Because I am a full-time law student, I simply cannot do a lot of what I would like to do for the industry these days. For example, I have to take a pass on working with many individual clients, and that hurts financially, of course. But also, I can’t follow up on many of the important news stories that affect the community– at least not anywhere near as much as I like. And that is frustrating. There are things happening of which I am aware, but I don’t have the time to research them as I would normally. Gaaah!
But this is necessary. Not doing now is what I must do in order later to do more and better. I focus now on my legal studies so that after I graduate and (please o please) pass the bar, I can really serve my clients well.
This is true for all of us. We have to make sacrifices now to get something better later. But sometimes I think we forget that. Sure, the culture these days is one of immediate gratification and that is a contributing factor, but I think as mostly individual businesspeople we feel the obsessive need to do everything and to do it right now. Once we start working for ourselves, somehow, not doing doesn’t seem like an option any more.
But it is.
Here are 10 reasons to not do:
- You cannot do everything. It’s impossible, so give it up.
- The more you do, the greater the probability (not “possibility” even) that you will suck at it. You won’t be giving anything the attention it requires.
- Multitasking is the worst way to work. (see #2)
- Trying to be all things for all possible clients dilutes your message so that in the buyer’s mind you are nothing special.
- Delayed gratification makes you more grateful.
- Taking the time to cultivate your vision means less $$ now but more in the long run, like over the course of your career.
- Investments of time are at least as valuable as investments in money (or, increased skills = increased rates).
- Focusing on doing the work that you love (and not doing the crap work) and building a business based on that may mean a business that starts more slowly, but it will have better legs.
- Taking the time off to regenerate yourself will make you more productive.
- Taking time to be with people you love, without the phone or work distractions, will improve your relationships resulting in a better mental state for you and more productivity overall.
Dang! You have the most awesome posts. Thanks Leslie. You are an excellent source for mental health and attitude. There just aren’t too many folks like you out there for photographers/creatives – at least espousing and sharing (keyword:sharing) healthy food for thought/advice. Maybe there are? but I haven’t heard about them. Photographers neeeed to hear what you have to say. Your voice/message is refreshing.
Keep up your diligent work with law school – you will pass the bar. We are rooting for ya.
Forrest: thank you so very much!!!
-Leslie
Keep focusing on your legal studies. You’re going to make one heckuva lawyer.
Great post! Just when my head was about to explode from trying to learn the in’s and out’s of video. Why? Because all the “other photographers” are now shooting video. And you have to do video to be cutting edge. And “Hey are you shooting video yet?” I probably shouldn’t mention that no one knows how to get paid for it or that when you talk to a real DP you find that it takes years (a lifetime?) to master good movie shooting. Meanwhile we are starving because our “still image” business is not off the ground or is suffering setbacks.
Thanks for calming me down a bit.
While I’m glad that this calmed you, I don’t want you to throw the baby out with the bathwater here. It is important for photographers to at least play with and explore doing video. If it doesn’t fit for your creative vision, then don’t do it, but you should give it a chance.
As for the monetization of it and the comparisons to being a movie DP, I would point you to Gail Mooney & Tom Kelly (look esp. at the blog).
Good luck!! –Leslie
Great resource. I’m still playing with video – just not stressing about it. And not trying to multitask it to the point of being overwhelmed. Thanks again Leslie!
I agree with the second one that says you can not put all of your energy into a single thing. You have to pace your self and spread your energy equally. I also agree that you must talk to your loved ones. For most people it calms them down and helps them focus on whats important.