Clarity can come from unexpected places.
Whether you feel stuck or unsure of your next steps, it’s important to realize that the breakthrough you need likely isn’t going to come from well-worn creative wells.
The enemies of clarity are pervasive besides.
The first is what falls under the category of addictions. Shopping, drama, video games, movies, alcohol, food, or otherwise – we all have our vices.
Addictions are an escape, and they tend to cloud our intuition, mask our true feelings, and prevent clear thinking. Because of the instant dopamine rush they provide they can lull us into a false sense of accomplishment and success, even as fires are breaking out all around us.
The second is our routine. Sustaining a routine takes discipline, and while discipline is a virtue, if you have not time enough for spontaneity, a deviation from the norm, as well as prolonged thinking, reflecting, and journaling sessions, you are unlikely to recognize what might already be in front of your nose.
Finally, there’s busyness. Temporary busyness is fine. It can even be purposeful.
When I was a graphic and web designer, we used to have “blitz” days, where we’d commit to putting the finishing touches on projects that had been sitting for a while. A blitz day could last well into the night, but of course, we’d reward ourselves with a pizza or a night at the movies for our effort.
But when busyness becomes our default, we should not be surprised to find the waters grow murky. Long-term caffeine-fueled hustles almost always end the same way, with the hustler wishing they had been more sensible in their approach. Because after exhaustion comes burnout, and burnout can be a costly, ornery, long-term companion.
No one makes good decisions at 3 AM after days, weeks, months, or even years of overwork and fatigue. There’s no clarity to be found there.
In my recent live streaming efforts, I have found more clarity than ever expected. The newness of it is exciting, but oddly, it has almost become like a visit to the shrink. A chance to express myself and to be heard without judgment (though there is no audience more judgmental than the one hiding behind digital anonymity).
There’s much one could say about that, but the point is that I see my past with greater clarity. Which helps me see the present with increased clarity as well.
Leave some space in your life for something out of the ordinary. It could be an opportunity to capture the seemingly elusive omnipresence of your calling.
With that, here’s what I created for you this week:
David Andrew Wiebe
I publish daily to inspire creatives and creators just like you.
Here are the posts that went live this week:
- #StrategySunday – April 18, 2021
- Progress Update: April 19, 2021
- Progress Update: April 20, 2021
- Progress Update: April 21, 2021
- Progress Update: April 22, 2021
- I Live Streamed & Earned $5.55 – Here’s What I Learned
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Music Entrepreneur HQ
At Music Entrepreneur HQ, I give modern music makers the tools and mental models they need to create the life they love through music, something I’ve been up to since 2009.
Here are the posts that went live on Music Entrepreneur HQ this week:
>> Grab a free guide to grow your fan base and music career
The Indie YYC
The Indie YYC is a creative community dedicated to inspiring local artists in pursuit of independent creativity, independent thought, and independent life.
I host a weekly series called Creative Entrepreneur where I share weekly podcast content to help you find new inspirations and pathways to achieve more creative and practical independence.
Here’s what went live this week:
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Random Things I Dig
Live streaming, of course. And StreamYard is my poison of choice.
Featured Product
You were born to make music. It’s a calling.
But some days you feel like giving it all up.
You see people who are more talented and more prolific. And they have a larger social media following than you.
Why try? The odds seem stacked against you.
You don’t need to quit. You don’t need to give up. You don’t even need to change your approach.
What you need is a mindset makeover.
Read The Renegade Musician and reclaim your uniqueness, creativity, and calling.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for your creativity and generosity. I’m rooting for you.
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