I think it is natural to feel a significant amount of enthusiasm when we start in on something new.
It could be a new approach to our art, a new approach to time management, a redesign of our creative studio or whatever... invariably, there's this sense that "things will get better" when we change our approach.
I definitely felt a lot of enthusiasm for my plan to consolidate all my online sales options into a single venue on Etsy... an informed decision, based on having spoken to both fellow artists and professional marketers.
But what happens when you undertake something fairly major, and you get quite far down the road and absolutely nothing has changed, or is changing?
Keeping your sense of focused direction and seeing your original plans through to their conclusion can become challenging... a little voice creeps in and starts to whisper "what is even the POINT of doing this?"
Most of us are pretty "rewards based" in our approach to life. I'm not talking about dollars-and-cents here, I'm talking about any sign or confirmation that we're doing the right thing... or even solid confirmation that we're doing the wrong thing, so we can change our approach.
Doing a bunch of work and experiencing simply no change at all is — perhaps surprisingly to some — likely the most difficult situation we deal with.
At least I find it to be so.
I find that I have to remind myself that there is seldom — if ever — an "it" in life that determines outcomes; there is only you.
At the moment, I'm feeling a little disappointed and listless, as the effort-hours continue to pile up and it doesn't seem like there's any material benefit from the effort.
And yes, I am well aware that the personal economics for many people are more or less in the toilet, these days... no matter what the government might be reporting about "THE Economy."
Regardless, I plan to stick to the plan and see it through... and if it ends up that there's absolutely zero benefit to having all my finished work for sale in a single location, so be it! At least it will be easier to manage inventory!
Thank You!
If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!
Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!
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Thank you for supporting independent art & creativity!
2025.09.29 AS-TXT-344/314
