I don’t believe in Shortcuts

I don’t believe in shortcuts when it comes to business. I just never have. I guess that I’ve witnessed to much firsthand. I actually just want to share this as an encouragement. I feel that so often people look at where I am and think I’ve always been here, and no I’m not saying I’ve made it big time, I’m just saying, I am for sure not where I was and I’m so proud of where I am. But it didn’t happen overnight.

If you have a photography business, and you feel like you are at the end of your rope…I’VE BEEN THERE TOO! If you’re overwhelmed by where you want to be and frustrated that you’re not there yet…I’VE BEEN THERE TOO! If you’re wondering if you’ll ever reap every ounce of sweat and tear that you’ve sown into your business….I’VE BEEN THERE TOO!

Looking back and knowing what I know now…let me tell you something…DON’T LOOK FOR THE SHORTCUT! Here are three incredible things I learned right in the middle of the hard times:

1. To make ANYTHING work…you need GRIT. Every person I’ve ever heard of that does something GREAT say the same thing…they just stuck with it long enough until they got better and until something just CLICKED! And it did! Don’t quit when it’s hard! *Tip: If you’re in a crossroad where you’re wondering if you should quit ask yourself these questions: Am I exhausted? [If the answer is yes, just get rest and let the joy of doing what you’re doing, come back. Here’s a blog I wrote once about 5 Ways to Navigate through Creative Block]. Is there room to grow? [If the answer is yes, GROWWWWWWW…PERIOD!] Have I done EVERYTHING I can and it’s still not working? [Then maybe, this is the only MAYBE where you should consider trying something else or getting perspective from a person who can look at your business and give you some tips]. Did I discover I actually don’t like this career? [If yes…then find out what you do enjoy. Don’t give up because it’s hard. Give up because it’s not what brings you joy at any point].
2. Discovering a potential I didn’t know I had. It’s interesting the things you have to pick up when owning a business. You have to pick up a lot more tools than just what your craft is if you want to make the business part of things work! Along the way, I discovered that I was actually pretty smart [just not in the way that school teaches us]. You can read more about that in my blog: Omg…You’re a Genius.
3. Finally, I learned that it’s not always about me. This journey has taught me to rally up next to someone else. It actually taught me that there’s greater joy in cheering others on than it is being intimidated by them or competitive. It taught me to care for others’ success more than my own [still a very challenging thing to remember at times-since I’m super tunnel focused and driven]. It’s taught me that you can’t get anywhere without amazing people alongside of you! *Tip: Do your best to not burn bridges as you’re on your journey of discovery in your art/business.

Guys….don’t look for the easy way to success. Define what success means to you OUTSIDE OF $$$$$$. Aim for the success that drives your heart and soul to produce the best type of work that you could possibly produce. Anything GOOD is worth a good fight! Keep up the good work. SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF.