It's Never Too Late to Change!

You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending!
C.S. Lewis

© thinglass

At the risk of sounding like I'm writing a Sunday Morning Reflections post on a Tuesday, I shared the quote above this morning on Twitter, and it's haunting me. 

I meet so many photographers who waste time looking in their rearview mirror instead of just looking forward. I'm not saying you should ignore the past.  You should respect it, learn from things you've done but recognize the most significant thing about this industry is your ability to keep changing...and growing. Nothing you do is cast in concrete. Your ability to keep expanding your skill set is unlimited as technology keeps changing, and the list of creative tools you have increases every day.

My buddy Bob Coates is a great example. His passion for the craft is unmatched, but so is his ability to keep expanding his skill set and interests. He's a perpetual student, continually testing the boundaries of technology and fine art. As a result, he's one of the most diverse artists I know. Chamira Young and I just had him on as a guest on "Beyond Technique." Bob shares a lot of great insight into special projects and the importance of diversity. (The new episode airs on June 20 on Photofocus.)

So, here's my point, directed to all of you who keep looking backwards and "shoulding" on yourself. Stop wasting energy trying to undo the beginning. Respect the mistakes you've made and look at everything you do today forward as a fresh start. This doesn't just apply to your journey in life, but things as simple as the shoot you're doing later today.

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If things aren’t working, stop what you are doing and just start over.
Maybe you’ll end up with an even better idea!
Scott Bourne