Angry Owl Pillow

I’ve always thought owls looked angry. That perception inspired this painting, as I decided to give him something to be angry about. But now I wonder if maybe they’re just focused.

After all, perpetually being on the lookout for your next meal kind of requires your undivided attention.

Likewise, in order to achieve a dream or accomplish anything worthwhile, you have to be incredibly focused. You can’t letdistractions knock you off your game. One of the biggest reasonspeople are not as successful as they’d like to be – regardlessof their definition of success – is due to a lack of focus. Theykeep chasing shiny objects and fail to follow through on any one initiative. Giving up is easy. Staying focused is hard.

You have stay the course even when things aren’t going according to plan, when haters are shooting their slings and arrows, or when an ice cream cone falls on your head. Most so-called “overnight successes” are anything but. There are miles and miles of unpaved, rocky roads behind them that we often don’t see.

Achieving a dream is not quick and easy, like wining the lottery. It’s messy, difficult, and exhausting. Understand it. Accept it. Own it. Focus is the key. If your dream is worth it, just keep going.

And keep your eye on the prize.