Saturday, July 21, 2007

Goal Setting Diversions

This is Tutkia...the investigator muse...she will examine every detail of an idea...break it down...until she learns all there is to learn....

One of the most exciting activities I get myself involved in is goal setting...it is a high energy time for me...I see the goal...write it down...visualize myself moving toward it...my vision expands...it is a heady experience...I have used it for years as a way of getting where I want to go...I formulate it in my mind...I set it down on paper...I am filled with unbridled enthusiasm...the future is bright and abounds with endless possibilities...and then I start to work....

I crank up Google...search...and search...and search...I begin a diligent and systematic inquiry into the subject in order to discover facts, theories, applications...I investigate...I examine... study...I research in detail all the particulars of...I strive to find something hidden or unique...I observe...I inquire into in detail...I buy every book and magazine on the subject I can find...I joyously gather all the tools/materials/supplies I will need...I spend hours/days/weeks/months/years planning a set of actions and milestones I can achieve... I commit myself fully...I make it complex....and this is where I often loose steam...get derailed...I face the inevitable unforeseen obstacle...ME!!!

I have come to realize that this stage is a diversion for me...it often gets me off track...I am so good at the investigation/research/planning phase that after I make the plan, I do one of two things...I loose interest because I have found out every detail...or worse, I create such fear within myself that I could never do it perfectly that I give up before I ever even try...

This is where I find myself this morning...so enmeshed in the planning and research stage of my current goal...supporting myself with my art this year...that I have overwhelmed myself with the details...the books and magazines...even the blogs of successful artists...that I am not doing the only thing that will make this goal a reality...creating art!!!

I look at those of you I visit regularly...and one common thread is present...you create almost every day...marita creates often and inspires much...vanessa blows me away...darla alters and inspires...constance makes a difference to my life every day...kim collages...angela creates every day...dj and kelly rae are master prolific creators...elizabeth flies free...tejae captures my heart...leoni produces and fills her shop......tara illustrates...carol never stops moving toward her goals...laura draws me in...britt fills my soul...while I spend my moments researching/avoiding/dreaming...

I am sure any psychiatrist worth a flip would say I am avoiding because I have a fear of failure...DUH!!!!...an admitted, self-imposed protective device...comparing my work with others...and somehow falling short...zorona commented yesterday, "I would live surrounded by my paintings if I painted like you. ."...

so why, oh why, can't I...open an Etsy shop???...take my art to the local galleries???...rent a space at a shop and hang my art???...Why???...I am afraid no one will buy it...there I said it/wrote it/felt it down to my toes...what if no one buys my art???

Today's aMUSEment - what if no one buys my art??? how did you overcome that fear...stop that little voice that says, "What audacity to think people will want to buy this!!" As of today I am a recovering researcher...I am going to start a 12-step program of recovery...NO!!!! Not 12 steps....just one....I will secure an etsy shop today...I will make an appointment with a local gallery...I will secure a booth to sell my furniture...
U Be Creative Today!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are an Inspiration Rebecca. I say try all of the venues for your art. See which ones take you on your journey!

Anonymous said...

"Britt fills my soul"......Thank you very, very much for these kind word, and thanks for your almost daily comments in my blog.

Good luck with your creating art. I look forward to follow your steps.

somepinkflowers said...

hello, hello....
i am the same way
about doing all the things
i want to do,

some say i want to do too much!

balderdash!

i went ahead
and opened an etsy store
even though i have nothing
in it yet!

go see...nothing...
yet it is mine
and i will add to it soon,
maybe...

one step at a time!

for inspiration...
to start the creative spirit journey...

i say: go for it!

:-)

Anonymous said...

Rebecca I think that you can do whatever you set your mind to. I say go for it! I am sooo honored that you complimented me in this post! Thank you sooo much for your kindness and thoughtful words of support. Great post! Go for that etsy store if ya want. :) *HUGS*

Anonymous said...

Follow your dreams and you will soar!

eb said...

it doesn't matter if any one buys your art - you make it first and foremost for your self - your Self - and because you love it so will they and then they will have to have a piece of that magical energy - YOU - the art is merely a piece of physical evidence of the wondrousness of your magnificent SOUL - and THAT is what they want - and will lay down good money for that - they want the ENERGY - the SPIRIT - of you - start there...

xox - eb.

Anonymous said...

faillure is a common thing rebecca. don't let it frighten you. supporting your life with making art is a hell of a job, mostly not recognized or respected and clearly influencing one's work. however, we've all reached a point of proving anything to others anymore. set yourself free from the excess baggage, dragged along for so many years. just go for it and thank you so much for the sweet comments!

Darla said...

Like other's who commented, I encourage you to "go for it" indeed.

Both your art and your words are inspiring. Just think of it as another avenue for sharing what you have to give to the world.

Darla

xxxxx said...

Remember... it only takes a first step :-) Come on, go for it! You'll be wonderfully surprised. There's nothing like allowing a dream to manifest.