As a professional creative you can go through many seasons in your work and personal life. You have to grapple with your craft, the arena you're in and those you both choose (and don't choose, but are there anyway) to be in your sphere. I regularly like to have some 'ponder time' and check in with myself with what is both feeding me, what will push me to develop as an artist, but also as a person.
The above words align, define and refine came to me this morning after watching a fantastic interview with Chase Jarvis, photographer, entrepreneur and owner of Creative Live, and Ramit Sethi, an author, businessman and psychologist. Watch here
This was part of the series '30 Days of Genius', a series of 30 interview style talks that were produced daily for 30 consecutive days. I highly recommend if you want to get inspired and driven by some of the world's leading creatives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
To me, to align comes in two strands -
1. Align with where God is calling you to be, both in work and spiritually. Get plugged in to good teaching and community. I have underestimated the latter in the past, and it has taken me many steps backwards.
2. Align yourself with the right people in your arena of work. Those who have what you are striving towards and those who are genuinely positive people who will not only encourage, but most importantly will inspire and push you on your chosen work path.
My next word 'define' is about working out exactly what your goal(s) is and make a game plan, step by step. Define what your methodology is to get there, and in great detail! As Ramit suggested, take things step by step. Don't be put off by the big picture or the larger task and not do anything at all. The passage "do not despise the day of small beginnings" and "He who can be trusted with little, can also be trusted with much" from the Bible comes to mind. Map out your plans and dreams, get a calendar was strongly advised, define your own rhythm and method of working, and work it! Stick to it. Lastly map out your time. YOU HAVE TIME. Make it count.
Coming to refine... I strongly believe you must not get stagnant. You have to continually expose yourself and get stuck in to experiencing things that will both excite you creatively and elevate your esteem and spirit, in order to keep refining your skills and way of living. In so doing, this should help you on your way to making a richer life for yourself.
You are a whole package; not just ideas, physicality or spirituality. These all need to work collaboratively,(hence the word 'Collaborative' in my business name). My uncle once said, "If you ever feel wholly comfortable, you're probably not in the place you're meant to be growing." So dare yourself to keep making new things, checking in with yourself and your processes, and keep refining your own unique way of doing things.
Good luck. Enjoy! I hope to hear good things from you :)
The above words align, define and refine came to me this morning after watching a fantastic interview with Chase Jarvis, photographer, entrepreneur and owner of Creative Live, and Ramit Sethi, an author, businessman and psychologist. Watch here
This was part of the series '30 Days of Genius', a series of 30 interview style talks that were produced daily for 30 consecutive days. I highly recommend if you want to get inspired and driven by some of the world's leading creatives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
To me, to align comes in two strands -
1. Align with where God is calling you to be, both in work and spiritually. Get plugged in to good teaching and community. I have underestimated the latter in the past, and it has taken me many steps backwards.
2. Align yourself with the right people in your arena of work. Those who have what you are striving towards and those who are genuinely positive people who will not only encourage, but most importantly will inspire and push you on your chosen work path.
My next word 'define' is about working out exactly what your goal(s) is and make a game plan, step by step. Define what your methodology is to get there, and in great detail! As Ramit suggested, take things step by step. Don't be put off by the big picture or the larger task and not do anything at all. The passage "do not despise the day of small beginnings" and "He who can be trusted with little, can also be trusted with much" from the Bible comes to mind. Map out your plans and dreams, get a calendar was strongly advised, define your own rhythm and method of working, and work it! Stick to it. Lastly map out your time. YOU HAVE TIME. Make it count.
Coming to refine... I strongly believe you must not get stagnant. You have to continually expose yourself and get stuck in to experiencing things that will both excite you creatively and elevate your esteem and spirit, in order to keep refining your skills and way of living. In so doing, this should help you on your way to making a richer life for yourself.
You are a whole package; not just ideas, physicality or spirituality. These all need to work collaboratively,(hence the word 'Collaborative' in my business name). My uncle once said, "If you ever feel wholly comfortable, you're probably not in the place you're meant to be growing." So dare yourself to keep making new things, checking in with yourself and your processes, and keep refining your own unique way of doing things.
Good luck. Enjoy! I hope to hear good things from you :)