We Can't Lose Sight of Our 'Why'

Steven Spielberg always wanted to direct movies, even at a young age. He loved them so much that one day, he boarded a tour bus at Universal Studios in Hollywood and rode around the lot as actors, directors, writers and film technicians shuffled around feverishly. Spielberg hopped off the bus, hid behind some vacant buildings, then spent the rest of his day taking everything in.

He ran into Chuck Silver, who worked for Universal TV, and shared his dream of becoming a director. Spielberg impressed him so much that Silver wrote him a three-day pass so he could return. On the fourth day, Spielberg — carrying his father’s briefcase — arrived at the gate with a big hello for the security guard and just kept walking. He did this for four straight months.

While on the lot, Spielberg did a ton of investigative learning. He would invite directors to lunch, ask questions, chat with stars, sit in the editing rooms, and soak up as much information as possible like a sponge. Finally, Silver sent him home and told him it was time to put all the lessons to use.

Spielberg began writing a 26-minute short film, titled, “Amblin'.” He spent countless hours directing and editing, and finally felt comfortable taking it to Silver for review. When Silver finished watching, tears streamed down his face. He immediately called his colleague Sid Sheinberg at Universal Productions and told him he had to see it. Sheinberg at first hesitated, claiming he was too busy, but ultimately called Spielberg to his office, offering him a seven-year contract to make movies for Universal. And, as they say in the movies, the rest is history.

When we want something in life, either professionally or personally, we need to determine how far we are willing to go to achieve it. Articulating the “why” will indicate our level of commitment toward our goals.

When we are young, our “whys” are strong and sturdy. But as we get older, we tend to lose a little of the “why” and believe our experience alone will offset the lack of complete determination. What we can learn from Spielberg is to never give up our passion or our commitment to our “why.” Age never determines the strength of our “why,” only we do.

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