I wrote this article to define my biggest past mistakes, as to not repeat them. Hopefully, it helps you too! Enjoy.
There will never be a right time to start the big project that you have been talking about, yet putting off, for the past 5 years.
There will never be a perfect day to quit the soul-sucking job that’s wasting half of the few thousand days you are lucky enough to spend here on Earth.
You will never feel that your creative work is good enough to share with the world.
Those negative voices in your head, that tell you to stay put, safe, in line with the status quo, they will never go away.
Your excuses, the ones that tell you that you don’t have the right:
- Equipment
- Skills
- Knowledge
- Mental toughness
- Amount of time
Those excuses will never go away.
The prolific creator doesn’t listen to any of this. They know the answer is simple. JUST START.
When you start, there are some guarantees:
ONE: Fear & anxiety of failure will never go away. Stop running. Live & thrive with them. They are the guiding light that shines upon what matters most.
TWO: Self-doubt will never cease and the work will never reach perfection. Aim for it anyway.
THREE: You will fail, hundreds if not thousands of times over your life. This is a benefit. You will learn what does not work. This is the only way to learn what does.
FOUR: You will never have the perfect tools or knowledge for the job. Start anyway and make the best of what you have.
Learn to watch these negative thoughts & emotions arrive and pass, again and again, day after day.
They never actually harm you, unless… you listen to them and treat them as reality.
When you listen to the negative thoughts they freeze you in place.
Powerless, you view your hopes and aspirations from across a chasm of fear & despair.
This creates tension, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
It will consume you & become the new normal.
You must move!
Build the bridge.
Cross the chasm.
Each step, as you cross, will feel like falling off a cliff.
The bridge will build itself.
You will not fall to your death.
With each step, some of the tension and anxiety will decrease and your trust in yourself will increase.
JUST START – STEP OFF THE CLIFF.
The prolific creator starts now, no matter what. They don’t listen to all of the negative voices in their head or on the internet.
They wake up every day & get to work on building the bridge across the chasm.
Sometimes the work is great.
Most of the time it’s horrible.
None of this matters.
The work will improve.
But only through repetition & failure.
All those bad feelings that come with bad work. They don’t matter either.
Don’t listen to them.
Wake up tomorrow and start again.
Then the next day, and the next year, and the next decade after that.
The daily short-term outcome does not matter.
You are working towards something you want to see exist in the world.
You are also learning to solve problems and pushing your boundaries each day.
This is one of the most valuable skills on the planet.
Hardly anyone is practicing it.
Through thousands of repetitions and failures, day after day, the prolific creator slowly builds a valuable knowledge of their craft. They start to create world-class stuff.
This knowledge is never found on YouTube videos or blogs, social media posts, or Instagram inspirational feeds.
It can only be found by showing up day after day.
Failure after failure.
Battling your fears & getting one step closer to creating the ideas that you envision in your mind.
Slowly, you’ll start to realize that none of the negative voices in your head had any idea what they were talking about.
It was all spin.
Mental propaganda & fear-based marketing.
Most of the world bought it.
The fear froze them in place.
They stayed safe. In line with the status quo.
Living daily with the anxiety, self-doubt, and quiet despair that comes from suppressing the great ideas that they have in their mind.
Which path will you take?
The ancient filters of evolution and entropy need your ideas to fuel the battle of order vs. chaos, novel ideas vs. the cold steady state of mental death.
The answer is simple.
It always has been for billions of years.
The problem-solving knowledge is embedded in your genes and every cell in your body!
You were made to:
- Create & test new ideas.
- Solve problems, without answers.
- Make things that don’t exist yet.
- Throw yourself at the fear and chaos, coming out the other side smarter and stronger each time.
JUST START. CREATE EVERYDAY. REPEAT.
Very true
Thanks for reading, Sean!
I should read this every morning. Thanks so much.
You’re welcome. I read something similar, “Daily Affirmations” each morning as a reminder. Super helpful.
Glad you found it useful!
The most succinct and useful explanation of this phenomenon that I have ever read. I just might print this and keep it somewhere handy. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Tif. Love to hear that.
Print it out and hang it up!
I needed to read this. Calculated the several thousand days I have left, assuming I live to 90 (hopefully). Somehow 21,900 days really doesn’t sound like much even though it’s 60 years. 2021 is the year to start! We don’t know how much time we have left, and I hope that I get to the point I could die the next day without any regret for things undone
It’s pretty wild when you break it down to days.
I struggle keeping that at the front of my mind too. It definitely changes the perspective.
This article is all about it: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html
He has a poster for the days left you can hang on your wall.
Thanks for reading, Ashlee.
