There is a reason most creatives are somewhat recluse. I see that now. It’s not because they are socially inept or more comfortable with four walls rather than interacting with others. It’s because most creatives aren’t just waiting for “it” to happen. They are working; diligently.
Every artist has an “it” they believe needs to be accomplished to “make it” in their creative genre. The truth is, artists that become successful and attain their dream of publishing, being featured in an NYC gallery, or singing on the stage of the Grande Old Opry, don’t create as a hobby.
Creating is a lifestyle.
They don’t wait for art to sell to call themselves an artist. They don’t wait for a book deal to call themselves a writer. They don’t wait for their song to hit the top forty to call themselves a musician. They don’t wait for big-time success to acquiesce themselves to the lifestyle of the creative.
Successful creatives don’t wait for “it” to happen to be able to create — to create is their job — from the very beginning.
They are not waiting to be acknowledged, affirmed, and applauded for their creative works. They aren’t waiting for someone to give them permission to begin. They are crazy enough to think that what they create actually will make a difference in the world.
This is why they are attaining their dream of being an artist, writer, musician — they are already living it.
We could too — if we would just stop delaying and waiting for “it” to happen.
Approval is Optional for Success
Every creative person dreams of having success with their creative art. The difference is what level of achievement we consider is successful.
For many, it’s found in receiving accolades and recognition from others. To receive the tap on the shoulder and be picked by society as one with “it” worthy enough to recognize.
Recently, I fell into this trap of idyllic success with my writing. I pigeon-holed myself believing success was being recognized by a fellow writing colleague. Her ignoring things I shared, wrote and said in our writing circle hurt my feelings.
I began believing that being ignored by someone who is a professional in the writing industry, illegitimatized my capability as a writer. I craved her tap of recognition to validate my writing skills — her neglect annihilated my confidence.
I began to question the risks I was taking to be bold in what I shared and wrote. I backed off from interacting with other writers. I questioned whether I really was good enough to receive a book contract with a major publishing house.
It was during this season that I began recognizing the difference between those who talked about their dreams and those who successfully lived their dreams. They do not stand by for approval; they go ahead and live their dreams now.
We have to start living the reality of being the creative we want others to believe we are.
You want to be a writer — write!
You want to be a sculptor — sculpt!
You want to be a performer — perform!
You want to be a composer — compose!
The secret to successfully fulfilling your dream does not include waiting for an endorsement or permission from others. We have to stop worrying about alluring an audience to believe we are good enough to be “it” and live as we already are “it.”
The mystery of attaining our dreams is we receive them when we stop trying to attain them.
Stop Fooling Ourselves — Becoming “It” Requires Sacrifice
On those days we sit alone staring at our blank screen, canvas, staff paper, or blob of clay — remember others have been where we are — they are still there.
Creatives, when the time does finally arrive and we gain a publishing deal, a top forty hit, or sell our first gallery painting in NYC there is no life-long partying that comes after — just more work, more sacrifice. Those we look up to who have arrived and attained the dream we have for ourselves have sacrificed and continue to do so to remain there.
They worked, worried, and struggled as they sacrificed to build a career from creativity. They too have busy lives, a spouse, kids. It wasn’t easy, neat, and clean. It was messy, hard, and required much of them.
The glamorous tours we envy and believe are the “it” of success are filled with lonely treks away from their family, unhealthy diets living on take-out, and generally not enough rest. There is always the relentless feeling they should be creatively working to justify the monumental recognition they have now received.
If we want our dreams to become our reality we must first admit there will be sacrifices we have to be willing to make. The types of sacrifices will be different for each of us. We choose what we are willing to give up — we can’t fool ourselves into thinking there isn’t a place for sacrifice for actualized aspirations.
Living the Dream Requires Risk
No one ever accomplished anything worth mentioning without risk being part of the equation. This is true for any creative wanting to attain their artist ambition.
Creatives, we have to risk failing miserably and never actually getting to put that feather in our caps. Our risks may look reckless and even neglectful to some. Some may see failure where we see progress — others may see progress where we see failure.
We have to risk scrutiny and criticism. Not everyone will understand the journey we are on as creatives. Some will oppose the art we create — others will scrutinize not just our art, but our person as well. Many will misunderstand and criticize out of that misunderstanding.
We have to risk change. We may have to change lifestyles, routines, or even locations to increase (or maintain) our creative flow. This is especially true for when our dreams do begin to become our reality. Change becomes inevitable.
I began living my dream of being a writer this past Fall. I went full throttle despite the risks I faced financially, relationally, and emotionally. It has been an incredible experience with many highs and lows. It’s been an adventure and has taught me how to be brave despite fear. Trust without borders. Risk without worry.
I have failed. I have been wrong. But — I have also improved my craft immensely. Through the risks, I’ve gained boldness, determination, and resilience. This risk brought fullness to a place I did not realize was empty.
Although my dream of publishing my book has not yet been fulfilled it is well on its way and I no longer have to wait for “it” to happen — it’s happening now — I am living it. I am a writer.
You can too! Creatives, it’s time to stop waiting for “it” to happen and take a leap of faith to start living it.