My small jobs were basically... cut a ribbon somewhere or fly to

Dino Morea, reflecting on the early stages of his career, once said: “My small jobs were basically... cut a ribbon somewhere or fly to be a judge in some pageant in Darjeeling. It was those small kinds of jobs which sort of kept me going and I am thankful for people to even notice me.” These words, though spoken lightly, shine with deep wisdom. They remind us that greatness is not built in a single leap, but in small beginnings, in humble tasks that sustain the spirit until larger opportunities arrive. Gratitude for these moments is the foundation upon which lasting success is built.

The origin of this saying comes from Morea’s own journey as an actor and model in India. Before the recognition of films, fame, and major roles, he endured the struggles common to many who pursue creative paths. His livelihood, as he admits, was not always glamorous: ribbon-cuttings, judging contests, and small appearances. Yet he did not despise these moments; instead, he gave thanks that he was seen, that his presence mattered to someone. This gratitude transformed what might have seemed trivial into stepping stones that kept him moving forward.

History offers powerful parallels. Consider Abraham Lincoln, who before becoming president, worked as a rail-splitter, a store clerk, and a small-town lawyer. Each of these “small jobs” could have seemed insignificant in light of his later greatness. Yet Lincoln himself would often reflect that those humble labors shaped his resilience and gave him the strength to lead a nation through its greatest trial. Just as Dino Morea honored the small roles that sustained him, Lincoln too found value in beginnings that others might dismiss.

The heart of this teaching is that no work is too small if it keeps the flame alive. Every ribbon cut, every pageant judged, every task completed in obscurity is part of the larger mosaic of a life’s journey. To scorn these opportunities is to scorn the very path that leads toward fulfillment. Gratitude transforms small jobs into sacred duties, reminding us that they have purpose beyond the moment: they keep us moving, they teach humility, and they prepare us for greater trials.

To those who labor in obscurity, Morea’s words are a call to endurance. Do not despise the day of small beginnings. Every act of work, however humble, keeps your journey alive. It is better to serve in small ways with dignity than to abandon the path out of impatience. The recognition may be faint at first, but as long as someone sees, as long as there is one opportunity to step forward, it is enough to keep the dream alive.

To those already blessed with success, the lesson is to remember your roots. Gratitude is not only for grand achievements, but also for the tiny chances that carried you when nothing else did. To forget these is to forget the very foundation of your story. Speak of them, honor them, and encourage others to find pride in their own modest beginnings.

The eternal wisdom here is this: the road to greatness is paved with small jobs, humble tasks, and unnoticed labors. These moments test our patience and train our spirits. They force us to find joy not in glamour, but in the act of persistence itself. Dino Morea’s words remind us that we must be thankful for every step, no matter how small, because each step brings us closer to who we are meant to be.

Thus, let this teaching be passed down: honor the small roles, cherish the little tasks, and give thanks for every hand that notices you along the way. For these are not distractions but foundations, not delays but preparations. In time, they will reveal themselves as the quiet stones upon which the temple of your destiny is built.