Especially considering that you’ll spend roughly 7,000 of those sleeping 😉
Putting it in days really offers another perspective, indeed.
Have a great week-end, Ashlee!
Thanks for the email and positive message to continue on our paths.
You’re welcome, Ronald. Thanks for reading and supporting what I’m creating.
Very well said. Lots of things get in the way but keeping your eye on the ball and the objective keeps you going. Thanks
Thanks Bill. I appreciate you reading it. Infinite things to get in the way!
So glad to see you back Dave. I got up this morning and took my camera with me to watch the sunrise. I tried completely different shots and they didn’t work very well, but it felt good anyway. Three hours later I’m reading your blog and smiling at my good fortune. Have a fantastic day and wish me luck as I change my life one day at a time.
Thanks!
Love it Pat. You put in the work. That’s all that matters. I agree with you, it always feels good, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.
Thanks. This is excellent advice. Before reading this I was already in the process making changes to finally gain my freedom. After reading your words it has reinforced that I am on the right track. Better late than never!
An emphatic AMEN! would suffice, but I’ll add a personal story.
10 years ago, I was on the cusp of launching the Bristlecone Project. It was to be a collection of portraits and biographies of men who had survived sexual victimization, and who were now strong enough to put their portraits, their full names and their stories on a website for the whole world to see. Just as you describe, Dave, a voice in me whispered: “You will never find more than a handful of survivors who will agree to do this. You will fail.”
And just as you prescribe, I took a breath and ignored the voice and plunged ahead.
A decade later, there are 140 male survivors from around the world on the Bristlecone website, and another hundred on the waiting list. I will continue this project until I can no longer hold a camera. It has been an immeasurable blessing.
And thank you, Dave, for your generousity in sharing your work!
Hey David,
Thanks for sharing the story! Perfect example of how our brains can lie to us.
That sounds like a very hard project to work on by the way. Great job.
You’re welcome & I appreciate you taking the time to read the article.
PS: I was just on your site. An impressive amount of work. That’s an awesome project.
I love this Dave. You are so right & it takes so much courage to keep the negative voices at bay! Bravo & thank you for the reminder.
Thanks Nancy. Endless voices haha:) They seem to get louder as you get closer to what you’re “supposed” to be working on.
Wise words for a young’un !!!! LOL
Hope you’ve been doing well and having fun.
haha! Thanks Jim. Good to hear from you buddy. I hope you are too.
Well written and so true. This applies to everything in life. Thanks for putting it so eloquently
You’re welcome, Holly. Glad you liked the writing. Something I’m always trying to get better at. Slowly:)
Interesting discussion Dave and from an emergency services background, one of the key components of learning was through the utilisation of structured debriefs and to use problem solving as a method. The use of simulation should be seen as a safe environment to try standard approaches but to also take the opportunity to test alternative approaches. In this environment fear of failure becomes less of a factor and builds confidence.
you are so right, you need to get started otherwise, paralysis will set in and you find more reasons for not doing something rather than stating the reasons and benefits of at least giving it a go
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your service. You guys never get enough credit.
I really like the debrief aspect you laid out there. I have minimal training in emergencies. Only a wilderness first responder cert that I keep up to date. But in that field after a “rescue mission” you do the same thing, and it’s a great way to learn all of the possible mistakes that could have unfolded, but you just got lucky and they didn’t.
Thanks for reading!
Thank you so very much, Dave. I am just learning how to use my very first DSLR camera. I truly appreciate you and your work.
You’re welcome. That’s awesome. I remember being where you are. It’s such an exciting time! Enjoy it. Don’t get too angry at your bad results. You will get better. Keep going.
So true. My mantra has always been, look in the mirror to see what limits you.
Love it!
I think one of the really cool things about what you wrote is that even if we have no desire to turn into professional photographers, even if all we want to do is take those pictures for ourselves (and maybe our family), everything you said still applies. Set up those projects then do them. Maybe no-one else will see them, but you’ll have the satisfaction of improving and learning while creating something to be proud of.
Hey Bill,
Thank you!
I agree. This is one of the main reasons that I wrote it “for creators” because the whole professional term is kind of a turn off to me.
Anyone has the ability to create some really cool stuff. Many of these people don’t want to make money off of it, and the same techniques still apply. It’s still just as hard!
Glad you liked the article!
I’ve found that starting NOW with the equipment on hand is a great method. It stretches one to examine in depth how to use your existing equipment.
Completely agree! You’ll quickly find out if you actually are held back by the equipment and almost all of the time it’s the skills not the equipment that hold us back.
Often times knowledge is a factor
There as always been Achievers and Non Achievers , much of what you say Dave applies to Non Achievers it’s all to do with being confident and positive.
