A little dedication goes a long way, at least that’s what “they” say. So where does a lot of dedication take a person?
For those of us in any competitive field, especially when it comes to the arts (don’t ask me why, I don’t make the rules), earning a fruitful living takes more than a good eye and a little dedication. Of what and how much it takes depends on the variables, however, the father of dedication is, of course, commitment. As a twenty-something that nasty little word is to be avoided at all costs. Then one day you wake up and realize commitment is pertinent to surviving in the ever-present concrete jungle as a certifiable adult. It’s really no different than facing those squatter toilets in a foreign country. You gotta commit or you’ll end up making a mess of yourself.
A mini-trip to Houston last weekend reminded me in more ways than one that building success isn’t a half-marathon, it’s a full Iron Man. For those of you also starting a new career or new venture, hopefully these little snapshots will remind you to keep plugging along, even if it seems like a continual work in progress or feels as if the finish line is 140.6 miles away.
This is one of the finishers from Texas’ first official Ironman competition. She completed the 140.6 mile triathlon in about 13 hours. In order to train for an Ironman, the athletes workout for about 20 hours a week in the months preceding the race. Despite the sweltering Houston heat, 2,001 out of 2,160 athletes finished the race.
The “Beer Can House” in the Rice Military neighborhood of Houston took 18 years to complete. Owner and creator John Milkovisch drank every can that adorns his property (with a little help from his friends). While the task was more of a pastime then an artistic goal, Milkovisch just kept at it and created something unique and beautiful.
