15 Truths About Being a Professional Dancer

Written by Melanie Doskocil, original post found at her blog, Ballet Pages

I love that these principles comes as a reminder to myself once again and they apply to life as well (as originally adapted from 
16 Harsh Truths that Make Us Stronger)
 :-)

1. Natural ability and talent will only get us so far. We must work hard work and persevere.
2. You won't always get the role you want - this teaches us humility and respect for the process, the art form and the masters we have chosen to teach us.
3. There's a lot you don't know - the minute we think we know it all, we stop being a valuable asset.
4. There may not be a tomorrow - infuse your routine with passion.
5. There's a lot you can't control - focus on honing your craft, being the best you can be in your work. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude.
6. Information is not true knowledge - knowledge comes from experience.
7. Prove you are valuable - show up early, know your material, be prepared, keep your opinions to yourself unless they are solicited and above all be willing to work hard.
8. Someone else will always have more than you/be better than you - rather than get caught up in the drama about what others are doing around you, focus on the things you are good at, the things you need to work on and the things that make you happiest in your profession.
9. You can't change the past - Everyone has a past; made mistakes and has glorious moments they want to savour. Be in the moment.
10. The only person who can make you happy is you - the root of our happiness comes from our relationship with ourselves, not from how much money we make, what role we were given. These things can have effects on our mood, but in the long run it's who are on the inside that makes us happy.
11. There will always be people who don't like you - You can't be everything to everyone. Not matter what you do, there will always be someone who thinks differently. So concentrate on doing what you know in your heart is right.
12. Sometimes you will fail - failure is a part of life. Failure can be the catalyst to some of our greatest growth and learning experiences. Be willing to fail. When it happens, embrace the lesson that comes with it.
13. Sometimes you will have to work for free - there are many good reasons to work for free and there are just as many reasons not to. Ask yourself if the cause is worthy, if the experience is worth it, if it will bring your joy. Go into the situation fully aware of the financial agreement and don't expect a hand out later.
14. If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting. If you want to grow beyond your comfort zone, you must push yourself beyond your self-imposed limitations.
15. You will never feel 100% ready - nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. You have to be willing to take risks. Have a flexible mind and attitude. The greatest opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means you won't feel totally comfortable or ready for it.