Awards are neat.
They typically matter more to those who haven’t won them yet.
They offer validation and recognition of hard work. But they can also take the wind out of your sails when you get them.
After you win, people always ask you what’s next. Can you repeat it?
Where do you go from here?
You’ve just climbed the mountain; can you go down and not only climb it again but climb it faster this next time around?
Winning will never be enough.
There’s a great quote from the film Cool Runnings, delivered by John Candy.
He’s talking about how a gold medal and winning is great…but, “if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it.”
If you are only after the accolades, maybe you’re in the wrong line of work.
Give a craft about your art.
It is it easy.
But if you don’t do it, then who will?
Laurels are not a comfortable bedfellow.
I find it much easier to rest with a chip on my shoulder than a mattress of prickly wreaths under me.