Here are some lessons from his success.

He had the feeling he was on to something big.

He passed up any other opportunitiesno matter how much more lucrative or easygoingin order to continue his work cartooning.

I draw cartoons for the moving picturesadvertiser films…and the work is interesting.

Even when you’re discouraged, stick with it.

When Disney was first getting started, his work didn’t seem promising.

Gabler writes:

It wasn’t just the comparative crudity of the photography and drawings that marked these films.

They were also imitative and unimaginative.

Disney wasn’t making money, his abilities weren’t outstanding, and his job was unstable.

When times are tough, you must steel your resolve.

If you feel as though you’re on thin ice,keep your eyes on the next 30 days.

Much like how you would develop a skill, treat this trying experience likepractise for your persistenceand optimism.

In his early days, Walt Disney had created a company called Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City.

This business venture went bankrupt by the time Disney was 21.

As Gabler highlights, he was in his own words, “crushed and heartbroken”.

Disney did some odd jobs to make enough money to buy a film camera and move to Hollywood.

That change in location set the gears in motion for his eventual success.

Don’t stubbornly make the same mistakes over and over again.

Embrace Perfectionism When It Matters

Sometimes,good just isn’t good enough.

Embracing perfectionism, even just a little bit, can make life easier.

It enhances your reputation.

Disney was notorious for his obsession with excellence.

Some thought that it extended beyond business, and was simply core to his passion for art and cartooning.

He was always trying to make something that he could have fun with or be proud of.

Part of excellence means exploring uncharted territory, or pushing beyond what exists today.

Disney’s animators would go through rigorous training.

For example, they would study real-life movements to see how they could improve their cartooning.

Disney would invite artists and instructors to come in and speak to his team.

The animators would frequently burn the midnight oil so that meet deadlines while retaining quality.

Excellence doesn’t just mean dedicating more time to solve your problem.

It’s not that simple.

You mustengage in deliberate practiceto improve.

Don’t be afraid to try new things or bring your own ideas to the table.

You don’t have to go from zero to hero in a short amount of time.

The pursuit of perfection begins with incremental improvements.

Whenever you feel like your project is good enough, give it a second look for a few minutes.

See if you could identify any shortcomings.

If you have the time, fix them.

Your work will become more excellent than it was.

Disney knew the power of focus.

For example, Disney knew thatSnow Whitewas going to be something special.

Snow Whitewould eventually propel Walt Disney and his studio to superstardom and lead to much commercial and cultural success.

Disney learned to trust his own judgement over external opinions and criticism.

“It is like pruning a tree.

It sometimes grows stronger from pruning,” Stokowski would say to Disney.

If you’ve found yourself running around in circles, clear some stuff off your plate.

Do less, but better.

AsRockefeller similarly advocated, work steadily.

Don’t burn yourself out or waste your energy unnecessarily just to “feel” productive.

Know when it’s crucial that you concentrate your efforts and focus.

Use these principles to excel at your work, your art, and your life.

Photos byWikipedia,Vancouver Film School, andEva Blue.