“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
― Chuck Close

My wife rushed downstairs to show me this quote because she knew I would appreciate it.

I’ve heard it a few times, worded slightly differently, but it never fails to bring a smile to my face every time I come across it.

The number of people over the years who use the phrase, “I want to, but…” or “I’m just waiting for…” are merely finding excuses. It’s best to smile and nod, moving along knowing nothing will ever come of it.

If it sounds harsh, it’s because I was one of them.

Producing work is hard. It cycles through the emotions of annoying, boring, elation, depression, frustration and satisfaction. Sometimes they appear in a different order, but they always find a way to make an appearance.

Being able to wake up every day and tell yourself, “just do the work,” is the hallmark of the professional. It takes a lot of guts and a discipline reserved only for the truly committed, but in the long run, the results speak for themselves.