Creator Mindset
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3 Reasons You Should Think about Mindset Before Everything Else as a Digital Creator
I recently had dinner with a friend at a Japanese restaurant and bar. We were exchanging stories about our jobs when I mentioned that I was digital entrepreneur and was pretty serious about it.
His eyes lit up with curiosity (and a hint of jealousy) as I described how I had just composed a new song the other day and had gotten swept away in the joy of my creative process as I played and recorded it.
Ah that’s the life right?
To not only do soul demanding work, but also make a decent living to keep your lights on and your partner happy.
It’s a difficult balance for sure. One that I have yet to master.
But what I have gotten pretty good at over the last few years is feeling more comfortable with the path that I’m walking as an active creator.
Gone are the days that I search for jobs as I work on my writing. I also get less frustrated when on the days that I come up with nothing or I spend 4 hours on something I made that has dogshit quality. I unfailingly follow my creative process day-in day-out with high certainty that eventually I’ll make something good. Or if I don’t, I know I’ll move on to an even better idea that builds off of my present knowledge.
That’s what I want for you, and why I’ve chosen to begin this newsletter by talking about that most basic of topics: mindset.
Why begin with mindset?
Why are we talking about mindset?? After all, you’ve got a book idea ready to burst out of your mind and onto the screen at this very moment.
I get it. You’re ready to get creating, get read, and get money. I was the same way.
But in order to get into the state of mind I described above – where you comfortably and confidently show up everyday – you really should stop and consider where your head is at now and where you want it to be in the future.
Because I didn’t.
I spent years feeling guilty that I was spending all day fiddling with my website while my wife was out working.
I wasted hours applying for jobs I eventually didn’t take or didn’t want, just in case this whole creator thing went belly up.
I always felt like I was looking over my shoulder for somebody to come up and remind me: “this is stupid and a waste of time. you should get a fuckin’ real job.”
If this all sounds familiar, no you’re not insane. No, you’re not stupid for believing in a silly story, character, or product you created that you THINK nobody would ever in a million years pay you money for.
You’re just a creator. A dreamer who hasn’t fully disconnected from the rigid work culture modern society has hammered into your head since you were old enough to walk.
So that brings me to the first reason we need to talk (and you need to think) mindset before you dive neck deep into your creative project.
💡 An established routine, steady hours, clear expectations, and a ready made audience for your products or output, and a steady paycheck are not guaranteed as a creator. You need to be ok with that.
Because life as a creator is different than life in a salaried job.
As an employee, contractor, or even an established freelancer there were many things I took for granted.
Having an established routine, steady hours, clear expectations, and a ready-made audience for your products or output are a few of the things that come to mind. (Oh yeah and don’t forget the steady paycheck!)
These are all things that are NOT guaranteed as a creator. Unless you create it the opportunities (or already have access to them) they won’t happen.
The second reason you need to think mindset is:
Because everyone will doubt you, including yourself.
When I left the active duty US Air Force and told people I wanted become a Spanish Court Interpreter, I got crazy looks.
When I told them I had started a YouTube channel and was writing a novel, I got REALLY crazy looks.
I couldn’t be mad at my friends and family though, because I was looking at myself the same way. Asking myself every day and night “Are you really doing this? Do you really think anybody’s gonna fuck with your stuff?” I still have these thoughts on occasion, but much less so now that I’ve got my mindset right.
You’ve probably had similar thoughts. Be ready to challenge them with decisive action, humor, and support from people who DO believe in you, even if they’re not friends and family.
Energy management is greater than time management.
The last reason you shouldn’t skip mindset is:
Because you’ll do better creative work if you think about it now.
When I was younger I remember hearing about time management a lot. Now that I’m older, my focus has shifted to energy management.
I think of it like this, if I can better control where my energy goes, I can channel it in more efficient ways to achieve the output I want faster and with better results.
If time management is showing up when you need to, energy management is having the juice and stamina to get the job done when you do show up.
Having a rock-solid mindset ensures all the nagging doubts, the haters, and naysayers – including the part of you that is scared and tells you to ‘get a real job’ every time you sit down to create -can’t cloud your spirit.
The mindset becomes a domed shield that keeps out the bad vibes and air of the outside world and keeps your sacred chamber free of impurities. In that safe space, you’re free to explore, wander, screw up, and try again as many times as you want.
But only you can create it and maintain it. Currently, society at large is not arranged to facilitate your success or happiness as a creator. (Perhaps one day it will be.) But until then, it will actively work to smother and douse that pilot light of internal desire calling you to make something that is uniquely yours.
You must not let that happen. Protect your flame at all costs. 🔥
To do that, you must forge a titanium mind from the outset of your creative journey.
Once you do it will be easier to build the skills, network, and resources you need to live your dreams during waking hours.
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