Nov 10 2011
‘Eighty per cent of success is showing up’
One of my favourite sayings, by US actor, comedian, & director Woody Allen.
Whether you’re an actor, athlete, or artist…or perhaps setting up your own business, bar or bellydance school…or standing for elections, studying for exams, shedding some weight or starting a new hobby – to succeed, you gotta turn up.
You have to put in those hours, no matter what time of day or how long it goes on for. Dedication, drive and determination are associated with this notion. And of course, the hours have to be productive – good quality time spent.
I recently discussed this with music mastermind David Foster, who has produced, written and composed top hits for countless stars and is credited with discovering Celine Dion, Michael Buble and Charice, among others.
I asked him about his knack for talent-spotting, and if he knew all along that Celine or Michael were going to be as big as they are.
He leaned towards me and said in a serious and meaningful tone that he believed he, me, the cameraman, everyone is born with talent. It’s what one does with it that makes the difference.
Which is where I threw in Woody Allen’s quote – to which he totally agreed. And mentioned the 10,000 hours rule – the idea that anyone can be good at anything if they spend 10,000 hours practising.
These singers have been at it since young. David Foster bet that I had a microphone and camcorder and was ‘reporting the news’ to my family, when I was eight or ten. How did he know?!!
His advice to anyone who wants to be successful at what they do? ‘If you gotta ask, then it will never happen’. You just have to do it. Work hard, and it will come.
Show up, practice and invest hours in your craft, company or career – and hope for the best when it comes to the remaining 20 per cent!
I would love to ask Woody Allen what he believes the ‘other 20%’ involves.
Tags: 10000 hours rule, actor, artist, belly dance, business, celine dion, charice, cna, david foster, mediacorp, michael buble, news, practice, presenter, singapore, success, successful, woody allen, yvonne yong
Beside showing up and on time, it can be seen as a form of courtesy to others in any functions, a discipline student taking an exam or a office worker arriving at work on time. It certainly speaks volume about that person’s character.
Being physically presence in social gathering allows one to interact and mingles with others. This can be a valuable learning session with educators especially students, a business opportunity for businessmen or a life experience sharing by the elderly.
As long as you shown up, you are on your way to success. I would attribute the remaining 20 percent to situation awareness and response.
Solid advice indeed. I agree totally with that. There’s simply no substitute for hard work.
If u ask me Yvonne, talent, timing, and luck would make up the remaining 20% recipe for success.
In any case, if we put in our due efforts, we’ll always benefit even if the results is not as as ideal; for we would have gained from the experience, which is invaluable.