The Hodge-Podge Blog

Do the thing you fear the most and the death of fear is certain. ~ Mark Twain

Taking risks is part of growing as an artist

Courage isn’t always some heroic act in the moment; it often is a series of nearly imperceptible steps that lead to something monumental. Perhaps it is taking steps that expose an artist to criticism or rejection by one’s followers, or peers. When you take risks, it can leave you with a frightening feeling of being alone. That is when it takes courage to persevere.

As an artist and entrepreneur, if you don’t recognize it outwardly, you nonetheless instinctively know you need to carry your own water. Sure, you may have a support team to help you, mentors to guide you and supporters to cheer you on, but at the end of the day, you have to be your own champion because those others are more likely reliant on you than vice-versa.

Take your time to set your realistic career goals, both artistic and personal. Review them to make sure they are what you want to achieve. Then intelligently pursue with passion and courage.

Suppose you do fail. So what? Failures are the way to success. You can fail all the way to the top. Without learning to embrace and learn from your failures, you will likely never succeed.

Often it is the fear of trying that keeps us back. Don't fall prey to your fears. Use your courage to overcome them and let it lead you to the success you deserve!