
- Family support counts for something: “Her teenage ambitions were so grandiose and her will to accomplish them so irrepressible that her family made a smart investment: The Swifts moved to Nashville for Taylor to pursue a career in country music.”
- The article cited a study of teenage aspirations: “Occupational attainment at age 33 was significantly related to the job aspirations expressed at age 16, but also to the belief in one’s own ability, mathematical test performance, specific personality characteristics, as well as social background and gender.”
What can young people do about it:
- Start by identifying what truly interests you. This could be a subject you enjoy at school, a hobby, or something you’re naturally good at.
- Research your areas of interest. This could involve reading books, watching documentaries, or looking up information online. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the field you’re interested in.
- Look for mentors who are already working in the field you’re interested in. They can offer valuable insights and advice. This could be teachers, family friends, or professionals willing to share their experiences.
- If there are courses or workshops available in your area of interest, try to enroll in them. These could be through your school, local community centers, or online platforms.
- Gaining practical experience is invaluable. Look for volunteer opportunities or internships in the field you’re interested in. This not only provides hands-on experience but also helps in building a network.
- Work on developing skills that are relevant to your area of interest. For instance, if you’re interested in technology, learning coding could be beneficial.
- Set short-term and long-term goals for what you want to achieve. Make sure these goals are realistic and achievable
- Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field of interest. This will help you stay relevant and informed.
- Joining clubs or groups related to your interest can provide a supportive community and additional learning opportunities.
- As you grow and learn more, your interests and goals might change. Be open to exploring new areas and adapting your plans accordingly.
- While pursuing your interests, remember to maintain a healthy balance with your studies and other responsibilities.
- Finally, stay positive and persistent. Success and proficiency in any field take time and effort.
#Calling
#Work-ethic