Alex wanted to be famous-and he didn’t care what he had to do, whether it was to become a pop star or to become a movie star-it was his goal to become a popular entertainer. He was often seen walking down the street singing along with his portable MP3 player. His favorite movie star was Brad Pitt, and it was his goal to someday portray him in a movie about his life. He practiced his acting potential in his basement, sometimes posing as if people were taking his picture, hoping to someday become the predominant star in music and movies. His goal was to attend the local university to take acting and singing lessons, which would put him in a position where he might be able to achieve his goals. He had talent-and the future looked pregnant with possibilities.
Unfortunately, he and his family were poor, and he knew that he would have to postpone his dream of becoming an entertainer. It looked like the lack of money would preclude him from ever trying to become an actor or singer.
While working as a waiter to support his family, he went to pour the latest guest a drink. He gave the customer the standard greeting, “How may I serve you today? I would prescribe a nice glass of ice tea to start you meal.” The man said, “I’ll just have a drink today.” Suddenly Alex realized that the customer was none other than movie star Brad Pitt! Abandoning precaution (Alex’s predecessor at the restaurant had been fired for talking too much to the customers), he told Brad of his dreams of becoming an entertainer. “Hard work precedes success,” Brad told Alex, “and it seems that you are doing the preliminary things that are necessary to become successful.” Alex listened carefully as Brad continued: “I don’t mean to preach to you, but the entertainment industry places a premium on a positive attitude-there is a prejudice against people who don’t work hard.” By this time, Brad had finished his tea and got up to leave. “Don’t give up on your dreams, just work harder to achieve them,” he said. Alex was inspired by Brad’s positive words-one of the most popular movie stars in the world had given him very practical advice-don’t give up! With those words in mind, Alex knew right then and there that he would find a way to go to college and become an entertainer, no matter how impractical it seemed.
Unfortunately, he and his family were poor, and he knew that he would have to postpone his dream of becoming an entertainer. It looked like the lack of money would preclude him from ever trying to become an actor or singer.
While working as a waiter to support his family, he went to pour the latest guest a drink. He gave the customer the standard greeting, “How may I serve you today? I would prescribe a nice glass of ice tea to start you meal.” The man said, “I’ll just have a drink today.” Suddenly Alex realized that the customer was none other than movie star Brad Pitt! Abandoning precaution (Alex’s predecessor at the restaurant had been fired for talking too much to the customers), he told Brad of his dreams of becoming an entertainer. “Hard work precedes success,” Brad told Alex, “and it seems that you are doing the preliminary things that are necessary to become successful.” Alex listened carefully as Brad continued: “I don’t mean to preach to you, but the entertainment industry places a premium on a positive attitude-there is a prejudice against people who don’t work hard.” By this time, Brad had finished his tea and got up to leave. “Don’t give up on your dreams, just work harder to achieve them,” he said. Alex was inspired by Brad’s positive words-one of the most popular movie stars in the world had given him very practical advice-don’t give up! With those words in mind, Alex knew right then and there that he would find a way to go to college and become an entertainer, no matter how impractical it seemed.