Words of Wisdom From Ira Glass

Ira Glass is the host and producer of “This American Life” on National Public Radio. He started his career in broadcasting as an intern at NPR thirty years ago. From intern to host of a nationally syndicated program? I’d say we better follow his advice. I should note that in 15 years, Mr. Glass has produced and hosted all but four broadcasts of This American Life (that’s over 800 shows). If there was ever a poster boy for generating creative content on a regular basis (i.e. doing the work) and getting it out there, it is him.

The foundation of creative success is not talent. Talent alone is like a dream deferred, to borrow an incredible phrase from Langston Hughes. To realize our talents, to make them breathe, to make them flourish, we must work. To transform talent into a sustainable career, to use our talents to change lives (even if only ever so slightly) we must create on a daily basis. And even though, as Mr. Glass so wisely said, it will most certainly take a while to reach our goals, we must continue. Because who wants to look back and be defined by a life of unfulfilled ambition and unrealized potential? Not me. And if you’re reading this blog, probably not you.

Check out This American Life online, or to see more of the world from the perspective of Ira Glass, pick up The New Kings of Nonfiction.