Learn From Others

Often people tell me that that they want to be happy and successful.  Those two situations don’t always arrive together.  In fact, some who are happy do not have worldly fame or material blessings and some who have great success in business or celebrity are absolutely miserable.

So, when I am thinking about how to improve my life, I often look for individuals who seem to have found both success and happiness so I can learn from their story.

Recently, I have been examining the life of musician and songwriter, Vince Gill.  The 64-year-old has topped the charts several times, been awarded 18 times by the Country Music Association as well as receiving 22 Grammy awards.  He is a member of the Grand Old Opry, Guitar Center Rock Walk and has a very large fan-base.

But it wasn’t always this easy.  Following are some of the things that has helped Vince rise to this statute:

1. A dream – From the time Vince was given his first guitar as a child he wanted to get really good at playing it. He wasn’t striving to be a star, but he wanted to master the guitar.
2. Adventure – When Vince left home after high school graduation, he didn’t even know how to do laundry. A woman in a laundromat apparently taught him how to fold his clothes and he still uses the method she taught him. He traded an old guitar and every cent he had to his name to upgrade his instrument.  He paid $15 a month for rent and lacked both finances and fame for a long time while he worked towards his goal.
3. Humility – Vince didn’t go for the front of the stage. Instead, he became a very contented studio player, backing up other artists.  He learned from over 1000 who he worked with over the years as he did instrumental and vocal backups for them.
4. Research – Vince often could be found in a music store, attending concerts or “hanging out” with musicians to build his knowledge and skills.
5. Challenge – One of his goals is to always play with someone who is better than he is so that he can stretch and get better at his craft. His lack of confidence never wins over his determination.  He knew from the beginning that expertise takes time, and he continues to chase it.
6. Vulnerability – Vince writes about his hurts, and this resonates with the audience who has had similar experiences. He pens songs about personal issues such as the death of his brother, regrets for not being there for his mother, the pain of divorce, being trapped in an impossible love situation and grieving for family of fallen soldiers to name a few.
7. Diversity – Vince plays several instruments and many different styles of music. In fact, one of his most recent endeavors has been joining the Eagles. He is not stuck on one path and this fact alone has broadened his talent and his audience.
8. Balance – His career is not his only focus. He has helped raise five children, received many awards for his golfing expertise and is an active volunteer for charities.
9. Perspective – Vince doesn’t let the opinions of others destroy his happiness. When he and Amy Grant (second wife) were the fodder for scandalous headlines, he carried on with his life without rebuttal.
10. Wisdom – Vince built a recording studio in his home. No one could have predicted the onset of a pandemic but having this allowed him to write and record while most of the world was frozen.
11. Faith – Vince incorporates his beliefs into his performances, songwriting and lifestyle. He is honest about his feelings which can be heard clearly with Grammy award winning “When Amy prays” as an example.
12. Mentoring – Vince loves to help others whether it is by inviting them to sing onstage, offering training, or just gifting them with words of encouragement. When you work hard for many years to get good at something, it is wonderful to be able to share.

And is Vince Gill happy and successful.  Sure looks like it.

What, if anything, can you learn from his story to improve your life?