Week 2
My mind is whirring with ideas for networking, self promotion, web design, gallery and studio space, new paintings and other projects, art competitions, workshops, fellowships, etc. etc. etc. I try to slow these thoughts and prioritize - until I can achieve this, I will overwhelm myself to the point of inaction.
I CANNOT allow myself to obsess every hour of every day. Although art is my passion, I am also trying to make it a career, so I need to learn to shut it off when the work day is done in order to have time for my home and my mental well-being. I need to learn how to be my own boss!
So, step one is to dedicate a reasonable amount of time 5-6 days a week to work. When that time is over, clock out and "go home". I don't imagine I will be so regimented as to stick to this plan 100% of the time. After all, when creativity strikes, one cannot ignore it!!! But it is important for me to start good habits in the beginning and adjust later.
Step two, is to use that time "at work" wisely. How can I be most productive during the time that I have? This is where I can apply some of the things I've learned in my previous management experience - Goal sheets! Its kind of like a vision board. Identify a short term, medium term, and long term goal with dates for when you hope to achieve them. When we used these goal sheets at work, it was signed, dated, and handed over to another manager. When someone else is aware of your goals they can be there to help you brainstorm, encourage you, and hold you accountable. But now, who is there to hold me accountable besides myself? This leads to...
Step three, becoming more self motivated and disciplined. There are several things that motivate me and I keep at the forefront of my thoughts as I take these first steps on my journey.
~I am finally working towards something I've only dreamed about for a long time. I will not squander this chance.
~I have family, friends, and former coworkers who have supported and encouraged me to take this leap. They are rooting for me and I will not let them down.
~I don't know everything. This could be discouraging, but its not. My art can ALWAYS improve and change and grow - it has and it will continue to do so. And as far as approaching my art as a business, I've already learned SO MUCH in a short amount of time. There are resources out there created by and for artists just like me. I'm not the first to try and navigate this strange new world, and I certainly won't be the last. I look forward to figuring out the best steps to take for me - making mistakes and learning from them - and hopefully leaving a little something behind to help someone else on their journey.
~As for becoming more disciplined, I think that is just going to take practice.
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