What We Don't See
Learning from Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh, became one of the most famous artists the world has ever seen. His paintings reflect some of the most recognizable pieces of art ever created. Today, over 130 years later his works are among the most expensive paintings to have ever sold.
We know the name and recognize the paintings he did. What most don’t know is Van Gogh died never reaping the monetary rewards of his paintings. In fact, he never made any money selling his art.
From the ages of 27 to 37, he created over 900 paintings. In June of 1889, while he was in the hospital being treated for his mental illness, he painted the famous Starry Night. One of the most famed pieces of art in history.
A year later on July 29, 1890 Van Gogh died. He shot himself in the chest at age 37.
One of the world’s most famous painters ever, died and never saw the success of his art. He achieved something extraordinary in life without even knowing it.
Not everything that we do to help, impact or affect others is seen right away.
There has become a need for instant results. Instant gratification or justification is desired to feel a sense of success. Without these approvals people resort to the feelings of failure.
Lack of validation, does not equal lack of excellence.
“Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures.” - Vincent Van Gogh
Keep creating, building, teaching, helping and impacting others. What you leave behind may leave an impact that you never see. Like Van Gogh, your work may have an impact on others long after you’re gone.
Unless you try and do the work, you give yourself no chance.
The Coffee Table ☕
Morgan Housel wrote about his business and investing beliefs in his post, Big Beliefs. Morgan is one of the few writers whom I make sure to read everything that he writes.
I finished the book, Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. The restauranteur wrote this book focused on hospitality and relationships across business. If you’re involved in hospitality, dealing with people or have clients this is a helpful book to read. I enjoyed it.
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