Pour Your Heart Into It

In Howard Shultz's "Pour Your Heart Into It", we once again are introduced to a man who worked his way up from nothing, who strived with determination to do more with his life than could be expected, to achieve his dreams. Howard Shultz grew up in the projects of New York City, his father consistantly mistreated and layed off by managers and corporate America. Howard dispised his father's way of life, living from pay check to pay check, too tired to be of any worth to his childhood. Shultz was determined to never become as his father was, to strive for something higher. He succeed. Howard Shultz, in an act of mere determination and integrity, created a company that values each employee, honors its product, and maintains an air of romance and respect. While he started from what may seem desolate conditions, Shultz rose to his dreams, never falling victim to the voices that told him he would never be able to do it, that his goals were too far fetched. Today Starbucks is one of the most popular corporations in America, numerous stores within blocks of eachother, but none of this would have been possible without the will of Howard Shultz, and his inability to let go of his dreams. Unlike many Americans and individuals in general who succomb to the discouraging whispers around them, settling for what is viable, Shultz stove for excellence and refused to settle for anything less than he was (or even wasn't) capable of. One wonders what may be accomplished if everyone pushed for what they truely want, for the dreams they so desperately desire. Perhaps the world would be a far more successful, effiecient, and joyful place to live and work. Never Settle.

Portrait Of an Artist

In contrast to the previous posts on my big question, Portrait of an Artist presents a character who chose to leave the comfortable, the familiar, the expected, and strive for his dream, to be an artist. While Stephen had grown up in a Catholic church going family, continuously engulfed in doctrine and lessons, he was not true to himself. It was not until later in his journey that Stephen had the courage to break free from the binds of his religion, but he did so to pursue his true identity, that of an artist. Stephen's character presents the journey of a man who took a chance, and succeeded in not only being true to himself, but in happiness. Through Stephen's example of refusing to settle for what was expected of him, we are able to see that it is beneficial to stive for higher goals, even if it means being looked down upon, or struggling for what you want. We are shown that there may be periods of transition, even relapse, to the easy life, the life of expectations and familiarity, but that in the end, if one is true to oneself, they must reach for the stars, go for their dreams.