“It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill:
that is the very worst thing you can do. Let the thrill go—let it die away—go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow—and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will all get weaker and weaker, and fewer and fewer, and you will be a bored, disillusioned old man for the rest of your life.”
Excellent advice from CS Lewis. For myself, that is how I have gained interest in songwriting, music production and visual communications (to name a few)… they seem to lead to each other and offer a world of new learning, which, in my view is more important than some artificial bobblehead approval from the right critic or number of dollars in my pocket. Not only is the process of learning something more fun, interesting and “thrilling,” so too are the ensuing “stacks” of complementary talents which follow. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert touched on the concept of talent stacks and I think he has hit on a powerful truth, and he describes it in a unique way… basically he describes a talent stack is a way in which one person uniquely combines several moderate talents or skills to make their contribution (he says commercial value) to society greater than it would be if they simply stayed with one moderate skill. I agree. Adams emphasizes that a good talent stack makes for greater commercial viability, and while I don’t disagree with that – I think the emphasis should be on leading an interesting, fulfilled life – regardless of commercial success. Curiously, I have found both commercial success and exhilaration in the learning process, they are not mutually exclusive.
The point? Learn something new! Disregard the foul voice which whispers you aren’t any good at the task in front of you… how else can you learn other than by experimenting and practice anyway? Try a new skill. Read a new author. Study a new branch of learning. Pick up a new instrument. This world is full of wonder, enjoy!
