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Joanna Puello Said...
My husband is an amazingly talented artist in many realms. He paints, draws, sings professionally, writes his own music, and gives seminars. He’s also his own boss. I’m an artist of a different sort. I write, play two instruments, act, and love to make my physical environment an inspirational place to be. We’ve been “self-employed” for years, and we’ve also been “self-UNemployed” many of times. Because we often have to pursue opportunities for income, it’s easy to feel frustrated and loose passion about the big vision. Or sometimes it’s easy to get so caught up in the big vision that we can’t see the next step. My husband has encountered endless obstacles in his musical career, and during the past two years, we have butted heads many times over what his long-term goals should be. My biggest desire for him is for him to be able to use his talents and abilities in their maximum expression. Obviously, he wants this, too. The question is how to get from here to there. In my opinion, the discussion and conflict that has revolved around this topic has been very healthy for both of us (even when it’s been hard). We’re still working through the details on some life-changing decisions, so I was extremely inspired when I read this remarkable quote in Chapter 11: Creating Frameworks for Possibility: “The foremost challenge for leaders today…is to maintain the clarity to stand confidently…no matter how fierce the competition, no matter how stark the necessity to go for the short-term goal, no matter how fearful people are, and no matter how urgently the wolf may appear to howl at the door. It is to have the courage and persistence to distinguish the downward spiral from the radiant realm of possibility in the face of any challenge.” (Zander, p. 163)
Annie Woodle said...
(20:37:11) :
Joanna,
I can relate to your post. I have done odd photography jobs, and freelance design for much of my working life. Chasing money and opportunities can make a person weary…I have always felt like I am working towards some comfortable place to live my working life in, but it is always just out of reach…But have come to realize I have enjoyed the freedom of my time…even at the sacrifice of money. I enjoy not knowing what project I will be working on, and then the excitement of beginning a new creative project that I didn’t expect to be involved in. It has been part of my journey. At this point in my life I am transitioning to a yearning for regular pay and a job where I can grow in new ways…a steady foundation. I have encountered challenges along the journey…in my Midwestern mindset and environment…like how dare I not have a 9-5 with a 401K…Even in my decision to continue my education…again. I had some friends and family question my motives…and why I felt like I was allowed to be in school…when I am just barely getting by on the jobs I bring in. Zander’s book has put this into perspective for me.
I can really appreciate the passage you picked out of The Art of Possibility…its like we get to choose which framework we live in…and if we truly believe in what we are doing…we cannot back down in the face of adversity…This challenge is one of the most difficult parts of an artists life.
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