Your statement on Social Media too is very accurate, Facebook is almost a sickness to many, far better to go out and use your camera. .
I think there are also many non-achievers that were just never shown the path to achieve. Having someone say, “hey, do it this way instead”, even with simple techniques, can be a game-changer for someone that’s never had a mentor or instructor.
Agree with you on social. Getting worse by the day. I love watching technology unfold from an evolutionary standpoint though. It’s all a big experiment. Fun to be alive!
If there is one thing that I admire is an article about the psychology of human behaviour especially with regard to photography, I will pass on to my colleagues, I’m sure they will like it.
That’s great Graham. I love that stuff too. Trying to write more and more about it.
I really appreciate you reading and sharing!
Great article Dave!
I was recommended a book from a well known photographer that is worth a read – Art and Fear. It’s not completely about photography but was impactful to me. It sits on my nightstand as a reminder.
Thanks Jill.
I like that book a lot too! The War of Art is also a great one if you haven’t read it yet.
Thanks for sharing. Always looking for new book ideas.
Very well said Dave. Much appreciated…
You’re wecome, Marc. Good to hear from you & thanks for reading.
Well said, Dave! This has been true in my own creative life over the past 70 years. It does lead to success. I’m going to share your words with my young grandchildren. Thanks
Thank you Bob! That made my day to hear you will share it with them. Gotta start young:) take care buddy. Have a great day.
Thanks. This is excellent advice. Before reading this I was already in the process making changes to finally gain my freedom. After reading your words it has reinforced that I am on the right track. Better late than never!
You’re welcome Mike. Writing helps me to clarify my thoughts on the topic, so it’s a win win.
Enjoy the freedom. It’s the best thing there is:) Thanks for reading.
Very good message, and it comes at just the right time for me!
Thanks!
I’m reminded of Winston Churchill’s sage advice, “When you’re going through hell, DON’T STOP!”
I’m also reminded of this by Guillaume Apollinaire:
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We can’t, we’re afraid!” they responded.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
“We can’t, We will fall!” they responded.
“Come to the edge,” he said.
And so they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.”
Churchill is a beast love reading about the leaders in that era. Wish we had some of them back.
Thanks for the quote, that’s a solid one.
Dave, have you considered a side business of motivational coaching? I think to you would be great at it!
It’s on the someday / maybe list. I do find it interesting:) Thanks for the kind words!
The fear to take the next step seems so real. I can tell myself every day that I want to do this or that and I can never seem to move forward. I’ve never been one to not leap at something I want, but with my creativity/photography I’m hesitant. I don’t know what it is.
Big fan of yours, BTW! I’ve loved all of your instructional videos over the years.
I agree. It always feels really scary. Looking back at all the fears that I used to have, they now seem silly. A good thing to keep in mind when stepping off the cliff.
Just jump!!
Thanks so much for the support! Really glad you like the vids & learning material.
Dave,
Your post is right on track. Most artists stop just when they are about to be successful. Art has to be about you and not others. If others like a piece of your work, that’s great but unnecessary.
Contest results, Likes on Facebook or Instagram limit your creativity because you are not working for yourself or your art but for the results you get from the likes.
I wish this idea could get through to more novice photographers. Making images rather than capturing images is something we need to deal with as well. Travel junkies tend to take the same photos as the ones they have seen others do. We need to get out of our comfort zone and see our art for what it is; some good, some bad, some outstanding and some abysmal.
I have missed your wisdom over the past year. I hope all is well.
Eric
Thanks Eric. Really glad you liked it.
Keep beating it into their minds. Some will learn from it!
All is well on this end. I hope you are doing great too!
Thanks for the comment & reading the article.
This article made so much sense to me! I have gone through all of the negativity mentioned. The self doubt almost stopped by photographic journey, but I let go of the bad feelings (embarrassment) and trudged forward learning from my mistakes and a desire to get better.
Thanks again for your solid, rational, and knowledgeable advise!
I like how you only say this is a Secret to Success for Creators when indeed it is a great path to success in Life. I’m sure “David” was not Michelangelo’s first attempt at sculpture and he used the tools at hand to create his art just as you recommend for those of us starting our venture in photography.
I agree. It can apply to all aspects of life! Thanks for reading, Craig.
Yes, Yes, Yes. Just start, take that first step. Making mistakes is ok, how else do you learn and move forward if you don’t experiment?
Thanks for this.
You’re welcome. Constant experimentation and failure. Best way to move quickly and learn a lot.
Many many Moons ago, I started utilizing Full Moons.
12 maybe 13 a year? How better to fill the space between. I found more pleasure than pressure.
