3 Life Changing Insights the Tribe Conference Revealed

I had the privilege of attending this years Tribe Conference hosted by Jeff Goins. 

Now, I've been to my fair share of conferences, but this one lives up to it's name, literally. It is more than speakers on a stage turning on a firehose of information. It's a community, a real "tribe". 

The whole conference is an environment of encouragement, that I believe that stems directly from Jeff. He hasn't set up a conference to sell you more courses and books (although they are made available if you desire them). It's designed to be a real help for the attendees to take their next step in their journey as an author (or artist). 

Besides the incredible opportunity I had to live sketch this event as it unfolded (for more information about my event sketching service click here) I had 3 big take aways:

1. Embrace struggle.

Jeff posed a question to the audience in the beginning of an interview with Natalie Brenner (who just released her first incredible book). He asked "Why doesn't your definition of success include struggle?" I have to be honest, that stopped me in my tracks. So often I feel the struggle of my own journey so deeply. I long for those places of breakthrough (and relief). It never occurred to me that my successes were not being held back by struggle, but perhaps struggle was the vehicle to help me get there.

2. Make your mess your message.

Ishita Gupta shared this from the stage in her talk. And it resinated immediately. I am messy. I finally embraced this in my artistic style years ago. Now, I'm challenged to embrace it in how I live out my life before others. In a world of curated Instagram feeds, it's tough to reveal your mess. But that just might be the very thing someone needs from you. The thing that makes you more approachable and human. 

3. Tell more stories. 

Through my sketching and interactions with the speakers and fellow attendees, I realized I need to tell even more stories with my art. I need to make more art where I invite others in, so my art isn't just about me, but it becomes a place for community and connection. This rings true to my core and my "why". I'm looking forward to how that expression will take shape in new art I create. 

What about you? Are you chewing on any insights lately that are altering the course of your work and life? Id love to hear them! 

Live Sketch during Jeff's interview of Natalie Brenner.

Making messy art while listening to Ishita's message.

Holy Sidekick Batman!

Recently, I was at a conference called "Tribe" hosted by author Jeff Goins. In his opening, Jeff talked about the power of being a side kick. Being the comic book / pop culture geek I am, he had my attention instantly. 

Everyone naturally wants to be THE hero. The one who swoops in to save the day, and also receives all the accolades. But what we really need more of are the sidekicks. Everyone wants to grow up to be Batman. No one wants to be Robin. 

We tend to think the sidekick is "lesser than" somehow. But it's time to rethink that. The sidekick comes along side, and helps. He leverages what he has for the greater good. He provides a service and value. And THAT should be our goal as well – leveraging our craft to benefit the lives of others. To bring them value. To serve them. 

Later during the same conference, another speaker, Carlos Whittaker challenged us all not to look for spotlight moments, but moments where we can take others along with us. He posed the question "How can we use whatever platform we have to help someone else?"

This idea of serving, offering true value and help to others keeps coming up in my world. Even this morning, while I was in a networking meeting, this very topic emerged again. It rings so true to my own personal values of wanting to be help to those around me, both personally and professionally, that i have included this in my overarching purpose statement:

"To create engaging visuals and ideas that bring value to people, and glory to my Creator."

So, I'm ok with being Robin (just don't ask me to wear tights). The more people I can help with my art and craft, the better. You won't see a "Robin" sign in the sky, but if you look around, there is always someone in need of help.

So, what about you? Where can you provide value and service in your craft to be a help to other people? If you're doing that already, where is a new opportunity or expression you might be able to explore? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear what you think!

Until next time, Same Bat time, Same bat channel.

For more sidekick fun, check out this list of Robin's exclamations!