Helping other people achieve their goals is what fuels my passion. To see other people thrive keeps me motivated to give more. What moves you to give back?
Off the bat, let me be clear about one thing. I may be a photographer and this is a website for photographers and hobbyists but in reality this applies to everyone. Anyone who wants to achieve a greater standard of living in for the pursuit of higher ideals. Basically everyone lol
But for real, why is it that we do what we do? Have you ever took the time to ask yourself the question? Everyday we get up, hustle and bustle to the beat of our surroundings in hopes to find a time for ourselves for just a micro minute of peace. That pot of gold must be in focus. Or else what's the point....really?
Your WHY
We all have reasons to do things. Why we brush our teeth in a certain fashion, why we don't like pickles, why we hit the snooze button even if we know we gotta get to work. It gives meaning to our actions and justifies them. Fair enough but thinking on a bigger scale and looking at the bigger picture, it's just as important to the daily minutiae of life.
If your having trouble keeping motivated or finding which branch of photography that appeals to you most then it's always best to ask yourself a certain number of questions. But let's start with the most basic and fundamental one before all the the other ones that follow.
Why do you take photographs?
Having a goal card is a great tool to remind you of the direction your taking. Keep one in your back pocket and read it from time to time. It will keep you focused.
This question is the foundation to the rest of all the other ones that will follow. Once you know the WHY to what it is you do, you'll start to create a clear road map for your passion and business.
Here's an example of mine.
"My purpose with photography is to show others the greatness we all possess. To capture moments that will stand the test of time in people's personal lives and help remind them how beautiful we all are"
That's my purpose. It's not very specific but it doesn't have to be. But believe me, it's gets me fired up with emotion! Consider it the general map to the more detailed questions you will ask yourself. Make your grand purpose the nest to all your activities. It's important that we do because like everyone in this world, we will get side tracked and will have to remind ourselves why it is we do what we do.
Getting More Specific - Finding The Routes to Get There
Now this is where things start to get a little more detailed and focused. Take it as the stepping stones to the grand vision that you have at the end of it all. Here's some questions that will fine tune your purpose and start to walk you in the right direction.
Who do you want your photographs to appeal to?
Which style or branch of photography do you like the most?
What gear and knowledge do you have to attain in order to create it?
Do you want to make a living in photography?
What's the first thing you can do right now that will get you there?
Take the time to sit down and brainstorm your purpose and goals. That time will be well worth the effort in the long term. Always think of it as a work in progress.
As you start to answer these questions you might find that they can be quite difficult to fully answer, but that's alright! It's normal that we don't have them all right now. I definitely don't have them all myself but one thing I know is that if I keep working at it, it will start to make sense.
For artistic minds, it's sometimes hard to focus on one thing and zone in. But as time passes and as we continue to create and build, the questions will eventually answer themselves. Make sure you come back here from time to time just to separate yourself from the thick of it all.
Make Everything You Do Feed Your Why
I work and make money for a reason. To buy new gear and invest in my career. I don't watch TV because I want to use that time to master my art and business. I eat healthy and sleep early because I want to wake up refreshed so that I can have a productive day.
You see all my actions are geared TOWARDS a specific purpose. If we didn't' have context for our actions then we wouldn't have a discipline to keep striving for our ideals. So make your time on this earth count. Not so you can impress the world or be famous but to find peace within yourself and share that with others. Everyone's goals and ambitions are different but once you find your own that's yours then you won't care about keeping up with the Joneses. The gift we all have to offer no matter how big or small is enough to create the life we want for ourselves.
A life without a purpose is like the life of Harlod Crick. Mundane day by day same old thing. When there's no purpose, voices start to creep up in your head. We all have to strive for more! Or else what's the point?