Utilize anything you can. It never hurts:)
Refreshing take to motivate us. Thanks for being on point. Keeping this short…must go create.
Have fun, Rob.
Totally agreed !
Thanks!
You’ve missed one……sort of…..about failure, so I’m offering my view of it (having been brought up knowing that failing was the worst thing to happen, and that I’d never succeed anyway – ‘you’ve failed’ was the default mode). What I worked out from this extreme negativity was that there is a huge difference between failure and not succeeding. Failure happens when you don’t try something. If you try and don’t succeed, you are free to try again, maybe with a modified idea. Keep on trying, and there will be a point at which you do succeed, whether to a lesser or greater extent – confirming that you are definitely NOT a failure. And as an added extra, you will discover all sorts of things by not succeeding! Persistence is the key – I achieved a B.A.(Hons) in Photography in my mid 60s having spent my life being told I wasn’t clever enough for a degree and as a female, didn’t need one anyway (a problem for my age group who didn’t have the luxury of gender equality).
I probably missed a bunch:) I agree. Failure happens when you don’t try something or quit too early when there is a mini-failure that can be overcome! Thanks for reading.
Great philosophy makes a lot of sense, thanks for sharing what worked for you and would work for anyone serious about their craft.
Thanks Chuck!
a nice bit if cheerleading with a significant amount of truth!
Thanks for reading Wouter!
Dave, I’ve enjoyed following your journeys/expeditions on your channel. The things you have seen and document have helped motivate me to get more involved in my photography. Although it is a hobby for me, I have taken steps to do more. I have lost 185 lbs now and I get out every weekend and hike/explore, sometimes during the week weather depending. Bottom line is that I’m out there doing it. I chase waterfalls and wildlife. I hope you continue your journeys. I will continue to follow.
Regards,
Patrick Stewart
Hey Patrick,
185 lbs is unreal. Fantastic job. I can’t imagine how much different you must feel.
Keep crushing it buddy. You are an inspiration.
Thank-you for posting this. It’s great to know that I’m not alone in my fear to put my work out there and I love the pep talk. I will, indeed, print it off and read it often.
You’re welcome. We all go through it. It does help to know that others are too! Check out the book, War of Art. It’s the best.
Good thoughts no matter what your profession might be. I will pass this on to all my kids and grandkids. Thanks,
Thanks Herb. Thanks for sharing it with them too!
Very inspiring. Thank you. At 70 my numbers are lessening but each day is a day unto it’s own As such it should be looked forward to as if it will be our last. We should never stop creating and making new memories.
Steve
Thanks Steve! Keep going buddy. I hope continue to create into my 70s and on, so you are an inspiration to me.
Thanks for the pep talk. I’ve been stuck lately. I just need to move forward again.
You’re welcome!
When work requires skill, sometimes we search for inspiration by looking at the work of the experienced. It seems so effortlessly, that is easy to conclude those people are just naturally gifted like no one else. “I will never be like them”, “I am not good enough” and “I am just an impostor” are common thoughts. This is so widespread, that psychologists gave it a name: Impostor syndrome. Not just artists, but business owners and managers, service professionals, many more deal with this without realizing it.
Thanks Dave for putting your perspective on this. I know I have struggled with this, and many people on the world do everyday.
I have imposter syndrome too. I think almost all of us do. It’s just a mental trick to get us to quit and stay safe. Good to hear from you, Christopher!
Excellent self awareness. Nothing of substance is created by wishing it into existence but only through hard work and focused determination. This is the road seldom taken. I too walked out on my job 25 years ago and went full time into a successful photography business. I commend your veracity and openness. Carpe Diem.
Thanks Mike. I appreciate it.
Good for you on going after what you wanted to do as well. Takes guts! Good stuff.
I wish someone had told me these truths when I was 24 instead of 74! Wise words, indeed.
haha. I wish I had known 20 years ago as well. Makes things much easier.
The inspiration at comes can come in an e-mail. Inspiring. Thank You!!! Time to create!!!
Hiya Dave, You got balls, I.ll give you that.
And I’ve picked up a ton of info about photography, and I thank you for that.
Great article, Dave. You are absolutely right. Limiting Beliefs always try to hold us back. It’s a constant battle. Believe in yourself and your dream and go for it! Thanks for sharing!
Great Blog post Dave.
I am in my 70’s however I lived a successful career as a Healthcare Engineer for a large Healthcare System….multiple construction and maintenance projects of every size and description was the order of the day. I thrived on the challenges. However looking back I do regret not retiring sooner. Age as caught up with me and I yearn to do what you’re doing now. That said, I am most thankful for the week long travel trailer trips my wife and I take and I get in all the photography I can during those times.
