Your Way to Stardom

She sat down and stared blankly at the page in front of her. The plastic pen in her hand twitched with delight as it waited for her to press it into the white paper so it could release its indigo ink. Her ears thundered with “thump, thump, thump” as her heart raced and her mind wildly searched for her first burst of inspiration. This was no ordinary paper, as this was no ordinary pen; grasped firmly in her hands, everything touched with her creativity became magical. Soon, a portal was opened and she was transferred into a new world. Her red hair was that of fire as she sped through her imagination. Suddenly she was thrown to her feet and she found herself on a big, black stage. There were no lights and all was dark. There in the center stood a single microphone. Slowly she walked over to it. Just as she reached out to touch it, bright lights fell onto her and a crowd that seemed to appear out of nowhere cheered. Music sprang up from the ground and surrounded the stage. She then began to sing. The crowd grew wild with every beautiful note that danced out of her mouth. She could feel the magic rise from the tip of her toes, stampede through her legs, rush up into her chest, and accumulate at her vocal cords where it was then amped through the microphone into the lively audience. She soon forgot her pen and paper and basked into the spotlight. She was meant to sing!

In these days and times, everyone seems to be great at something. Magazines and tabloids are splattered with plane Janes who have become famous for fifteen minutes for nearly nothing. The web is full of sites where people promote themselves. Millions of dollars are spent on advertising countless people and products. Now, it’s possible for everyone on the planet to own a business, be a “professional”, or have star-like credentials. With all of this, there are still some people who do not know what they are good at. They know they would like to do something, but have no idea what. There are countless self help books, classes, and resources that are created to help people find out their true purpose and value on this Earth. I think that once you are able to find out what you truly enjoy doing, you have found your “niche”. You don’t have to be the greatest in the world, and you don’t have to do something that everyone else is doing. The Guinness World Book of Records is filled to the brim with ordinary people being great at unusual things.

With a little bit of creativity and a little bit more trial and error, you are sure to find something that you can truly shine at. Here are some tips:

1. MAKE A LIST
Compile a list of all of the things you think you are great at. If you aren’t sure, ask others. Did you blow the biggest bubble in your kindergarten class? Write down “bubble blower”. Remember, you don’t have to be traditional! Part of being great is being different. If there are things you would like to be great at, and are practical, write them down too. You can always practice them. Also write down your hobbies, this is to make sure that whatever you are great at, you enjoy doing.

2. WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS
After you have written everything down, look over your list. Analyze things that are realistic and the things that aren’t. I don’t think, being great at being tall is obtainable if everyone in your family is short (including you).

3. MAKE A PLAN
Practice makes perfect. Choose as many of the things you would like to be great at and make sure you practice them every day. Be patient and remember that greatness is developed! Never give up and don’t stress yourself out. If one doesn’t work, move on to your next aspiration.

4. HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF
It is true that we are our worst critic. If you believe in yourself, you can follow your dreams. Don’t ever let anyone tear you down or discourage you. You control your actions.

Whatever you decide your “thing” is, make sure you have fun. Live life to the fullest and soak it up for all it is worth. I know one thing everyone is great at, and that is being yourself!