My conversation with Jen Kiaba about becoming a full-time artist left me thinking a lot about the information that I shared. At the end of our conversation, she kindly shared with me that I would probably have blog content for weeks to come based on all of the notes I had for that Q&A session. I took her advice to heart and decided to create this post on a topic that I believe is quite common – our inner demons (or debilitating fears). Some of our fears are indeed meant to keep us safe, but there are some fears that need not be there holding us back. This blog, is to address those.
It is so important to me to share my inner business demons (fears) because I know that I am not alone out there. We all have fears of failure in one way or another. It took me some time and deep reflection to come up with this list. It’s not easy to publicly admit where you fall short but I believe that transparency is what is truly helpful to others.
In brief, this list encompasses my personal weaknesses and fears about going back into a creative business. I was a wedding photographer before and closed my business over three years ago. Over the past year I agonized over the decision to go back in business again so this time, I decided to write all of the things that I felt hindered me the first time around.
So, why do I call them demons? Because they are aspects of my own personal fears that keep coming back to haunt me during the most inopportune moments.
The best thing that I could have done for myself was not only to write them down but to address each and every single one. I made a plan on tackling them and I highly recommend that you do the same. I feel like everything is more manageable when it is written down on paper… Do you agree?
My hope is that my list will help jog your writing juices and help you come up with your own. I would love to hear some of your inner demons so please comment below 🙂
You can watch the video or read the list.
List of Inner Demons (Business Fears)
1. Reverting to Old Habits
– Wake up early every day (between 4:30am-5am)
– Create a weekly schedule
– Be strict about working an 8am-5pm schedule
– 80/20: Make a list of all of the things that you need to do and determine the 20% of that list that accounts for 80% of your business
– Set 10X Goals and read them every day
– Keep eating healthy
– Work out 4-5 times a week
2. Falling into a State of “Unworthiness”
– Keep you art moving forward. Be inspired, etc.
– Keep fit and healthy
– Regular meditation
3. Being Lonely at Home All Day
– Create a weekly meetup group and post in local photography groups.
– Keep your friendships strong: Lunch/breakfast outings with friendship
– Go to the mountains and hike with friends
– Work at a different coffee shop once a week
– Teach regular photography classes
– Attend social events from my last place of employment
4. Failing to Plan
– Make a plan and set goals. Revisit them on a daily basis: Marketing, content creation, business management, etc.
– Start with something (if you don’t know how to begin) and expand from there
5. Giving Up Too Early/ Failing to Commit
– Remind yourself that everything takes time.
– Look to the people who inspire you/you consider mentors and reflect on all of the years they have been in business (pursuing what they love).
– Examples: Sue Bryce, Chase Jarvis, Tiesto, Brooke Shaden, etc.
6. Sabotaging Your Own Success
– Review your life goals
– Remind yourself how you felt like you had little time to pursue your art when you worked full-time. Feel gratitude for having had the opportunity to work at your last place of work, create a job that you loved, and learn the tools you needed to live the life you want to live
– Review your “Why”. Are your actions in line with that? Remember that everything takes time. Never forget that.
Books referenced:
The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
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