Don’t let your challenges turn into excuses. There are a million reasons we can come up with as to why we cannot get something done – I think that is the brain resisting learning new things. We all have challenges.
The difference in the people who get things done and grow in their craft vs the people who don’t grow and get frustrated – is that the people who do have figured out how to not let the challenges stop them. They have figured out how to overcome the limitation they are working in and thrive.
How many times have you looked at someone’s photography and thought “I can’t do that because…”
I don’t have space,
I don’t have the right equipment,
I don’t have access to those gardens,
I don’t have the right lenses,
I can’t leave things set up,
I don’t have the right light,
I don’t have those same props,
I can’t find cool things to photograph like you can,
etc…
and then let those things defeat you?
For years I had a consumer-grade camera and a cheap 50mm lens. I didn’t let that stop me – instead, I decided to see what I could do with those limitations. I practiced every day. Some days were harder than others, but I kept going.
After a few years of going out to photograph things – I started wanting to work in my house on some still life and flowers.
I live in a townhouse and space is limited.
I didn’t have a huge studio or lots of equipment.
I challenged myself to see how I might work within those limitations to see what I could create.
I love teaching others they don’t need expensive equipment or lots of space to be creating beautiful photos. Because I have a creative business I hear lots of reasons people come up with as to why they can’t do something I suggest. Each and every time I guarantee you I could come up with a reason why they could do it or come up with a great alternative.
If you immediately think “I can’t do that” to anything anyone says or does – then you know what?
You can’t… but not because of why you are thinking….
it is because you are limiting yourself in your own mind.
You are standing in your own way.
If you are pursuing any art or photography and you tell me all the reasons why you can’t do this or that to improve your craft – then why are you even bothering? You should just go ahead and give up. You don’t want it bad enough to figure out how to get it done.
Any art you are interested in takes practice and a desire to create. You want to develop the mindset of “I can”… now, how can I make what I have work. Having limitations actually makes you a stronger artist. It makes you think outside the box and look for ways you can thrive despite what is standing in your way.
I want you to challenge yourself – anytime you think – “I can’t” do that for whatever reason you are thinking… stop yourself – and think “wait”… I have a limitation and that limitation might be only in my own mind – but how can I still get done what I want to do with what I have and the time I’ve got.
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Amen!
🙂
Everything in life depends on your mindset … great post.
So true! 🙂