Most of us only dream at the scale of what we've experienced before.
It's the learning curve that's holding us back.
But learning curves are meant to be conquered.
Some people are born into households where learning curves are naturally conquered and confidence is inherited. This is the advantage of princes. They were born in the palace. They grew up with the keys to the kingdom.
Actor Paul Giamatti's father was a Yale University professor who later became president of the university and commissioner of Major League Baseball.
Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin's mother was Patty Duke of the famous Patty Duke show
Gwyneth Paltrow's father was a famous movie producer. Steven Spielberg calls her "Gwinnie" and knew her as a baby.
Sofia Coppola learned how to make movies from her father Francis Ford Coppola.
Sylvestor Stallone didn't write about an unfamiliar subject with Rocky. His mother was a women's wrestling promoter.
I could go on and on and on...
These children grew up naturally dreaming at a much larger scale. Their parents conquered the learning curves for them.
If you weren't born in the palace, you can still beat the learning curves. You just have to work hard.
Study.
Try new things.
Take risks.
Become familiar with unfamiliar subjects.
And learn new things.
Starting now.
This is absolutely true! The less than glamourous situation you find yourself in when you live behind the curve can either be you total demise or what God can use to shape you. I want to help Detroit people get over the curve. They're why I'll get over mine.
Posted by: Chris | August 29, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Great stuff. I'm finding it's often much easier to do this than we think when we set out. This year I've crested two or three learning curves that I never would've thought I could.
The other benefit is that every time you get to the top of a learning curve, you distinguish yourself from the masses who stayed at the bottom, afraid to try.
Posted by: Kyle Scheele | August 29, 2011 at 10:13 AM
"Most of us only dream at the scale of what we've experienced before." - True! I tend to think my limits are one step beyond what I've achieved in the past, yet this idea of conquering the learning curve inspires me to do more than advance one step. Thanks, Ben.
Posted by: Dana Byers | August 29, 2011 at 11:39 AM
And surround yourself with people who push you, love you, and make you want to give of yourself. If you haven't read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell add it to your list. Good read on this topic.
Posted by: Rodneyeason | August 29, 2011 at 04:23 PM