This is a tough love post.

Rapper SL Jones once said, “Ain’t no way around the grind, to shine, it takes work. Oh you in it for the perks, so you quit it when it hurts…”

I agree with the sentiment.

Oh is a gangster rapper too low brow for you?

Proverbs 13:4 says: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” (ESV)

The artist’s path is hard and I question the motivation and intentions of many who pursue it. It looks glamorous from the outside. A lifestyle full of travel, freedom, fame (no matter how small), and millions of dollars. lol, I wish. It’s anything but.

Not every actor becomes Tom Cruise.
Not every photographer becomes Avedon.
Not every singer becomes Beyonce.
Not every athlete becomes Lebron James.
Not every tech bro becomes Elon Musk.
Not every writer becomes J.K. Rowling.

And yet there are countless professional actors, photographers, singers, athletes, tech bros, and writers earning a great living while not being world-renown, well known, multi-millionaires.

So if you’re not one of those, 1%, rare air types, would you still pursue your passion? Do you genuinely love your art? Or are you just in it for something else?

With some people, you can just tell they don’t have a love for the art. Their motivation is fueled by something far less noble. Probably something egotistical like validation from their peers or family, an outlet to pick up girls, to be famous, etc. If they did have a love for it, they’ll endure the grind. It would take up so much of their free time. They’ll put the work in day in, day out. They’ll study their craft, constantly seek inspiration, think of new ideas, and comes up with new approaches to their business/career goals. You’ll see their growth and, year over year, they’ll be much better than before.

I think many get into this field expecting a cake walk. It’s anything but. It’s schlepping gear around, being paid less than what you’re worth, messing up on a big job, dropping the ball on a great opportunity, colleagues being flaky, creating something amazing yet no one cares, and feeling like you’re in this seesaw battle of winning and losing week after week. One week you’re up and the next you’re down. This especially applies to those just starting out.

It won’t always be this way, mind you. But in order to get there, you can’t avoid the work.

Unless you’re a nepo baby, there’s no inheriting success.You have to work for it and you should WANT to work for it. The work you put in will make you appreciate the successes you obtain, no matter how small. But if the grind is too hard for you, you don’t feel validated, financially secure, admired by your adoring fans, then get a job. No one cares to hear you whine incessantly, act bitter or jealous, or just be downright insufferable to be around because you’re not where you want to be.

Don’t make friends with self-pity.

Put your head down, nose to the grind stone and do the work. Once you look up again, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve created.

And before I go…