Will you weather the storm?

Making the art you really want to make in your life sounds awesome—until you recognize the sacrifices that go along with it. Maybe you’re a creative hobbyist, looking to make a longer project. Maybe you’re a part-time creative, wishing you could work in the field you love most. Maybe you’re doing what you love full-time, but feel pigeon-holed and want to expand into more meaningful work. All of these transitions take sacrifice, and it’s only once we accept and become willing to make those sacrifices that they’ll pay off for us. 

Actor Matthew McConaughey can be heard in a trillion short-form videos on social media telling the story of when he decided to deny rom-com roles while he tried to book dramas instead. He denied many millions of dollars and didn’t work for nearly two years while the industry adjusted to his new billing. Finally, he booked a dramatic role, followed by a string of critically-acclaimed and widely adored movies, which brought real heart and meaning to his career.

I relate to this story at the moment. I’m not turning down millions of dollars by any stretch, but taking time off work to write my book has been its own challenge. I’m putting forth each morning’s best creative energy to write this book. My content has been lacking. My blog feels like it has too. I haven’t been networking, connecting, or booking jobs. The thought creeps in… “is this going to be worth it?”

Can you weather the storm? Indeed, it is a stormy sea, and you’re on a sailboat alone. Whatever stage you’re at, whatever your goals are, the question is not “will there be sacrifices?” There will be. The question is, will you weather the storm?