Reality TV shows like American Idol or Scouted about models gaining instant fame, feed an unrealistic fantasy that an artist’s success could be offered in one instant.
In fact, we all know that success will be earned over time with as many opportunities as you can cultivate and satisfy.
When I coach or consult with creatives I always tell them, “No one is coming to save you, no one is going to discover you. So get very clear on your SMART goal and then build and maintain an Action Plan to get there.”
I know. I’ve been featured in the national media. And although it can give one some street cred it doesn’t necessarily result in a wind fall of sales.
I also know how to get things done, that have not been done before, within a certain time frame.
My last straight job, seven years ago, was as a project management consultant.
This is one transferable skill that comes in very handy from my years dwelling in a corporate cubicle.
A SMART goal may be, “I’m so happy that in 2012 my art sales exceeded $80,000.”
What is required of successful artists is the faith and the fortitude to claim and then create what they want by taking constant action.
However big or small it may seem, stretch and heed the Greek sage Epictetus “First say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.”
Fame comes from a lot of media exposure. And Public Relations is an important marketing strategy for all small businesses, but you really can’t control it. You can only control planned and measured efforts towards a SMART goal.
Epictetus taught us that suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. So what I can control, what is within my power, is keeping a list of potential media opportunities and contacting so many every week. My SMART goal is to, have 3 or more favorable national press spots in 2012.
By striving consistently, it eventually pays off. This is the key lesson. Success is incremental.
“No one is coming to save you, no one is going to discover you.”
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My partner and I were having this very conversation last night! So many people are shooting for the ‘one big thing’ that they refuse to consider the many small things. For example, you won’t find the Van Gogh at the flea market and make millions from it in one fell swoop, but it doesn’t seem as exciting(or easy) to spend the time it takes to learn about antiques and make $20 or $50 on items regularly. We see amazing stories of internet millionaires and such, but no one delves into the years of work that went into those successes.
I think we Americans, especially, have a hard time with your point that “no one is coming to save you”. Our fairy tales are all about the big break ,and we want ours…without bothering to take the constant action that you mention. Unfortunately, sitting around and waiting leads to…well…sitting around and waiting.
Great blog post – it sums up important lessons that I’ve learned this year and cuts through the hype to make us think. Thank you!