“For some, things come easy in life…”
So sez my buddy Mike to me last week as we chatted about
the challenges of running a photo studio. Mike runs his own studio, busy guy. Crushing it.
His comment stuck with me. Haunted me actually.
I emailed him a few days later, I had to share my thoughts. I thought he was being
a little whiney.
“Mike, I don’t agree with your observations.” I told him.
“Life is hard, period. For everyone. We all have to deal with challenges. Especially
when you decide to start your own business. This is above average living, with the potential for above average results.”
You see, what I think he’s doing is making observations from others around him
and false assumptions based on those observations.
We all do it. We assume. Every one else is happier, richer, more together, successfuller, awesomer, healthier, sexier, richer bla bla bla.
It’s a human thing.
And at it’s core the truth behind the dark side of social media….where comparison, false assumptions, virtue signaling, blaming, accusing, gloating and all things evil about being human truly manifest at epic levels.
It’s a bullshit story we tell ourselves about others. Total crap. Hey, we’re human. It’s a human weakness.
The key? Go inwards. Work on yourself more than your business.
Recognize that when you go beast mode, that when you live dangerous, you get challenges that others don’t even come close to experiencing in their insulated worlds.
Not even close.
The more risks you take in life, the greater the rewards. But, the greater the challenges,
You win more. Get scared more. Live more.
They, on the other hand, can’t even begin to understand what you’re going through. Yea, yea, they start to throw darts, and try to take you down. That happens when people don’t understand.
They get scared. Scared of you. Stay the course. It’s a personal game. Keep it personal and
don’t take it personal.
It’s all an illusion. Success is an inside job. And it never gets easier. When you embrace that truth you become more resilient, adaptable, creative and challenged.
These are qualities I cherish.
Besides, what if some things were easier for others.
So?
Who cares? Does it matter? Matter to you? You have two choices, whine about it like a 3yr old or go full beast more on yourself and on your business.
One of the reasons I started helping photographers is because I recognize this.
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher
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