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Mike Brennan

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The Comparison Trap: Why Copy-Pasting Someone Else’s Journey Could Ruin Yours

November 15, 2024

Ever accidentally melodramatically sighed as you scrolled through social media, comparing your creative entrepreneurial journey to someone else's sparkly highlight reel? Gosh, it’s like they're sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, while you've got rain clouds and a half-baked day old, moldy muffin. Spoiler alert: that shiny exterior might just be a well-curated mirage. So, let’s dive into why playing the comparison game can be hazardous and how you can sidestep those pitfalls with some actionable steps.

The Sparkling Mirage of Success

You eye that super-successful creative entrepreneur online with envy. You know, the one who’s apparently got their life together with a bow on top. Hate to break it to you, but you’re likely missing out on the real deal behind their polished curtain. Context is everything. Imagine trying to copy their every move without knowing the hidden variables. Spoiler: that's a recipe for disaster. What works for them might not work for you. And here’s how you can avoid falling into that trap:

Secret #1: Get Cozy with Reality Checks

You are you. They are they. So, let’s start there.

  1. Dig as Deep as Facebook Stalking Allows: Research your inspiration’s backstory like a detective on a mission. Know their starting point, journey, and how much of their tale is actually relevant to your situation. You might find out they’re living off trust funds or have a behind-the-scenes team making things look effortlessly cool.

  2. Be Honest with Yourself: Do you have the same resources, time, and networks? Didn’t think so. Acknowledge what you’ve got and what you don’t.

Secret #2: Don’t Be a Carbon Copy—Be a Master Chef

Channel your inner culinary artist and gather those ingredients of inspiration, then whip up your unique creative concoction.

  1. Jot Down What Works for You: List elements of their journey that actually make sense for your life. Then, tweak these to fit your unique context. Voila, you’ve got a personalized recipe for success.

  2. Caveats Are Key: Remember, your life pie might miss an egg or two they had. That’s okay! Adjust the recipe’s baking time. Burnt crusts aren’t flattering.

Secret #3: The Art of Contextualization

Understanding the process and making it yours—contextualize like a pro.

  1. Ask, Adapt, Apply: Take what you admire from others, but ask yourself how it fits into your puzzle. Slight modifications are your secret sauce.

  2. Stay Forward-Thinking: Keep your vision and strategy in mind. Use what fits, discard what doesn’t. Create your own damn masterpiece.

Secret #4: Narrow Down Your Support System

Friends, mentors, and communities—oh my! Choose wisely and surround yourself with the crème de la crème.

  1. Find Your Tribe: Join creative communities where honesty isn’t taboo. Share your struggles and triumphs. Lift each other up. (Looking for one? Join the Daily Creative Habit membership!)

  2. Credibility Matters: Follow mentors who’ve been transparent about their own bumps and bruises. No fake it ‘til you make it vibes allowed.

Secret #5: Focus on Your Unique Journey

  1. Celebrate Small Wins: Track your progress. Pat yourself on the back. Each step forward is fabulous.

  2. Comparison Detox: Limit social media scrolling when feeling fragile. Embrace your path and keep blossoming at your own lovely pace.

There You Have It

Your journey is uniquely yours—own it! Copycats end up frustrated and burnt out. Instead, embrace these snark-packed, actionable tips to forge your creative path.

Now, go forth and create your beautiful mess. Skip the comparisons and make your own damn blueprint.

In Blog Tags Creative Chats podcast, Mike Brennan, creativity, creative process, story, Daily Creative Habit, resources for creators, Daily Creative Habit Journal, Make Fun A Habit, Facebook group, creative content creators, creative entrepreneurs, comparison trap, emulating without context, creative entrepreneurship, building businesses, learning and growing, creative journey, role models, mentors, financial pressures, resources and networks, art of contextualization, mental health, burnout, frustration in business, income and lifestyle, strategic relationships, business model, personal creativity, creative expression.
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Embracing Your Creative Journey: Lessons from Chelsie Tamms

August 30, 2024

Finding Purpose through Passion Projects and Lettering

Now, if you've ever found yourself wondering, “How do I translate my love for art into something meaningful?” you’re not alone. Today's chatter with the incredible Chelsie Tamms was like unlocking the treasure chest we've all been searching for. This powerhouse of creativity didn't just show up with her stellar lettering and brand design chops — she’s taken the scenic route around life’s blockades, and came bearing the map.

