We live in a performative world that’s driven by ego and external validation.
Everywhere I look, there’s something vying for a slice of my attention, another decision asking to be made, a message demanding I take time out of my day to read it.
Learning how to say ‘no’ to all the distractions has been challenging, but it has been worth it.
Before I learned how to guard my time and my focus, I felt like I was always being pulled in a thousand different directions. I felt like I never got to a point where I actually did the things I really wanted to, I was always just waiting for the opportune moment, as Jack Sparrow says.
The thing with the opportune moment is that I can’t wait around forever. I can’t just wait for it to fall into my lap. Much like Jack Sparrow, I have to be the protagonist, moving things forward and learning to recognise that moment when it presents itself.
It’s easy to say I want to do something, but actually doing it is a whole other endeavour. Dreams don’t become reality through wishful thinking.
Wish for it. Work for it.
One of the most challenging things as a creative is decoupling the outcome from the process.
No one will ever love the thing I’m making as much as I do. I’m my own work’s biggest fan.
As it should be.
No one is going to push me to start or finish a project. No one is going to push me to show up day after day to add another straw to the stack, to learn another skill, to solve another problem.
Other people are too busy with their own things, their own lives, their own urgent issues and life crises – and primarily in love with their own things first.
When I’m doing my work because I want other people to see it, to appreciate it, to consume it, I’ve already lost the game.
But when I’m doing the work because I love and enjoy the process of doing it, I win every time.
As a creative, showing up to do the work even when no one sees it, is a part of the process.
I’m always surprised by how many people don’t have the tenacity to see something through.
They start many things with a flurry, but as soon as the work gets real, they bail and go back to solving the other urgencies that they’ve filled their life with.
Even when no one else sees your work, you do.
One of the cardinal rules of creativity is that if you find it fascinating, others will too.
And a basic principle of online business is that if you’re competing on outcome, there’s always going to be someone doing it faster, better, cheaper than you.
It’s a race to the bottom and you’re always going to lose.
But when showing up to do the process itself is my definition of success, that sense of accomplishment will fuel my motivation to come back again tomorrow.
Actively choosing to come do my work over other things is a cost of getting the work done, and I do get struck by FOMO every now and again.
But when I’ve got a good habit of showing up to the work every day, taking a detour here or going down a rabbit hole there doesn’t derail the entire project.
Nurturing my mind and investing in personal growth is essential.
While having the tenacity to stick with something, it’s also important to understand that my brain does get tired when saturated.
That’s why continually learning new skills, trying new things and challenging myself to go outside of my comfort zone is how I keep my mind from fatigue and burn-out.
Education is a lifelong journey towards being better than I was yesterday.
In the age of information, choosing to nourish my mind and prioritise education is an empowering decision.
By embracing personal growth, engaging in intellectually stimulating activities, staying curious, reading widely, sharing knowledge, and investing in intellectual pursuits, I lay the foundation for success and fulfilment.
Knowledge is a wealth that multiplies when shared, and it is a resource that no one can take away from you once you’ve gained it.
So how do I invest in myself?
- I embrace personal growth. Rather than seeking validation and feeding my ego, I strive to continuously learn, expand my knowledge, and develop new skills. It’s a continuous transformative journey towards self-discovery.
- I know education goes beyond degrees. Education goes beyond formal degrees and qualifications. It is a lifelong pursuit aimed at gaining knowledge, broadening my perspective, and enhancing critical thinking abilities. In an ever-evolving world, continuous learning is essential for adapting to change, seizing new opportunities, and staying ahead of the curve.
- I engage in intellectually stimulating activities. Instead of succumbing to drama-filled social media arguments and mindless entertainment, I choose to spend my time doing things that stimulate my intellect. Engaging with thought-provoking content enriches my mind and enhances my capacity for critical thinking.
- I have a journaling practice. Incorporating a regular journaling practice, even if it is just for a few minutes a day, has had a profound effect on my personal growth. Journaling allows me to express my thoughts, explore my emotions, and gain valuable insight into myself. It’s a powerful tool for self-reflection, helping me navigate my inner world and finding clarity when facing challenges.
- I stay curious and read widely. Cultivating a curious mindset is key to intellectual nourishment. By staying curious, I remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. Reading widely is an excellent way to fuel my curiosity. It broadens my knowledge, exposes me to diverse viewpoints, and fosters a well-rounded understanding of the world.
- I share knowledge. Knowledge is not meant to be hoarded; it flourishes when shared. By sharing my insights, experiences, and learnings with others, I contribute to the collective growth of social groups and society. Sharing knowledge fosters collaboration, sparks innovation, and creates a ripple effect of learning and empowerment.
Saying ‘yes’ to the projects I want to work on inevitably means saying ‘no’ to some other things.
And that’s okay.
My creative work is that which gives me purpose and inspires me. It’s worth choosing, and it’s worth doing even if I’m the only one seeing it.
Because in an age of distraction discarding everything that ultimately turns into a distraction is an act of ultimate rebellion.
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“When Sasha Barrett gets bitten by a snake on a mission, her squad captain’s quick actions not only save her life, but also make her realise something she may have known all along…“