A sales rep I had in my office one time asked me how old I was and I said 63, he then pulled out a tape measure and ran out the tape to 70″ and then he said “God gave man 70 years and as he put his finger down at 63….I immediately seen the 7” inches I had left. 70 years and anything after that is bonus blessings. I did retire at 65 and God as blessed me well since.
I had a “My Creed” that was posted in my office that I will share here with you now.
Don’t ever let anything rob your desire to be the best.
“Why do I succeed? ……. I am willing to do things you are not. I will fight against the odds. I will sacrifice. I am not shackled by fear, insecurity or doubt. I am motivated by accomplishment, not pride. If I fall….I will get up, If I am beaten….I will return….I will never stop getting better. I will never give up……EVER. That is why I succeed.”
Thanks for the wise advise, Dave.
I’ll share my story. When I was just starting out professionally in molecular biology lab research, I would get depressed every time an experiment failed. Then I would put off doing another experiment for fear of failing again. After several years of this, I finally realized (duh!) that the quicker I did another experiment, the quicker I would finally succeed. I changed from hating and fearing failure to using it as a tool for learning and success. In other words, while failure is discouraging, it can make life interesting, and gives you problems to solve and challenges to overcome. I find life more satisfying and rewarding when overcoming problems than when everything goes smoothly. This lesson has served me well over the years.
Then I was downsized once too often from research jobs at the age of 60. I had started a side business from a hobby–selling Baroque and Renaissance musical instruments. When I couldn’t find a new research job, I decided to take a leap of faith and try to make a living selling musical instruments full-time. It was the best professional decision of my life. The business literally succeeded beyond my wildest dreams, and was extremely satisfying and much less stressful than research.
Again, jumping off that cliff believing that you can succeed if you work at it!
Thanks again for your generous words of advise, and happy exploring and photographing.
Hi Dave,
Great blog and wice words. I’m one of them who’s scare to take that step ( or how I feel a LEAP ) from the cliff. I’m a business owner and experience stress and fear every day – fear of loosing the stabile and comfy life that we have buildt with my wife. I’d like to think I’m happy what seems to be a normal life and tried to implement small but important things that bring substance to my daily routines. I see myself in lots of people who strech themselves the extra hour or mile or money just to obtain the normal – which is crazy.
I have been a photography enthusiast my entire life ( that’s how I found you ) shooting landscape, macro, experimental etc. Photography is all about you and the elements and capturing the unic moment. Something which I’m every time amazed of. I have been following your adventure for some time now and envy your lifestyle, your courage and positive way of thinking – I really appreciate your blogs and stories and the knowledge you share.
Keep up the good work and stay safe!
Hi Dave! Yes, you are right it’s like a “Daily Affirmations”. I’ve saved your article for my daily motivation.
It’s great to hear from you time to time!
I’m still blocked in my useless job, time ago I was searching my way trying different styles, trying to understand what I want to do and where I should concentrate the most. I love a lot of things to do. And then my daughter has arrived and now all my concentration is on her survivance… Hopping maybe one day I will find a peace in my head.
Thanks!
Wow, that’s one of the best “positive mental attitude” pieces I have read in my 65 years on this Earth. Having worked in the financial world, which was all based around pma, this is by far the easiest to read and take on board. The current state of affairs in the world are, without doubt, having an effect on what we can do, but, once we have this mess out of the way, and we can once again get on with our lives, this is something to take on board and run with it. Super piece.
Solid advice homie!
It always feels so good when you push past the negative and start creating.
Way better! It’s a pretty wild mental trick. We gotta go out hiking soon!
Well said & applicable to most areas of life.
Yup! Everywhere I know of.
Thanks Dave – I am new to your blog.
How timely is your insight. I am currently evaluating on whether I want to build the bridge across the chasm or just admire the other side.
Hi Shari, Welcome. It’s great to have you here. Build it!
Thank you. I will print it out an read it especially when I am feeling struggling wrote doubt and acceptance of my work.
Great!
Such great advice! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Terrific dissertation about life realities that keep us from reaching what we want to.
Thanks for reading!
Love the thinking behind this, Dave. In our society, we are trained to avoid and fear failure, so we too often don’t take chances. We don’t emphasize the learning that comes from failures or the courage that is required to take that chance and make that leap into something new. Beyond the arts, so true in many (if not all) aspects of life.
Thanks for putting this in such a clear and relatable form.
Absolutely are! The corporate industrial machine needs cogs, not free thinkers, in many cases, so they start training us from 2 years old not to take risks and stay in line. My take on it anyways.
