The Little Opportunities: Embracing the "Beneath Me" Mindset

Turning Small Opportunities into Big Wins

We're diving into a topic that's bound to ruffle a few feathers but will ultimately help you level up your game. We're talking about overcoming the "beneath me" mindset. No, it's not the latest pop psychology term. It's an insidious little mental block that might be sabotaging your chances at growth and success without you even realizing it. Buckle up, buttercup; we're in for a ride.

Say "Yes" to Growth

You might be thinking, "But when do I get to say no to these tiny gigs?" Good question. First, say "yes" more often than you'd like and treat these small opportunities like they're the Met Gala of your career. Build your skills, gain some notoriety, and integrate into your new community. What makes small gigs so valuable? They’re your sandbox, where you get to make mistakes and fine-tune your skills without the glaring eyes of a million Instagram followers watching you fumble.

Consistency Over Glitz

Another critical point: Don’t be a one-hit-wonder. We’re in the era of clout-chasing, where people mistake Instagram likes and TikTok views for actual success. Show your work consistently. It's not glamorous, but it pays dividends. Be the tortoise, not the hare, my friend. Consistency kills, especially when it comes to building credibility and honing your craft.

Projects, Not Pipe Dreams

Stop dreaming and start doing. Seriously, get tangible. Begin that painting series, start that YouTube channel, launch that monthly local exhibit. Whatever it is, put yourself out there. Your first few attempts might resemble a Picasso nightmare, but guess what? Every masterpiece starts as a mess. Opportunities are more likely to show up if they see you putting in the work, not just talking about it at every cocktail party.

Paying Dues: It's a Good Thing

Remember when you were a beginner and everything felt achievable because you were learning and stumbling through the process? Guess what? It’s time to get that beginner mindset back. "Paying dues" isn’t a punishment; it’s an investment. Small projects and gigs are dues. You gain skills, knowledge, and network—all invaluable assets for the price of a little humility.

Relationships Over Resume

And speaking of networking, build relationships, not resumes. Stop worrying about how impressive your bio sounds and start contributing to your community. Attend those indie gallery openings, offer your skills, share your resources. Be genuinely helpful. Your opportunities to shine will expand exponentially when people see you’re in it for the long haul, not just a quick ego boost.

The Art of Authenticity

Alright, now for some snarky wisdom: Stop pretending. Seriously. There’s nothing more cringe-worthy than someone who’s all sizzle and no steak. Own your beginner status or your transitional phase. Be you, flaws and all. Authenticity is like a magnet; the right opportunities and people will find you because they’re attracted to the real deal, not a mirage.

Final Conference Call with Yourself

Here’s the kicker: Reflect on your attitudes towards smaller gigs and lesser-known opportunities. Are you turning your nose up at potential goldmines because they seem "beneath you"? Drop that elitist façade. You’re possibly missing out on some serious growth opportunities. Those "beneath me" gigs? They can teach you, shape you, and launch you if you let them.

Start Small, Think Big

Inspired yet? Good. Go out there and seize those little opportunities with gusto. Say "yes" more, show your work, treat small gigs like headliners, and stay authentic. Above all, keep growing and learning. Trust the process, respect your journey, and remember: every "beneath me" gig is a stepping stone to your big break.

So, what's it gonna be? Keep waiting for that perfectly aligned mega-opportunity to fall into your lap, or start turning those smaller ones into the backbone of your success? I'd go for the latter, and I'll see you on the other side of success, savvy? Now go create something!

From Humble Beginnings to Bold Creativity: Lindsey Leaverton’s Journey

What it Means to Embrace Vulnerability and Hard Work

Allow me to introduce you to Lindsey Kane Leaverton, a single mom, wealth manager, singer-songwriter, and author of the delightfully unconventional "Not Another Self Help Book". Sounds intense, right? Well, buckle up, because Lindsey’s story is a masterclass in crafting beauty from chaos.

Embracing Humble Beginnings and Vulnerabilities

Like many of us creative types, Lindsey didn’t start life in a cozy cocoon of success. No silk pajamas here, folks. This episode dives into the power of embracing those rocky, humble beginnings. Lindsey emphasizes that the scars and battle wounds of our past aren't things to be hidden away. Instead, they are what give depth to our work and substance to our stories.

So how do we embrace our beginnings? The key word here is vulnerability. Be open about your struggles, your anxieties, and your missteps. Lindsey’s openness about her sexual orientation and personality traits resonates with so many who’ve walked similar paths.

Actionable Steps:

1. Start a journal. Write about your past and how it shaped who you are today.

2. Share your story with someone you trust. Vulnerability breeds connection.

The Value of Hard Work and Dedication

Speaking of hard work, Lindsey doesn’t sugarcoat the grit required to create something meaningful. Dedication is the secret sauce, and she’s got a pantry stocked to the brim. Iterating, revising, taking those endless drafts and making something extraordinary—that’s the magic.

Lindsey’s creative process for writing her book was intense, involving long hours, deep dives into personal experiences, and constant rewrites. If you’re not willing to put in the work, you might as well pack up your art supplies and go home.

