What gets you up early?

Spike Lee gets up every morning at 5a.m. and starts his day of work.

He'll write or craft a scene or screen footage. He starts the process of filmmaking in some capacity.

Frank Lloyd Wright said, "To love one idea is to love God." He worked tirelessly and made those around him exhibit the same discipline in their work.

Determination and willingness are not "trends" among successful people in the world. They're qualities that reveal a deep knowing of where you're going and why.

It's a single, clear focus. A set path on which you're moving with full momentum.

With a clear direction and concentrated goal, waking at 5a.m. is not a chore. Or an obligation. It's what you do because you know your target and what it takes to get there. There's no question in your mind about running full speed ahead because you see what you're running towards.

The trouble lies when there are four paths in front of you, not one. When you're uncertain of what your purpose is and how to get there. Then the willingness to be alert or to stand at attention wanes. It's harder to purposefully get up when you're not sure what the purpose is.

Getting clear on what you want and how you'll get there is a crucial first step in being able to make the effort needed to succeed. Because waking up at 5a.m. or working till late in the night, or working tirelessly requires serious effort. The larger meaning behind it has to shine through for you to toil away daily and exceptionally.

It's not just about getting the work done. It's about wanting to wake up every day ready and excited to do the work you know you were meant to do.

Comments

[jordan shoes]

It was among such inspirations that impressionism was born.

[John]

Scott, I loved your comment. I can tell you are full of life and you are probably spreading that joy to those you work and interact with. Those interns you speak of are blessed to work with you. Keep it up. Ishita. Wonderful post!

[Joseph Sherman]

Ishita,
Great post. When you truly love something, then getting up early and staying late is not considered work, it is a natural part of who you are. Thank you,
Joseph

[Scott Gould]

Ishita I find even when stuff is really tough I love to get up just because every day I can connect with great people, whether on a walk, getting coffee, on twitter and triiibes, with clients and networking, and with the young people that I intern.

There's something about people - what makes them tick, what we can do together, the incredible richness they bring. Give me people and I'm happy.

You?