Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Keep a "Light Heart" about Your Work

For several months, I've been following Emily Freeman through her brave and inspiring blog - Chatting at the Sky. It''s also a very pretty online space to visit. Emily is an author and recovering good girl. In fact, her first book, "Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life" is how I first came across her work. Immediately it stuck and since then, I've been reading her daily posts.

For example, today is focused on taking your work too seriously. I do that. We all do, especially when we are all trying to be the best at what we do, and deliver great results over and over again. I am my worst critic. There are times more often than not, that I don't give myself enough credit and I certainly don't give myself a break. There's just too much to do.

But the point of the post is not about being overwhelmed, it's really about being OK with where you are right now with your talent, knowledge, abilities.

Emily writes, "You can't control the outcomes of your work. But if you read too many reviews (or ask for too many opinions) you might start to try.This is bad for everyone involved. Meaningful work flows out of an artist working from acceptance, not a technician working for acceptance.

You can only do the best with what you’ve been given and what you know at the time. Accept your truest identity from the hand of God. And then be honest, remain open, and keep a light heart along the way."

She goes on to ask, "What are some ways you keep a light heart about your work?"

To answer that question:

1 -  Acknowledge truth and the joy of creative expression. (It fuels me but doesn't consume or define me.)

2 - Try not to let the numbers or nitty gritty drive everything. (It's a part of it, but it doesn't overrule my passion or what's inspiring me.) 

3. Know that it's going to be okay regardless. 

4. As a former colleague* would say when things got tough, "It's not rocket science or brain surgery." (It really isn't so accept the imperfections and move on.)
*My former colleague was married to a Rocket Scientist. 

5. Stay fun. Period. 

6. Be grateful that you are you. 

7. It only takes one person to understand what you have to say to make it all worthwhile. Sometimes that one person is you. 

8. Don't compare. It creates heaviness and defeat. 

9. Pull it together and remember what's most important. 

10. Love your work.