Dave, Right on. Very well articulated. I hope many people read and apply.
Dan
Thanks Don!
Great explanation. It really works like that. You have found the right words to describe the inner struggle that goes on inside most of us every day. Some day or other, the time will come when most of us will have to make a choice and step out of their habitual comfort zone.
Thanks! The day is today. If it’s not, then there will never be a day, because it’s always easy to say tomorrow I’ll start.
Wow! Super advice and it applies to so much more in life than just creativity and photography. It especially is good advice for breaking old habits and forming new ones. I have been struggling with a computer full of digital images and boxes of photographs. I will use your advice to finally get started and do something about them. Thank you for the positive encouragement. I will also share this with my son who is an outstanding artist, but he never finishes much of what he starts because “it isn’t good enough.” I hope it will inspire him as much as it has inspired me.
Wow, great words Dave, thanks!!
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading.
What you say is the absolute truth. In photography or any other aspect of your life. I learned at 5 if I was persentant and never give up I could do anything and don’t forget your accomplishments. I like what you are doing and I have learned a lot from you. I am 82 started photography when I was a 8th grader thanks to my dad. Never stop learning never stop taking pictures.
My wife’s email we share
I will read this every morning. Thanks a lot .
Great. Love to hear that!
Excellent post, Dave! Just the reminder I need sometimes to keep going.
Me too, Yuriy. Keep going.
I have worked as a photographer but mainly I am a painter and a guitar maker. I don’t think as much as you . I build guitars and paint and try to do the best I can . I sell my paintings and guitars so they are doing OK.
I have always been interested in quality photography , usually as a aid to my paintings.
But following some of your work and ideas I have gotten better at photography. I
have really good equipment so there is no excuse not to get good photos.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
MUCH APPRECIATED.
Jerry Farrell
That’s awesome Jerry. You might just think about different stuff than I do. Sounds like you do interesting and rewarding work.
Holy words Dave, thank you.
Ciao
Excellent! Inspirational! Fantastic!
Thanks for reading!
Hear! Hear!
Do not wait until tomorrow -get moving now.
YES!
You are an inspiration Dave
Thanks for sharing so freely.
You’re welcome!
An excellent assessment of helping to move forward and how to overcome that negativity.
This article would apply to all creative people, not just photography.
In this time of Covid-19 inspiration and motivation is desired. Thank you.
Hi Dave
It is good to hear from you. Sometimes I feel very far removed from my creative self. Stuff from my everyday life just keeps getting in my way. It is good to hear from you and you have the discipline to be very creative. It is encouraging to me.
Beverley
Me too! Very normal I think. For me it’s helpful to have a rotation of different projects that I can switch on and off. That keeps me interested and working on different stuff.
I had all of the concerns you described in the blog when I decided to leave a well-paid but life-sapping job in telecommunications to pursue a PhD. I just got tired of training my bosses. The Peter Principle is alive and well in corporate America. Now I wish I had changed course sooner.
You made the right choice i bet!
There are those days that receiving an email like this is meant to be, today is one of those days. Thanks for sending me the incentive to move forward, to succeed in my own ambitions. Thanks Dave- spot in.
You’re welcome thanks for the kind words!
Be willing to suffer hours at a time waiting for the correct light, the correct image.
Be ready for surprises.
Unless you release the shutter, you will never get that once in a lifetime image.
Good imagery is based upon a selfishness to freeze a moment in time and have it last forever. Watch for it and capture it.
Photography is the ultimate in catch and release (for wildlife photographers like me).
You
Great reminder for us all. Dave, happy to see you back. I really enjoy your videos. Your no nonsense direct style is refreshing.
I do hope you stay well and continue to do what you choose.
Exactly what I needed to read — today and every day. Fear of failure has plagued me for years, stifling my hunger for unleashing my creative self. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Very interesting Dave, I have done a lot of the things you are suggesting for years without activity thinking about it. And after 15 years in my field, I was at the top of my game.
I agree with a lot of the comments, everyone should read this before they start their day.
Thanks,
Dave thanks for the great post! And all the great comments too!
Dave,
I wholeheartedly agree with your observations about doubt, negative thoughts, and emotions. These can be inhibitors if one allows them to. Your perspectives could be even more powerful if you added some thoughts along what it takes t succeed. For example
1. If you are a creator you need to love what you do it’s a passion rather than work
2. One can’t wait to get up every day to do what they do
3. You need to know what your value proposition for the field of creator one pursues. Stay focused and adjust only to excel. I believe you know your value proposition and maybe you can define it. I think I know it but would be reluctant to tell you in a brief note
4. You need to develop your own unique style, perfect it and make it obvious to your audience your results. (i.e., your outputs – photography) I believe you have a reasonably well defined point of view & style
5. You need to continually learn, grow and develop ones skill
6. You need to develop and work with good mentors who can accelerate your growth in whatever way you need to develop. In many ways, you are mentoring us through your site and teaching
I’m in my 70’s now so I have been through many valley’s of doubt. Knowing what success looks like and how to build those skills is key to personal success as a creative person.
