November 18, 2008
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Lessons Learned from a Failure
A while ago, I really botched a job.
Not just a little mistake or a small blunder...I caused a pretty freakin HUGE problem for the composer...and it was one of those situations where it was too late for me to "fix it" or do anything about it...basically the composer had to go and REDO all of my work. Ugh.
Of course I was extremely embarrassed about the whole thing.
Daniel doesn't like to do a poor job...at anything. Daniel also doesn't like to attempt things he isn't certain he can do. And Daniel was certain he could handle the job...but he couldn't. He could just talk about himself in third person...So after being sufficiently chewed out by the guy that hired me, my insides told me it was a lost cause and to never talk to him again...out of sheer and utter embarrassment...I mean, who wants to face someone that you've totally let down??
But, being the responsible adult that I am, I reluctantly called him after a week or so. We talked, and he said something that stuck with me...
"Daniel," he said, "I don't take back any of the nice things I said to you before this happened. You're not any less of a composer or any less talented than I said previously. You just need to be more thorough, and more diligent in your work ethic."
In other words:
DON'T BE A LAZY-BUTT
Ironically, this is usually not my problem...I usually am a pretty hard worker...my dad taught my brother and I well...but lately I've allowed things to take my focus off of my work. Sitting in front of a computer can do this to you.I catch myself checking my email every minute or so. The application is always open and when I reach any point in a project that requires some thought (or get stumped), I'm always scrolling down to my dock to see if I have any new messages.
This is a bad, bad, bad habit...and just one of many that I've developed that need to be UN-developed.
If I'm going to succeed as a self-employed-type-composer-dude, I need to work harder and be less lazy.
So I will.
So from now on, if I'm going to work on a project, you'll probably catch me turning off my phone and shutting down the email for a time.
But don't worry...I'll resurface after an hour or two to tend to your needs...but I just need to take the time to focus...and be diligent in my work ethic.
Comments (7)
wow -
FINE.
Only you Daniel would apologize for something like this because you're that nice and a good friend. It is totally and completely understandable! In fact, being a writer I've needed to put up necessary boundaries and explain to people when I'm working so I'm focused and undisturbed. You need to do what will help you succeed. Rock on! Literally! Look forward to listening to more of your work. Hugs to you and Christy and the fam.
You are NOT a lazy-butt. But I understand the whole email thing. It's painfully addictive.
Nice to know that this guy still thinks you're good!
Good for you, baby!
I hate to admit but I sometimes spend too much time on-line when I should be working on writing.
Sometimes we do have to take a chance and try something we don't know if we can be good at. Not trying can be a more of a failure than messing up.
One day you'll look back at all the maand king molding the Lord has done in your life and you'll be so very thankful. You'll absolutely be in awe and marvel at His uniqueness and creativity. Nobody does it like Jehovah.
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