When Dreams are Slow to Become Reality

10/10/2015

When you're ready to quit, you're closer than you think.
There's an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true.
It goes like this:
"The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."
Bob Parsons

I read this quote this morning and it got me thinking about a photographer I spoke with the other day. She's just not making it. Her business is way off from where she wants to be and she's thinking about giving up, but her work is terrific. She's invested a lot of time in building her skill set, but she missed the boat on her marketing.

It's a Saturday morning and here's a quick thought to think about over the weekend. I know how hard it is to run a business today and the feeling of frustration isn't exclusive to anybody. Even in starting my business in 2009 there have been a few times where I thought about giving up and doing something else.

There are two things that keep me going and I'm hoping writing about them helps a few of you. First, I love what I'm doing. You've got to love what you're doing as well. As I've said a few times in the past, "You can't create images that tug at people's heart strings if your heart isn't in it." But, when your heart is in anything you're working on it's amazing how the creativity and passion flow.

Second, before you walk away from your career or anything for that matter, think about how much time you've invested so far. Take the time to analyze what's missing and then make another investment - get some help through your network in better understanding what you need to do better.

I know I make it sound so easy, but the process itself really is that simple. What takes time is working on your skills in those areas that need the most help. It would be so great if there really was a button on your keyboard you could just push. Since there's not, you just have to be persistent and stay on course.

The bottom line...don't give up on your dreams!

2 Comments

"Why?"

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Chuck arlund link

10/10/2015 11:25:11 am

I try and tell myself this everyday.
The question is how long to you stay on that edge of achieving success and finally giving in to the temptation to quit?
I'm going on 5 years and it looks bleaker everyday. I keep chugging along but it's starting to get to the point of "this is just getting stupid now" give up already and get a real job.
You know. One you don't really like but it pays the bills and you don't have to think about it to much. :-).
I'm serious about the question though. How long is too long?

A.D.Wheeler link

10/12/2015 12:04:58 pm

Good question Chuck. I think it all depends on the person, and how they handle it. If you are trying the same thing over and over for 5 years, making a change here and there but basically staying in your box, then 6 months is too long. If you are adapting, growing, learning, and creating yourself, then forever might be the answer here. There is NO set time. If you are posting things like this, then it tells me you are in the wrong frame of mind to begin with. Have you heard of TheArcanum_dot_com? It's a new photography/art teaching system that is helping folks like you make the necessary changes to get in the right mindset to succeed. Not to mention it is a huge community of the top creatives in the business right now. Not to sound like an advert, but it has literally changed my life, not just my photography. It will help you to stop thinking about "how long" and start thinking there are not enough hours in the day for my creativity....the rest will follow. Best of luck to you! ~AD

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