Whenever us creative types get together, or–come to think of it–even when we’re alone, it’s usually all about “me”, “my”, or “we” or “I”. What is MY next gig, what am I doing to improve MY portfolio, MY solo exhibition, MY client list, MY ad campaign, MY blog, MY bank account, gear locker, self-promo mailer, vision… You get the point. Don’t deny it.
As a result, we can be overly paranoid, competitive, frustrated, cocky, going for broke, indulgent, critical, self-absorbed, self-loathing, self aggrandizing and overly analytical. We spend a lot of time living in our own heads.
But the truth is, we’re way better creatives when we’re better people. Better to ourselves, better to others, better to the world.
I just bumped into a close friend on the way back from my morning coffee. He shook my tree a little bit and told me a quick story in realizing this about himself. The story ended with his re-framing his self-focus into a simple plan to motivate a change. At the wrap up of each day he’s asking himself “what are 3 things I did to make somebody else’s life better today?”
I like that. Perhaps you should too.
“what are 3 things I did to make somebody else’s life better today?” That’s great!! I love making people happy, so this is definitely something I should ask myself daily 🙂
A great thing to live by! And throughout the day, a pleasant Hi! to the checkout person at the grocery store, at the gas station, the person who makes your coffee. Every person you interact with day to day has feelings and things going on in their life just like you do. Tons of opportunities to make another great first impression:)
If you start by taking pictures by giving every client the “stars” treatment and giving every person you shoot the chance to make her feel beautiful, you are up to a very good start. I want my clients to realize that they could do magazine covers too. Business, portfolio, branding is then a second thought. Boosting clients ego and confidence through photography is a really good job I think. 🙂
SO TRUE.
this post just might be the exact opposite of what charlie sheen has been saying recently…
So far i have only donated blood, but it is still early in the day. I agree wholeheartedly believe that it is important to work outside yourself creatively and otherwise.