Are you an artist, a creator, a candlestick maker? Do you sell your work too? That’s creative entrepreneurship. I am a writer, yoga/meditation teacher, and graphic designer.
Yeah, it’s a mixed bag of skills to own. I like to describe myself as a feather floating around in the wind. Which is a magical thought if you are an artist, but not so practical if you’re a business owner.
Creative entrepreneurs wear two hats — the artist and salesperson.
As creatives, you probably spend countless hours creating your craft. And just when you think you have finished the work, you have to spend more countless hours trying to sell it. And not to be a Debbie Downer, but both hats can be overwhelming and sometimes paralyzing.
The tricky part is the balance of doing the creative stuff versus business stuff. Creative entrepreneurship can also be emotional because you are selling a piece of yourself. And if people don’t like your work, you might take that as rejection– which can hinder your motivation to sell.
On the good days, when your customers are happy and your work is selling well, your creative energy is high. On the other days, when sales are low, you might wonder if you need to find a part-time job to pay the rent.
Because of this ongoing anxiety, I coined the term “procrastination acrobatics.” It means the art of doing anything else, expect what you should or want to be doing. It’s the broken record of excuses driven by fear and doubt.
“Procrastination acrobatics” happens to the best of us. But if it lasts long enough – it can result in creative blocks and slow sales – which can kill your business. And you don’t want that.
Your success as a creative entrepreneur will depend on your ability to stay motivated and committed to your work. Even when times are hard and you want to throw your hands up and say, “Why bother!”
If any of this sounds like what you are going through, then check out the tips below to help you stay motivated in your creative business:
1. Think Labor of Love
Don’t force yourself to create products just for the money. Then it becomes a chore and not a labor of love. If you are stuck in a rut, consider taking a break and coming back when you are refreshed with new ideas.
2. Hater’s Gonna Hate
Some people might hate your work and even openly criticizes you. This does not define you. Learn what you can from the haters, but don’t get emotionally tied up in their judgment.
3. Write it Out
Keep a journal to write down business ideas, vent your emotions, and share gratitude. Ideas are flowing through you all the time, you don’t want to miss a thing. Write it all out, as often as you can.
4. Have a Daily Intention
Have a daily intention for what you hope to accomplish. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be on a post-it note. This will give the day purpose while reducing the sense of overwhelm and anxiety.
5. Willpower & Resilence
Maintaining willpower can be challenging. When things get tough, it’s easy to resolve to “fight or flight.” Take each day one moment at a time, most resilient people know their own limits. Use your creativity to find ways to work on your willpower daily using tools like meditation and journaling.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing that you have a gift to share with the world. Don’t let the daily drama of entrepreneurship bog down your creative endeavors. There is a world of possibilities, use your creativity to help you craft a business that will benefit the lifestyle you want.
Wanna improve your creative skills? Try meditation, journaling, and adult coloring.
Click here to order a copy of “Just Breathe: A 90-Day Meditation Journal and Coloring Book