Photography was not my profession but my hobby. Hope these brief perspectives will be helpful to all.
All so true, nicely said Mr. Morrow! I enjoy your work, keep on carrying on. Stay safe out there.
Thanks Kevin!
Great advice for anyone!
Glad you found it useful.
I loved to read it I love photography am I am dyslexic and find it so hard to take it in about the workings of iso aperture etc so have to read a lot and start again and again for it to sink it’s so hard would love an easy way to learn
Very true advice. The only true failure is the failure to try, to start.
I often say:,”The word too is a dirty word. It’s too late, it’s too hard, ect, ect.
The key idea , failure is always an integral part of a path to success.
You are so right. Thank you for Reminding us and encouraging us to get started and stay on the path.
Thanks Dave, wise words from an original thinker!
Well said and so true. Thank You
Thanks for reading Bill!
Guilty as charged ! seriously, these are inspiring words David, thank you for highlighting them so perfectly. Cheers
You’re welcome. let me know how it goes.
It makes a lot of sense to me.
Thanks for reading, Sam.
Thank you. And thank you for the book recommendation…The War of Art. And of course for your work and inspiration.
You’re welcome! Enjoy it.
Well said. And remember, life is short.
Very short!
Hello Dave,
Very true, most times we are own worst enemy. Trying to stay positive and not let our failures be our downfall is a constant struggle.
But it’s so true, in order to succeed we will ultimately fail first. But learning from those failures can be our biggest asset.
One thing I must say though, you have to have a certain amount of natural ability with artistic expression, composition etc,
Anyway, thanks for sharing,
All the best,
Philip
Thanks for the article. It really helps.
Dave,
I’ve been watching your videos and I really enjoy them. I also just read this blog and it hit home. I used to be you, way back when. Hiking in the deserts and mountains, camping in the winter and carrying a Mimya 2-1/4 square and tripod to see how close I could get to recreate some of Ansel Adams work. Rolls and rolls of film and a darkroom in my basement where I spend countless hours. We’re talking 50 years ago my friend and let me just say that you have chosen a nobel path. Not only with your efforts to create beautiful photos, but in your mindset to recognise how important every minute is. Life is precious and every day is a gift. You appear to understand that so let me wish you success beyond your expectations. I might add that you have inspired me to get off my ass and get back to work. I have a decade or more to explore the world one more time. And who knows, maybe this will produce some of my best work.
Thank you Dave. Live long and prosper.
Greg
Dave, thank you for all the knowledge and insights shared with us. I definitely identify with your philosophy. For me, the journey is a blast. I feel like a kid again.
The journey / adventure is the best part for me too, Tom. You’re welcome & thanks for reading buddy.
Thank you Dave! This email came at a perfect time for me; I’m currently employed and working from home and was force promoted into a position I did not want nor desire but company policy dictated that I must accept it…with the work at home situation the training provided and support was very poor to say the least…so ill equipped I have been struggling daily to perform my duties and today I was just about ready to quit, however, stepped away from my work computer and was guided for some reason to check my email and this was it…and it is has so inspired me to go back after my break with a new attitude…its very strange I watched your video on the same subject the other day and it assisted me with my photography goals but for some reason I forgot about applying to my everyday life…I will now keep these words of wisdom in my mind and will be leaving my “day” job in 4 years as I have planned (need to get things in alignment) and go pro with my dream as a photographer. Thanks again!
Thanks for the pep talk. For me, time is what I don’t have, maybe that’s an excuse as well. Between the job and the 9 year old, time is a precious commodity. Maybe I need use the Nike slogan of “Just Do It.”
Great work, Dave. I love the way you go into the wilderness, usually alone, and spend time communing with nature, appreciating it and photographing it so well. Sadly, most people don’t care about venturing there.
I think everyone has phases in their life when statements like this are more impactful, and I must be in one of those phases… Your story reiterates the urgency in which we should have when it comes to making ourselves happy/fulfilled. We are programmed to think that our lives begin at retirement, and we MUST save all we can until we reach the age the Government says we can stop working. At age 49 and 20 years invested in a Business Aviation career I am desperately trying to figure out how soon I can “get out”… My issue is that I don’t have a passion/hobby that could generate income if I do pull the plug. I admire your tenacity and determination. Your ability to break down issues into manageable metrics to maintain momentum is awesome. Watching your videos, or reading posts such as this keeps the embers of exploration and adventure burning, and encourages me to take a chance… what’s the worst that could happen? I’d have to go get a job? Lol.. Thanks for fanning the flames!!! Look forward to your next adventure!!
