Building Dreams
Ways to Stay Positive While Crafting a New Path
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I’ve always harbored dreams of being a writer, envisioning a time when people enjoy what I put out into the world. Reaching a level of success where I don’t have to worry about my bottom line every time I open my eyes. I know I’m a long way from reaching that level. I still have to be practical, working and focusing on what pays the bills by day, and chasing dreams at night. There are many ebbs and flows on this journey, moments when I think I’m making the wrong decisions but there are still joyous moments when I know I’m on the right path. I’m building something, I often have to remind myself not to get discouraged.
Maintaining positivity
Set realistic goals: With any artistic endeavor, you must have attainable goals. It’s rare that any effort is an overnight sensation. A lot of work comes before the success. For me, starting a newsletter was a way to get back into writing. I know a lot of people won’t see my posts, but before last November it had been years since I wrote anything consistently. A weekly newsletter is my way of exercising my writing muscles. Not everything I write will be a gem, but with consistency I can get there.
Be patient: It takes time to know where you’re going and how you will get there.
Acknowledge how you feel: It’s ok to feel happy, sad, mad, fearful, confused, anxious, angry, joy, calm, content, and everything in between. I have had a good cry or two in the past few weeks. I just remind myself that those feelings are only temporary, it can and will get better.
Find inspiration: Think of a person or person who inspires you. Think of an inspiring moment. Think of your favorite quote. Gaze at a beautiful piece of artwork. Read your favorite book. Create a vision board. There are so many ways to be inspired, just find what works for you.
Research, keep busy: If you have a particular goal, go for it but make sure you know what you’re getting into. Do a little research first. You don’t have to know everything before you start a new venture, but you should have some knowledge.
Embrace change, try new things, get out of your comfort zone: You’ll never know if you can do something unless you try. Words I’m trying to live by. I’m debating starting a YouTube channel as a compliment to my Substack. I did make a handful of YouTube videos over a decade ago, but I quit because I was uncomfortable on camera. But I see how starting a new channel could help me in the long run—learning editing skills, lighting, filming, and public speaking. More to come on that front.
Quality not perfection: Take the time to do things right. Take the time to put a little substance behind your efforts and the results will be so much better.
Know when to pivot: Also acknowledge when something isn’t working and change your focus. I want to add a biweekly or monthly roundup post to my newsletter. I even teased it a few weeks ago, but I never hit the “publish” button. What I had just wasn’t working, so I’ve put that to the side until I can figure out the right format.
Escapism: Take time to relax a little. I personally love looking at real estate videos on YouTube. I might never own a home, but I like imagining myself living in the various houses I see in the videos.
Celebrate/acknowledge the progress no matter how small: It can be hard to do this, especially when you think you’re not making any traction. If you’re connecting with just one or two people, that’s progress and acknowledge it.
What are some ways you keep positive? Drop a comment down below.