Happy Tuesday loves!
It is soo overwhelmingly hot outside! Now that we have one truth out of the way, let’s get into today’s Truthy Tuesday lol. Definitely a topic I’ve been meaning to write about for some time, but finding the time to do so has been the struggle :)
Like most businesses, many people don’t get a chance to peek behind the scenes, and for a good reason: there is usually a lot going on.
I have A LOT going on.
In addition to planning (for both photo and mentoring sessions), traveling, instructing, photographing, invoicing, emailing, marketing, etc, I literally lay my eyes on hundreds, sometimes thousands, of images weekly to select the best of the best, and then edit them (think HOURS in front of the computer) o_0
For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a lot on my plate. And I’m not entirely sure when I decided to become Superwoman sans the super powers! “Need me to do this?” Sure. “Need me to go someplace?” No problem. “Need me to restore, photograph, and catalog ancient artifacts?” On my way! lol
I love helping people, so I know part of me is always going to be disappointed when I can help someone, but simply can’t because of limited time and energy. I don’t say all this for sympathy, I know this is the life I chose and I’m eternally grateful for having both the ability and support to have made a career out of it!
It’s just that sometimes it can all be a bit… overwhelming. I’m putting this out there because not only as a photographer and entrepreneur, but as a human being, I know I’m not alone.
It’s hard admitting that you don’t have it all together and that you can’t handle everything- especially when the world praises that ideal. It’s easy to get caught up in that kind of thinking to feel that “I should be able to to 100 things! And do them well!” Well I’m here to tell you that’s a load of crap lol. Less is more and I am working to bring that philosophy more into my business model for the years to come.
I know the “quick solution” to some is an assistant, but truthfully it’s not that quick. Duties need to be assigned, proper training needs to take place, and trust needs to be established. Not only that, but truthfully, it’s deeper than that- for me. The thought of an assistant gives me slight anxiety because I am SO used to doing everything myself. I’m also very OCD at times and quite particular about how things are done. This is not to say that I don’t need one- I’m on the road, just not there yet ;)
There were some tough adjustments I had to make and opportunities I had to decline not only to preserve my energy, but also my peace of mind. This year has taught me that in many instances, between traveling, I really have to slow down and take things one day at a time. Sometimes even a moment at a time just to keep my resting heart rate somewhat normal lol.
So… I’m not sure completely where I’m going with this, but I guess I’m just putting it out there. I believe you follow me for my clarity and transparency and well… there you have it!
I have soo much to say on this topic (clearly as you see by the length of this post lol), but there will also be a part 2 :) I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic as well! Leave a comment and let me know what you thought!
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
-Danni