Most people work harder and harder at climbing the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall. —Stephen Covey

My short-lived “career” in Hollywood was punctuated by far more lowlights than highlights.  But I did have a few experiences I will never forget.  Perhaps my most memorable moment was the opportunity to pitch Danny DeVito on a screenplay concept I developed while working at Creative Artists Agency.

I still recall fighting a serious case of the nerves as I waited in his antechamber, bathed in flop sweat. But as soon as he opened the door and flashed a disarming smile, I was immediately set at ease.  He motioned to the couch, invited me to take a seat, and listened intently to my story.  By the end of the pitch, he was asking me questions about how I ventured out West, and  I was asking him questions about how he got started in the business.

Mr. DeVito (Danny? I really wasn’t sure what to call him) mentioned his breakthrough role as “Martini” in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.  But he emphasized that his depiction of Louie De Palma on the 70s-80s sitcom, Taxi, forever changed the trajectory of his career.

Why?

“I finally found a role that gave me confidence and allowed me to maximize my talent.”

At the time, I was struck by the razor-thin line that separated actors from one another.  What differentiated Tom Cruise from the local theatre actor?    But over the years, I have come to understand the pattern among actors…and the rest of us.

We all need confidence.  And that comes from finding a role that maximizes our talent.  (Mr.) Danny Devito nailed it!

Make This World a Better Place

We all have unique gifts to offer this world.  Perhaps we are diplomatic and hold both sides of the aisle together.  Perhaps we have persuasive skills or a knack for public speaking.  Perhaps we are strong in quantitative calculations and analysis.  Perhaps our talent lies in being a loving parent, a caregiver, or the rock of our social group.

All skills are cherished and we need to be as well-rounded as possible.  We can and should build and strengthen those skills throughout our lives.  But the most successful and satisfied people choose occupations, hobbies, or lifestyles that leverage their innate talent.

It’s not about making the most money or stepping on fingers as we climb the ladder of success.  It’s about seeking a path that puts our gifts in the best possible light to help make this world a  better place.

We Need to Step Back

But before we can maximize that talent, we have to recognize it.    Many of us put blinders on and plod down a path that is either chosen for us overtly or by default.  We let the current sweep us away like a helpless branch in a torrent. And then we wonder why we wake up years later with a gnawing sense of failure.

Quiet and unassuming?  Perhaps PR spokesman was not the best choice. Gregarious and affable?  Perhaps sequestering ourselves in the lab for research was not the best path. We need to step back and ask questions.  We need to critically think about where we are focusing our time and who we are helping.  We can’t spend our lives living out someone else’s dreams.  The world needs our authentic contributions.

We Will Make a Difference

And the good news is, it is never too late to change.  Not just our careers, but how we view our role in this world.  We all have special talents and unique skills.  We can’t ever doubt that.  We just have to put them to good use.  And we have to believe they make a difference.

Resilience is all about confidence.  And that confidence springs from finding a role that maximizes our talent.

It’s out there waiting for us if we have the courage to seek it.  Thank you, Danny (er, Mr.Devito), for showing us the way!