I was watching the Reality TV Show Intervention. The show basically follows an addict up to the point where his/her family stages an intervention with assistance of a professional.
Right before the intervention, one of the professionals always tells the family something like this:
"We only care about whether the addict is going to get help. All the other stuff they may mention, like why they are an addict, their responsibilities, that sort of thing . . . . all that stuff is just noise. Ignore it. Don't get caught up in it."
To me, that sounded like good advice for any situation.
One of the most difficult jobs you'll have as you build an artistic career is learning how tell the difference between connections, conversations and actions that really make a difference . . . and noise.
The drama, the gossip, the intrigue . . . all noise.
The agendas, the petty (but exciting) conflicts . . . all noise.
There are going to be some many things competing for your time and attention and you have to be a pretty ruthless filter of what matters and what doesn't.
A good reminder for everyone in the arts and non-profits! Thanks!
Posted by: D Linnertz | July 08, 2010 at 10:51 AM