I think the only reason I’ve had the career life that I’ve had is that someone told me some secrets early on about living. You can do the very best you can when you’re very, very relaxed, no matter what it is or what your job is, the more relaxed you are the better you are. That’s sort of why I got into acting. I realized the more fun I had, the better I did it. And I thought, that’s a job I could be proud of. It’s changed my life learning that, and it’s made me better at what I do.
Bill Murray via Trent Walton
The otherwise aloof Bill Murray has been out-and-about lately promoting his new movie St. Vincent. He has some very wise words about doing good work. I heard him on Howard Stern recently where he echoed his above sentiment. Basically he’s built his career on his own terms, opting out of otherwise lucrative roles and ventures where he wouldn’t have had a voice or the freedom to own it and make it his.
Listen to Bill Murray’s interview with Howard Stern, as well as read more about owning your work.