Kicking the Rules to the Curb
Note: The following is a guest post from the fabulous Jamie Ridler…
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Out of all the challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur the one that has caused me the most suffering is the belief that there is “a way things should be done.” I’m a voracious learner and when I started Jamie Ridler Studios, I immersed myself in enough business books and trainings to strain both my brain and my budget and almost always I would hit a point where I thought – I just can’t go there!
Each time that happened, I would take a good long look at myself and ask, “Am I resisting something I need to grow into? Do I have to change? Are my artsy ways holding me back? Am I unwilling to do what needs to be done? Am I just not cut out for this?”
See, that’s the thing with us entrepreneurs. We’re fiercely independent. We love the thought of running our own thing so that we can be the boss of ourselves, define our own schedule, choose our own clients, follow our true passions and bring a dream to life. When we realize we need some business basics, we start creating a business plan and a marketing strategy, defining our niche and our ideal client. This is all new to us, so we turn to recommended sources for guidance. Unfortunately, before we know it, we’re trying to squish ourselves into a pre-existing framework of “how it is done.” We start believing we have to give up parts of who we are in order to fit into “the way it is” so that we can make this business fly. In no time at all we are doubting ourselves and this whole idea of running a business! Ouch!
It doesn’t have to be that way.
There is a whole movement of heart-centered entrepreneurs out there who are changing things, who are opening up the possibilities and finding new approaches to creating sustainable businesses based on our vision and our true selves. As creative independent spirits we know that when we create something that is rooted in our souls, our authenticity, it is always stronger, truer, richer and more beautiful. That’s true of our art, that’s true of our lives and that’s true of our businesses as well.
A part of being an entrepreneur is learning to trust your own instincts and wisdom. When you read business books and take classes, take what works for you and kick the rest to the curb. Yes, sometimes it’s scarier to take the risk of going your own way but it’s a free and open road to explore rather than a box you squish yourself into. Over time, you will start to develop your own ways for sustaining your unique enterprise. And along the way, you’ll find more and more creative entrepreneurs on the road with you, sharing their wisdom as you share yours, lighting the way for one another.
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Jamie Ridler MA CPCC is a creative living coach and founder of Jamie Ridler Studios. Through coaching, workshops and events, Jamie helps people bring their creativity to all aspects of their lives. She is leading a workshop in Authentic Professionalism™ at Third Hand Works on Thursday, September 9. Registration is now open.
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630 days ago,
andrea said:
yah!
i can’t wait for jamie’s workshop :)
629 days ago,
Looking4Purpose said:
I wanted to say i love your layout my first time here….great list of posts and I might ad…I like those ads…very eye catching. thanks.
629 days ago,
Judy Dunn said:
Jamie,
The beauty in what you said is that yes, we should have a general grip on the basics but after that forge our own way.
Writers learn early on to “know the rules, then break them when there is a reason to.” I believe strongly in my intuition—as a writer AND as a biz owner.
I think in the arts (and I speak broadly when I say arts), it can be more difficult to keep a business sense and still be true to your “higher purpose.”
Thought-provoking post. Thanks.
.-= Judy Dunn´s last blog ..5 blogs I love- CatsEyeWriters blog review- part 1 =-.
629 days ago,
Emma said:
This is a good affirmation to read right now!
628 days ago,
Amy said:
Jamie,
Thanks so much for pointing out the temptation to overly equip ourselves — and unwittingly cut off our own wise intuition. I have told myself a looong story about how I don’t “get” business, how I never “learned” business, how I just need to do a little more research and it will all start to flow. What’s missing is my own flavor, my creative genius that wants to drive this bus!
I’m ready to say I’m done learning for now, and am sitting here with eager curiosity about what fabulous new direction will spring forth. It’s almost here!
Thanks again for your bright light.
Love
Amy
628 days ago,
jamie said:
Thanks, Andrea! We’re going to have a blast and get really clear on what professionalism means to *you*!
627 days ago,
Colleen Ingram said:
Your quote right here is what it is ALL about: Great job! “There is a whole movement of heart-centered entrepreneurs out there who are changing things, who are opening up the possibilities and finding new approaches to creating sustainable businesses based on our vision and our true selves. As creative independent spirits we know that when we create something that is rooted in our souls, our authenticity, it is always stronger, truer, richer and more beautiful. That’s true of our art, that’s true of our lives and that’s true of our businesses as well.”
612 days ago,
Maribeth said:
This was an amazing workshop! Thank you Jamie and Cairene! I’m doing my future planning with an entirely different attitude and it feels wonderful.
.-= Maribeth´s last blog ..My Journey to Health =-.
612 days ago,
Cairene said:
@Maribeth –
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I loved it too! -C