“There are potentially more talented writers and directors than I working in shoe stores and Burger Kings across the nation; the difference is I was willing to put in the nine years of effort and they weren’t.”
– 3 time Academy Award nominee, Frank Darabont

This blog should be categorized under REALLY favorite quotes, because the quote is such a good one.

How many people do you know that say, “I’ve got this great idea,” and nothing ever happens with it.

How many people do you know that criticize other’s people’s work, always saying how they could do better . . . but they never do.

I bet you know lots of people like this.  I bet, at times, you’re even one of them.

I know I am.

It’s hard not to be one of those people, because it’s so much easier to sit back, watch an episode of American Idol, and let someone else do the hard (and scary) stuff.

So what’s the secret to becoming more like Frank?

Sorry, no over-priced pharmaceutical can help.  No Tony Robbins-style self help book is gonna do it either.

You just have to keep promises to yourself.  You keep them to your boss, right?  You keep them to your husband or wife, right?  Why, because you “have to”?  Why not keep them to yourself for the same reason.

The next time you say you’re going to do something, shut off the American Idol and start.  There’s always Tivo.  You can always watch it later.  When you finish.

Ironically, Idol started as just an idea once.  A pretty simple one, actually.  And I’d bet a bunch of other people in shoe stores and Burger Kings had the same one (Ooooooh, I bet they are bitter now!).

I’d keep writing now, but I have to go.  I promised a good buddy of mine that I’d do something for him.

To read the article that Frank wrote that contained the above quote, click here.