If you embrace a project that will require time and patience, then you need something to work on. So the first step of the project is to create an identity. If you don’t have an identity, then today you want this player and tomorrow another one. If you have an idea and a shape, then this is how you develop an identity.
There’s a randomness, even if you’re talented. This is a very unforgiving industry that puts you through the ringer. It is not easy by any means, but it’s one of those things that if you have the patience, the perspective, and the talent, it can really take off.
The industry has changed in that it is far more disposable than it used to be. When Boyzone came out, we were given a shot and the patience to record our singles and albums. Nowadays, the thought is if it is not working, then the artist will be dropped. The record companies will bail on the artists, and I find that sad.
And I have to be willing to be patient to allow God’s plan to unfold and not go ahead and try to make my own circumstances happen for me. So, I’ve learned that He can be trusted for every need and desire but at the same time that may require patience on my end.
There was a lot of times when I was busking there were a lot of people in your face, like ‘More, more! Go again, again, again!’… People were so used to be able to swipe to see something different to entertain themselves that the patience had diminished.
When I’m training for a fight, I’m not the same person that I normally am when I’m at home. I’m always thinking about fighting. I’m doing it day in and day out. Pretty soon, my personality starts to change. My temper’s a little bit shorter, I don’t have a lot of patience for a lot of things.
I am a terrible chef; I’m not a good cook. I don’t have the talent, the patience, the desire even to cook the way these great artists that I meet around the world cook, and I’m very, very happy to support them. I invest in restaurants because I love them so much.
One thing that I am becoming to learn is that you’ve got to have patience and wait your turn in this game. I feel like I am progressing as an artist, as a writer and as a performer and I know that there will be that one moment that will change everything.
The first thing I do when I get up is pray and meditate to center myself for the day ahead. I ask for inspiration in my creative endeavors, guidance in my relationships and patience in my journey. It’s a great way to get focused for the day.
Obviously, I did not start my Test career too well. With the bat, I was probably not quite ready to play at that stage. I was happy to go back to first-class system and learn my game a bit more, honing my skills, particularly my defence and patience.