Actionable Steps:

1. Set a dedicated time each day for your creative work.

2. Don’t be afraid to scrap and start over. First drafts are meant to be rough.

The Right People: Your Tribe

Finding the right people to celebrate and accept you is vital. Lindsey stresses surrounding yourself with folks who understand and uplift you. Think of them as your personal cheerleading squad, minus the pom-poms (unless they’re into that).

She’s leveled up her life by finding her tribe, and she encourages everyone to do the same. Whether it’s through social media, local groups, or creative communities, find those who get you.

Actionable Steps:

1. Join a creative community, online or offline.

2. Attend local events related to your creative interests.

Self-Care: It’s Not Just Bubble Baths

Now, onto something we all love to neglect: self-care. Lindsey shared her practices that help keep the creative juices flowing. She spends time on her back porch, meditates, writes lyrics, and even listens to stand-up comedy for inspiration.

Yes, spending time in self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks (although, who doesn’t love a good bath?). It’s about finding activities that rejuvenate you and give you mental space.

Actionable Steps:

1. Dedicate time each week to a relaxing activity that brings you joy.

2. Incorporate humor into your routine. Laugh. A lot.

Creativity as a Lifeline

For Lindsey, creativity isn’t just an outlet; it’s her lifeline. Whether it’s using her problem-solving skills in her professional life or finding ways to balance family logistics, creativity permeates everything she does. This episode really drives home that creative expression is indispensable for navigating life's challenges.

Actionable Steps:

1. Identify an area in your life where you can incorporate more creativity.

2. Use creative outlets to process emotional hardships. Try drawing, painting, or writing your thoughts down.

Versatility: Left-Brain Meets Right-Brain

Lindsey’s ability to combine left-brain and right-brain thinking is a superpower in her field. From financial strategies to writing poignant lyrics, she has learned to embrace both sides of her brain to create a harmonious life.

If you’re one of those people who think they need to choose between creativity and practicality, think again. Lindsey’s example teaches us that embracing both aspects can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Actionable Steps:

1. Work on a project that requires both analytical and creative thinking.

2. Embrace your unique approach, even if it seems unconventional.

Final Words

Lindsey’s journey from humble beginnings to finding her tribe and balancing creativity with practicality offers valuable lessons for all of us. Remember, your story, struggles, and the hard work you put in can craft something beautiful. So, pick up that pen, brush, or guitar, and start creating.

After all, the world needs your unique brand of magic.

Actionable Steps Recap:

- Start a journal.

- Share your story.

- Dedicate time for your creative work.

- Find and join creative communities.

- Implement regular self-care activities.

- Use creativity to process emotions.

- Embrace both analytical and creative thinking.

So, what’s stopping you? Your creative journey awaits—take that first step today.

Listen to episode 234 of Creative Chats for my conversation with Lindsey Kane Leaverton.

Connecting and Communicating Creatively with Gina London

I had the opportunity to chat with the extraordinary Gina London, CEO of the Language of Leadership company, a distinguished Emmy award winning former CNN anchor, and a dynamic author. We talked about the power of communication, relationships, and creativity.

Building Lasting Relationships for Success and Happiness

Hearing about Gina London's insights and perspectives brought an enlightening view on the importance of relationships for lasting success and happiness. It's apparent that achievements aren't just about the solitary wins; it's the human connections forged along the way that truly make a difference. Gina emphasizes that it's these strong bonds that support and sustain us over time.

The Transformative Power of Effective Communication

Observing Gina's approach highlights the transformative power of effective communication in the workplace. She teaches that nurturing a culture where people feel included and significant can lead to enhanced work performance and a better overall atmosphere.

Embracing Continuous Self-Improvement

Gina advocates for continuous self-improvement in communication. This isn't a one-off effort; it's a day-by-day practice, akin to a fitness routine for communication skills. With resources like the Language of Leadership, individuals can make incremental progress toward mastering the art of connection.

Creativity: A Cornerstone of Business

Her belief that creativity is essential in business shines through. Storytelling, showing real interest in colleagues, and promoting a positive environment are creative strategies that she believes can change the business landscape for the better. Combining authority with approachability is a formula she champions for team engagement and achievement.

Infusing Fun into Work: The Role of Playfulness

Gina also recognizes the role of fun in the workplace. (A shared value between us!) By infusing a sense of playfulness and imagination into professional environments, companies can transform into spaces where people are eager to contribute creatively. Recounting a gamification workshop in Saudi Arabia, Gina shows that even top executives can embrace this aspect, leading to exciting and successful outcomes.

Harnessing Creative and Sincere Connections

Gina's work confirms that every interaction we have is an opportunity for positive and creative influence. She teaches that being mindful of how we communicate and building deep connections can lead to significant progress in both business and personal realms. My conversation with her is a powerful reminder of how essential creative and sincere connections are to moving forward.

Connect with Gina London:

www.languageofleadership.org

https://ginalondon.com/

Want more? Listen to the full Creative Chats episode 228