Stuck in the Mud?

Should we wear our most expensive outfit to a mud fight? Why then do we continue to place ourselves in jobs, situations, and relationships that ruin our peace, health, and self-value?
Iyanla Vanzant
Acts of Faith

by Skip Cohen

There's a difference between playing in the mud and getting stuck in it. (Although I've never understood the concept of trashing the dress!)

Usually, I'd save making a point like this for one of my Reflections posts on Sunday mornings, but that quote above hit home for me. I've had several conversations with photographers over the last few weeks, who were all unhappy with their business choices. Each one had the same underlying challenge - their declining self-value!

I've written so much over the years about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people, friends, and associates who share your passion for your goals. In every specialty in imaging, from still photography to video and from macro to landscape, your creativity comes from a combination of your skill set and your heart. You can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it.

We're still in spring seasonality, down to graduations and Father's Day, and then the summer gets quiet for some specialties and very busy for others. Here's my point:

If you're unhappy with what you're doing, then change things! I'm being simplistic, but we're also an industry of people who watch each other's backs. We're all here to help each other, and you don't have to be miserable, waking up daily to watch another little piece chipped out of your self-esteem.

• Examine what's in the way of you smiling more and bitching less.
• Look at your options for changes.
• Draw a timeline with a few benchmarks for the progress you want. Do your final goal last and then fill in the blanks, moving forward from today.
• Once you've got a plan, step back and "marinate" for a few days. Wait to share the ideas.
• Marinated enough? It's time to share the ideas with whoever you're closest to and then branch out to 1-2 more people in your network who you trust and respect the most.
• Finalize your plan, understanding that nothing is cast in concrete - your path will change. Stay fluid, and recognize that your ability to change direction at any time is what makes you unique. But give every new plan time to grow and build momentum.​

Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line.
They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.
Ross Perot

Often, just starting the process will boost your self-esteem. The whole idea is to stop putting yourself in situations that impact the peace in your life, your health, and how you feel when you look in the mirror. And if you're stuck - you know where to find me for help. Just send me an IM on Facebook with a phone number and I'll do my best.