But enough of the tease; let’s unwrap the gift.

Why Documenting Success is Key

We’re diving headfirst into what Chelsie likes to call “documenting successes.” Yeah, sounds simple, right? But think about it: How often do you actually jot down your little victories? Not those grandiose wins worthy of a champagne toast, but the tiny ones, like nailing that tricky brushstroke or getting a compliment on your project. Sure, they might not seem like much, but collectively? They’re your secret weapon.

Step 1: Grab Chelsie's Freebie.

Head over to letteringworks.com and snag her free journaling tool. Trust me, it’s like a GPS for your creative journey. Use it to reflect daily, weekly, and monthly. Figure out what fuels your fire and what you need to douse. We’re all walking bomb cyclones of potential — you’ve just got to track the weather patterns.

Step 2: Document, Rinse, Repeat.

It’s not enough to just jot things down. Reflect on them. Weave them into your bigger narrative. Yep, turn those small wins into a mosaic of your indomitable spirit. You’ll soon realize you’re not stumbling around aimlessly; you’re paving a golden path.

Embracing Intentionality in Creativity

Look, in a world that’s all about the hustle, Chelsie’s ethos on being intentional is a breath of fresh air. She emphasizes that every move you make should be purposeful and aligned with your personal values. I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from freelancers and creatives around the world: Finally, an excuse to say “no” to the soul-sucking projects.

Step 1: Know Thyself.

Start with a solid brainstorming session: what are your values? Write them down. In bold, if it helps. Align every project and client you take on with these core truths. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your creative life. If it doesn’t spark joy, it gets the boot.

Step 2: Align Your Work.

Once you’ve got your values listed, it’s time to filter your projects through them. Prioritize those that mesh with your vibe. This is less about being choosy and more about curating your masterpiece of a career. Passion projects are great, but be strategic about them. You’re playing chess, not checkers.

Leveraging Passion Projects for Paid Work

Chelsie’s story is a patchwork quilt of trial-and-error with a sprinkling of strategic outreach. Imagine this: You’ve poured your heart into a passion project, and now you’re eyeing potential clients, trying to make that leap from art-for-fun to art-for-money.

Step 1: Be Smart About Outreach.

Chelsie shared the wisdom of direct outreach over the blind toss of social media posts. It’s like fishing with a rod and reel instead of a net; you may not catch as many, but the ones you do are the ones you want. Identify specific organizations or individuals who would resonate with your work and send a personalized pitch.

Step 2: Show Off Your Portfolio.

When your passion projects are tied to causes that matter to you (like Chelsie’s projects around kidney disease, chronic illness, and mental health), they automatically become more powerful and marketable. Use these projects as cornerstone pieces in your portfolio. They’re not just samples of your work — they’re proof of your commitment, passion, and values.

The Balancing Act: Freelance vs. Small Business

Here's the kicker — balance. Chelsie, the juggle-master, spoke about managing the push and pull of freelance gigs and small business management.

Step 1: Create a System.

It's all about contracts and design reviews, people. Make your professional processes as sleek as your art. Not only does it keep things legit, but it also makes you look like the creative rockstar you are. Clients love a good process, almost as much as they love great art.

Step 2: Be Selective with Opportunities.

You don't have to take on every project that comes your way. Be like Chelsie; reserve your precious energy for those that align with your values and ignite your creative spirit. Prioritize projects that nurture your growth and well-being.

Final Reflections

Chelsie’s journey from passion projects to an impactful career is like a handbook on how to win at life — with a creative flourish, of course. Tune into your own values, document those seemingly insignificant wins, and be strategic about your creative pursuits.

What will your day one look like? There’s no time like now to begin. Go forth, create with intention, and most importantly, keep showing up.

Listen to my Creative Chat with Chelsie Tamms on episode 239.

In Blog Tags Mike Brennan, Daily Creative Habit, Creative Chats, journaling freebie, passion projects, client needs, documenting successes, inner voice, personal values, strategic artist, creative boundaries, business skills, fair pay, chronic illness, mental health, underrepresented communities, small business owners, creativity, passion for lettering, portfolio development, social media exposure, direct outreach, full-time career, startup funding, entrepreneurial endeavors, freelance design, mental health organization, kidney disease, intentional creativity, resourcefulness, corporate connections, community-driven artwork, ice cream shop client, Graphic Design
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