Working at it

My first observation about people who have become famous (in every industry) is that 98% of those people go there for one reason. They worked for it. Working for a goal, i.e. being the best at some skill, or being recognized on two or more continents are honorable goals, however the normal path to this level of notoriety and fame is paved with a lot of sweat and energy.

I am in the camp that there are two ways to work for something. You can work hard or you can work smart. Some of us start out working harder than smarter and as we mature, learn to work smarter rather than harder. It is a natural trend in all things learned. We become more efficient and those that are ruthlessly efficient can take enormous leaps forward in achieving their goals, thus shortening the time to your goal. And once you achieve your goal, you can opt to sit on your laurels, or find new goals to pursue and enjoy.

Working smarter is a process. You can learn this process on your own or you can find a coach or mentor. If you want to learn this process on your own, I would recommend reading everything you can get your hands on regarding your field of study or practice. I would also include things outside but related, and even subjects contradictory, to your practice as well, if you are going to do it on your own.

Oh, don't forget the hard work and practice of your skill. If you are not striving to be the best at whatever you do, then forget it. Having a goal is critical to your success, and if you are not willing to work towards it, then you have already decided your goal is not worthy of your time and effort.