I struggled for a while, but when I was cast in an Off Broadway show called 'Once Upon a Mattress,' that kind of put me on the map.
Interpretation
Struggles can lead to significant breakthroughs in one's career.
This quote by Carol Burnett reflects the journey of overcoming challenges and how pivotal moments, such as landing a role in a play, can tremendously influence one's career trajectory. It emphasizes that initial hardships may precede success, highlighting the importance of persistence and the eventual pay-off that can come from hard work and perseverance.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, I could use this quote to illustrate how perseverance is crucial for achieving one's dreams.
My grandmother and I followed my mother here, to a house a block north of Hollywood Boulevard but a million miles away from Hollywood, if you know what I mean. We would hang out behind the ropes and look at the movie stars arriving at the premieres.
You have to have faith that there is a reason you go through certain things. I can't say I'm glad to go through pain, but in a way one must, in order to gain courage and really feel joy.
It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others.
I've always been optimistic. And I have a feeling that it happened because of going to all those movies with my grandmother in the '40s because there was no cynicism.
Edgy is fine - I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination - but what's wrong with a good ol' belly laugh? I miss that.
My favourite comedian, of course, is Tim Conway. He has a way about him - being that belly-laugh kind of funny, and he has the improvisational skills, too. I've never seen anybody better.
The same instincts that make us good students can make us lousy entrepreneurs.
I have to tell you, I'm proudest of my life off the court. There will always be great basketball players who bounce that little round ball, but my proudest moments are affecting people's lives, effecting change, being a role model in the community.
I'm here because I stand on many, many shoulders, and that's true of every black person I know who has achieved.
Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else - very rarely to those who say to themselves, 'Go to, now, let us be a celebrated individual!'.
Success is something you attract, by becoming an attractive person.
It doesnβt matter how strong or capable you are; if you donβt have a big heart, you will not succeed.
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