Photo credit: Ronnie Stoeckel

There is always a way forward.

As creatives, we begin our journeys with little more than an idea, and the faith that it can one day become what we envision. We often don’t know how we’re going to get there — or even, where to begin figuring it out. We just feel called to pursue the purpose that has been put in our hearts and minds. Even in times when it doesn’t seem to make much sense, we resolve to push on through.

As we continue pushing, we begin to see that vision take shape. We also start to see challenges inevitably rise to greet us along the way. Some of these challenges were anticipated from the start, but the vast majority — due to our own inexperience at the beginning of the journey — were not. It is in these moments that our faith and vision are tested, and that the comfortability of swimming back to shore — to a 9-to-5, “normalcy,” and the illusion of safety — becomes a tantalizing notion.

Despite this, I urge you to keep going. It may not feel like the wise thing to do when your resources are running low, new opportunities are in a drought, and life isn’t going quite as planned. However, facing these challenges and innovating around them is the only true path toward growth.

Find new ways to create resources. Yes, that may mean lining up some alternative income sources, while you’re still in the building phase. Create an opportunity which suits you and your lifestyle, and gives you the chance to invest the time, energy, and money into your larger vision. And, if something isn’t yielding the results you desire, be open to change!

Seek — and become the person to attract — new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and do the work to discover the value you can provide to create more meaningful, mutually beneficial collaborations more often. Once you’ve done that, shoot your shot! The more seeds you plant, the more likely you are to reap the harvest. This goes in business, as well as in life.

Hold your frame when life ambushes you. Maybe you’ve incurred an unexpected expense. Maybe you’ve lost a job. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, or a relationship didn’t work out. No matter what, you remain in control of your responses and the actions you’ll take from here. Take time to heal and process your emotions, while resolving to find ways to transmute your grief into love, and your pain into purpose. Then, pour it back into yourself and all that remains.

When life’s pressure mounts, those who emerge as stronger, wiser, better versions of themselves are the ones who face those challenges head-on. Resistance builds resilience, and these are the times when we must lean into our Values, Mission, and Vision the most. These are the flickering flames which light our darkest hours, and help us uncover the path forward.

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If you’re ready to uncover your Values, Mission, and Vision to illuminate your creative journey, we invite you to join us for the first ever BRANDCAMP from UMC Academy. BRANDCAMP begins January 6. Register now by December 30!

AND… if you want 60+ more lessons from the creative journey, pre-order my book now (available Feb. 25 — paperback pre-order coming soon!)