Make Peace with Being Uncomfortable

Slices of days 356 through 362. Full images are shared at the bottom of the post.

The beginning of a new year is full of opportunity, turning over new leaves, making resolutions, etc. But how many of us don’t make the progress we want to because we are stuck in a pattern of how things “should be” done?

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. As it pertains to building a brand or finding your artistic voice, if what you are doing is not bringing the results you are wanting, then it’s time to try something different.

The best progress I have made comes from moving toward things that are uncomfortable.

As I look back to the beginning of the year when I started posting artwork every day, the thought of doing it for 365 days seemed almost impossible. Sure, there would be days that things would come together quickly, but what about the days when the unexpected happened?

Work deadlines, activities with family, computer problems, illness? What if I start this challenge and can’t see it through?

There is always going to be that contrary voice that says stretching ourselves, trying something new, is a horrible idea and will probably lead to our undoing.

However, the only way to deal with a “boogeyman” is to shine a light on it and move towards it.

I’m here to say that each time I have taken a risk to try something new, eventually it becomes less scary and in some cases I end up enjoying it.

In the case of the 365-day challenge, posting new artwork every day has become a part of my rhythm and now it would feel weird NOT do it.

As I start a new year, I’m going to continue doing what has worked for me (creating artwork every day) but I am going to incorporate new ways of stretching myself. For example, I just posted my first VLOG.

The idea of posting a video felt very exposing at first. It was tempting to just continue with the posts the same way I’ve already been doing. However, I knew that moving toward what is uncomfortable ultimately serves me in the long run and increases the chance of reaching my goals.

As you start this new year be mindful of moving toward things that are sound like a stretch or sound uncomfortable. I really do believe that is the key to getting where you want to be.

What are some stretching goals you want to try in 2018? If you are so inclined, leave potential goals in the comments for this post.

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