As the story unfolds, the lessons multiply. Inspiration comes from the most unlikely speakers sometimes.
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Victor and Max grew up together. They're virtually like brothers. They played from six months on. Started a band. Shared dreams together. They frequently envisioned walking the halls of their future High School – Booker T. Washington. Their plans were set.
You may remember from last week’s The Misfortune of Talent - 70 Second eBrief, the need for earned talent is essential for any big goal to be reached. On Saturday, another chapter in the ‘talent narrative’ played out.
Victor and Max were two of 879 eighth graders applying for 225 spots. Of those teenagers, a waiting room full of guitar and bass players auditioned for just a few openings. 75% of selection criteria were based on talent demonstrated in the five-minute interview. 25% were contingent upon grades.
Other very talented friends also auditioned. J, P and N on guitar, B on drums, L on vocals and JR in visual arts. Teens and parents anxiously waited for the mailman to deliver the news mailed March 1st.
“Accepted” or “Not Accepted.”
A flurry of texts went between nervous parents and a different exchange between hopeful teens. One by one, acceptance letter news was broadcast. B was accepted on drums. Yay! N was not accepted. Ugh. The uber-talented guitar players J and P were not accepted. Yikes! JR and L made it in. Whew.
Finally, letters came for Max and Victor. Max apprehensively opened his letter. “Accepted.” Max punched the air. Endorphins lit-up his circulation. The extremely talented Victor rushed over to open his letter. They wanted to be together in their joy.
“Not accepted.” Elation and heartbreak under the same roof. Max - euphoric. Victor - crushed. Victor scurried to the car, hid his face and muttered, “I want to go home.”
In less than a day, Victor reconciled his situation. With the wisdom of someone well beyond his years, this youngster said:
“It’s a good thing I didn’t get in. If I’d been accepted I would have continued to be lazy about school. I didn’t get in because of my grades. I now realize how important learning is. I can’t let my education slide. I’ll never let that happen again.”
You may have talent, but in today’s competitive world, your aptitude’s likely not enough. Are you an avid learner? Do you find ways and means to challenge your existing beliefs? Are you a better seeker of knowledge than the person sitting beside you in the audition waiting room?
In the spirit of learning, we will be hosting a Keynote Bootcamp for talented speakers, trainers and authors. Held in Dallas from March 30 th to April 1 st, 10 people will cut years off trial-and-error with hands-on sessions about developing a unique value proposition, creating a magnetic keynote, efficient business development and super-tuning platform skills. But, for most of our readers, keynote development is not in their wheelhouse.
So, ask yourself, “Where will I grow, if talent’s not enough?”
PS For the 'seekers' in our readership, here is a special deal of Invinceable Principles for you. The first line is, "Be a seeker."
