I’m a walking example of this mistake – daily.
I get so excited and so wrapped up in my dream of becoming a renowned photographer that I run around like crazy just doing things.
But at the end of the day, I still feel like I got nothing done.
Ever been here?
Here’s a recent example -
Last week, I went to my first Professional Photographers Association (PPA) event. It was awesome. The two photographers who spoke to us were very passionate about their sessions with clients.
It was so motivating to see their best work, hear their funny stories and get some advice on how to make a business more productive and profitable.
One of the presenters even had a PowerPoint presentation that she was willing to share with us after the class. It was 176 frames long.
176 frames.
So much great information, so many ideas. Suggestions on what to do, what not to do – and of course I wanted to run home and start doing everything right away!
After a few days of killing myself, here is what I realized – all of these best practices she shared about her business were developed over time, like during a 10 year time span of her company, Allison Rodgers Photography.
We were getting the gift of learning about her mistakes, her successes and challenges, and of course, all of her cool new ideas all at once -
It was like taking a sip of water out of a fire hose.
To reign in all of the “doing” and make some progress towards my goals, here’s what I’m gonna try moving forward:
- Don’t just hit the ground running every day. Take a few minutes to think things thru and ask myself, “why am I doing this, and will it get me closer to my goals?”
- Prioritize a couple of good ideas at a time, not create a free flowing 8 page to-do list.
- Build time in my day to put things down and walk away from the desk, to regain perspective.
- Remember that I’m building my photography business, not reinventing hers.
So dreamers, when you get overwhelmed and busy with all the doing, what have you changed in your approach to make progress towards your dreams?
Who knows . . . you just may help save a drowning artist!
Until next photo,
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy’s post day is Friday
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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I am laughing as I am thinking about the ebook Heather gave me for Christmas that I am reading called, The Launch Coach filled with great information. (GULP)
It added more work to my plate and left me almost motionless with my ebook – questioning everything. If I wasn’t sick I would probably be running around, but instead have only been able to slowly read their ebook when I was feeling up to it.
As usual, your post is timely.
Cath
Ah, glad I could help. the whole Fire Aim Ready thing seems to apply lately as well. very common themes.
Please get well!!! R
It’s been twenty years that, Laurie and I, have been laying the groundwork for our creative enterprises.
What’s that line in the song: “It’s gonna take time, a whole
lotta precious time”!
Cut yourself some slack, if this really is your (and I know it is) passion, then you’ll find a way.
Toni
Thanks for the timely reminder!
Bruce you are welcome…but hey, share more than that…lol Timely for ??
I love that line: like drinking water from a fire hose! I’m going to remember that. And your reminder about perspective is so true. My mentor always told me to write far enough in advance to let your work “rest.” The bigget luxury is time to let things percolate.