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Creatives, you are blessed with innovative ways of thinking, but if you're not careful, this creativity can lead to a lack of focus.
I keep running into creatives that are tackling new projects every time I see them. They are bouncing from one idea to the next on a regular basis, never making any headway. Now, I'm all for multiple streams of income, but if you bounce before you get traction with one, you're on a path destined for failure.
It seems that many are looking for that 'magic bullet': the one thing that will make money and take them from starving to thriving. I hate to burst your bubble, but if that's the way you're thinking, I'll save you some time and lot's of energy by telling you that the 'magic bullet' doesn't exist!
Instead of chasing after the new thing that promises to be a magic bullet, I encourage you to find your focus, your highest passion, and determine to make it fly. Decide to stay with it for the long haul. Focus all of your energy on this one project and determine to get it off the ground. Discipline your time and reject all 'shiny obects' that come along to zap your energies. Believe me . . . they will come like clockwork to distract you.
Whatever you decide to focus on, know that it will take hard work, discipline and long hours. It will progress little by little. You'll have to fight against discouragement and impatience and constantly remind yourself that success does not happen overnight!
You will need encouragers to help you focus and stay on task. It's impossible ... difficult, at best ... to do alone.
So ... what are you working on? What is your dream? Are you getting discouraged before it's even off the ground?
Give yourself a time limit. If you're not making any headway in 4 to 6 months, I would suggest your seeking some wise counsel. Hire a coach if you can ... someone to hold you accountable and make sure you're on the right track. After that, if you're still not making headway in a few months time, you might want to reconsider. But always get advice and seek wisdom before you move on to the next thing. Often, discouragement and giving up comes just before the breakthrough.
Stop bouncing and start focusing! If you take consistent steps daily in one direction, before long you will see the vision start to become reality.
If you need some support, let me know. I've been known to cheer many over the finish line! And please, feel free to share your struggles. Are you tempted to change paths, because the one you're on is taking too long? Are you discouraged or are you stuck?
Great post,Deby. I am so guilty of this, and it ends up feeling like I'm chasing rabbits and accomplishing nothing! The times during which I've found the most success is when I've chosen to focus on one thing, promote it well, and give it my all. Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteErin, after chasing rabbits for years, I finally realized that something had to change. I can't believe how much I've accomplished since I've focused my attention on the main thing! No more rabbits for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Deby, I really needed this encouragement!I have been focused on a single project for about 2 years now, and it has been very slow to come to fruition, but it is at least growing. Unfortunately when things get slower I do tend to pick up other projects, or life in general sends other projects my way. Recently I have found myself needing to be reminded of the major focus and to get myself moving before I miss my deadlines and things fall through. I feel like the student who aces all the tests, but when the final comes, I forget to put time aside to study and fail the course. I need to simplify and get back on track!
ReplyDeleteRedirect! Ignore the static, the noise that distracts! Focus on the original plan for today. Deby, this is where I 'spin' my days - said correctly: spin! For me a dream come true would be to be successful to the extent I get out of my house and into a studio each working day. Being at home, painting and drawing is nice, but very distracting. I could get more done if I had projects and a place to do them. Right now, feels like I'm always in 'begin' mode - "let's start the art career, Eddie!" I like the suggestion about coaches. I'm considering a couple I've met on the internet, both with different methods and perspectives of helping. Another goal? To have multiple coaches, if necessary - according to Dan, there's no sense limiting one's self to one. For now, get to tasks I had planned for today. Thanks Deby! Always truth and encouragement!
ReplyDelete@Rachael VT
ReplyDeleteRachel, I think this is why we need community; to prod each other on in the direction of our dreams. Going it alone is difficult and it's so easy to get off track and lose momentum.
So . . get back on track and let me know how you progress!
@Eddie Hudson
ReplyDeleteEddie, I've been working with Carrie Wilkerson, the Barefoot Executive this year. I have learned so much from her. More than anything, it's the motivation and being accountable to someone that helps.
Deby,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...and in the past couple days I've been feeling quite discouraged about my artwork bringing in any income...then yesterday and today two paintings are being sold! It's true,supporters help so much, and also patience and focus.
Deby,
ReplyDeleteI will confess--I am a bouncer--big time! Shiny objects pull me in every direction. Then I whine to myself about "why can't I focus?" Thanks for the reminder that the only way to move forward is to focus on A goal and go for it until successful!
@Mary Moore
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Mary! I'm so very proud of you. The truth is . . . the more you paint, the better your paintings. You are on a win - win course. Stay the course and watch what happens!
@Deborah Eaton Deb, I encourage you to choose one direction and stick with it for a period of time. It really works and it seems that you get a 'wind beneath your wings' that carries you further than you think you can go. Try it . . . . let me know your progress. I believe in you!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading Seth Godin's book "The Dip" this week--this double reinforcement to keep at it rather than get sidetracked is soaking into me. I tend to be a slow mover, wanting to be sure of something before proceeding. I think that has its place, but perhaps it is doing my creative work more harm than good! And so, I am off to be creative!
ReplyDeleteFor years, I've been a hamster, toiling away on my little exercise wheel, then suddenly waking up and realizing that I've been staring at the same water bottle and cedar chips the whole while.
ReplyDeleteTo use a different analogy, I sometimes feel like I'm driving a car that's been stuck in the mud for a long time; the wheels have been spinning uselessly, slinging mud and dirt everywhere, yet gaining no ground, getting me no closer to being back on the road.
Lately, however, I've been trying to focus more on a specific goal, and I'm starting to feel some movement in the wheels.
I know that soon, the wheels will grip solid earth, and all of the power and momentum I've built up over the years will launch me forward.
Very timely and resonating post, Deby.
Thank you.
Thanks Deby for your words of wisdom. I indeed lack focus in this area and this post has been such an encouragment and eye opener to me. Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
@Timmery Slow movers can still make steady progress! I'm cheering you forward in your creative pursuits! Truth is that nothing is sure - we are all on the journey of creating our success. We are the only 'sure' part of the equation!
ReplyDelete@Brad
ReplyDeleteI do sense your forward motion, Brad. I can't wait till you're 'unstuck' and making traction. I want to be on the sidelines watching as you cross the finish line.:-)
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteCheryl, find that one thing and give it all you've got. You've got lots to offer, so find your focus and make up your mind to give birth to this new thing! I'll help as I can.
Deb...GREAT POST, friend! It helps all of us!
ReplyDeletemuch love, steph
@AnonymousThanks sweet Steph! You're on your way to focus and great success. I just know it! :-)
ReplyDelete