You are remarkable, keep on keeping on.
I am breaking through my creative barriers and reading this is super helpful, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Your clever system linked my website address to my name – for which I entered two! So here it is again, with just one.
Thanks Sue! Keep going:)
You should do a TED Talk.
Thanks Don!
Dave, Thanks for the great words of wisdom. I’m still not ready to leave my day job and just be a photographer full-time. I have stepped up to taking better photos each year and being able to edit them better. I can see the difference in Lightroom as I look at older photos. A friend told me to bucket my photos by subject and as you add new ones you will compare and review against the old ones. I find that very helpful. I enjoy seeing the crazy hiking that you do. That time you were in the tent with tics climbing outside had to be one of the odd things (not sure how you had those many tics). Keep inspiring us!
Dude! You are so right on. Your observations apply to any/every facet of life. We all get the pleasure/privilege to “make up” our lives each and every day. Just go forth and do…. make it, be it, experience it, learn from it; then do it again, and again, and again. The perfecting/knowing/mastery comes in the doing/failling/observing. Thanks for the reminder and for sharing your experience.
Thank-you Dave!
I want to grow up Like you!
I’m 69.
Well said, inspiring. Made my day. I have been thinking about quitting my job and starting my own photography journey but I can’t afford it for now. Slowly but surely, and thanks for those inspiring words again.
Thanks, Sameer. It’s okay. Make a plan, with a timeline, and slowly transition into what you want to do full time. Don’t have to jump off the financial cliff right away. Get some savings and build your business while working.
Dave,
commitment to self is key in the creative process, only you know best what resonates within, the manifestation of cognitive energy into form is all we can ask for.
Stephen
PS Good Stuff
Agreed!
“ The work will improve But only through repetition & failure.” Thank you for taking the time to not only write this but to also share it. As we all get in our heads, today was one of them for me. Nothing big but enough to get thoughts going into the realm of improvements needs and results. Knowing that failure is at the forefront of success definitely lifts the burden and give hope.
Thanks a lot.
Failure is not only good, it’s essential. Try to do it more and much faster. This is the feedback loop of getting information on what works and what does not.
Lots of short terms, micro failures, lead to big long term success.
This how you build an anti-fragile system that stands up to almost anything. The book Anti-Fragile is all about this. Fantastic read.
“They know the answer is simple. JUST START.”
This is true. I need to stop listening to my excuses and start
Today is the day!
I read your post and I thought it make so much sense. You never stop learning.
Thank you Dave
Love it Dave! Great stuff mate.
Thanks Rexx. Glad you liked it.
Thanks Dave.. i just took the leap with my gear. I am tired of having to upgrade all the time. Now 6k/8k … ugh. When will it stop? I said enough is enough! I am going to work with what I have. Next step: create everyday!. I am also ddxx a umping FB and Instagram at the end of January.
So true Dave! I’ve learnt the hard way letting irrational fear stopping me from even trying. Perfectionism doing the same.
Just do it anyway! Fears are very rarely realised.
Thanks for sharing.
Your article and the wait but why website are a timely reminder in these covid times. Don’t wait for the pandemic to pass, but find safe ways of moving along. When you’re in your 70’s as I am you dont want to watch the rest of your life slowly fizzling out. Thanks Dave!
I really appreciate this perspective. My photography is plagued by self-doubt and fear. To hear that it’s normal and it will never go away is helpful. Just keep moving through it. Just keep taking pictures. Do not accept the status quo. See what’s on the other side of risk. Okay here I go, then. Day after day. Thank you, Dave.
Great to hear it. Very normal. And the risk has a limited downside with an infinite upside. Good to take it.
Thank you for this. OMG your opening was me-to-a-tee. i have printed out your advice (although i have heard it before again and again! but had allowed it to go in one ear and out the other) but this time I have stuck the 3 sheets of paper to the wall above my computer. A daily reminder. so, thank you for giving this extra advice as well as your ‘how-to-do’
Ada
You need a system to manage your goals. That’s my guess. It’s really hard without a system. Checkout the book Getting Things Done & combine it with the website Facile Things.
An eye opener and thought provoking Dave, thank you
Anytime, Les.
Much practical hard won wisdom provided in this blog. I found it to be a good reminder of some key things I sometimes forget.
Thanks for sharing these insights/experiences Dave.