New(er) approach that I have been taking.
Happy Friday Doodlebugerz!I am 50 years young! The older I get, the less mucking around I want to do :-) So I thought this week I would share an approach that I have no idea where it originated from. The "is it a HELL YES!" approach. if not, then it is a NO. It kind of goes along with the "don't should on yourself" approach.
Okay, I better say right now that don't even think that I have any of this self-helpy stuff mastered. I find though that these phrases do help me move forward more easily! I let go of over thinking things more quickly. Practice makes perfect. Of course there are situations that a "maybe" is the right answer. I don't want you to take this too far and quit your day job that pays the bills! Having income is a BIG HELL YES! in my book!
Saying yes less to the neighbor, family, dog, church, school, 3rd cousin who is getting married, the long line of people who want free art/work from you for exposure......... means more room for the Yes's you want to do :-) When I ask myself if it is a "HELL YES!" it can really clarify more quickly the direction to take.
No, I don't get a "HELL YES!" to paying taxes - but I do pay, on time :-D
I was chatting through email with a fellow artists who had a pros and cons list for a decision that they were struggling to make. Of course only they know what is right for them, but I suggested that since it wasn't a strong yes, that maybe no for now was a good idea :-) Even though it was through email - it was like you could see the light bulb go on.
SO, I thought today I would just remind all of us, including myself, that a lot of times we know what to do before we think about it alot. Saying yes to less is a beautiful thing!
I really dig hearing about your experiences! Thanks for commenting below.
You are so very correct, Ann and this is a great topic to discuss. I think being able to say No to freebies and such is difficult and perhaps comes with time and experience. I find myself more able to do it now, and even a project for money that I know will drive me crazy, I can say "no" to now… that took time.. .. Thanks for opening this topic for discussion. :) Sometimes we just feel compelled to do everything… :) Have a great week, and take time to smell the flowers even if it takes saying "no" once in a while…. :) Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Jo! Thanks for stopping by. It does get easier to say no :-) I was wondering if artists in general have a harder time with saying no. The artists I know are such amazing and helpful people!!
DeleteHell yes Annie, you are so right!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue! Your comment made me laugh. :-D I debated about saying "Heck" Yes! but some how using the "H" word has more feeling! Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteGreat advice and yes, it is one of those that many including me struggle with. I am quite good at saying no but when friends ask for commissions I am always wishing I could say no far more freely. I don't like doing commission work at all but feel obliged with family and friends. It's never a hell yes feeling.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen! Yeah, when you care about them it is so much harder :-) I am happy I am doing better with it.
DeleteRight on, Annie!!! I think as artists, we USUALLY are a more gentle kind of people, wanting to help others, etc . . . which makes us a HUGE target for others!!! LOVE the power in the word NO . . . and am TRYING to use it more often!!! Great topic, and thanks!!! - joanie
ReplyDeleteHi Joanie :-D I find that just talking about it here and on other social media sites has been really helpful for me! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog.
DeleteBrilliant, Annie - I have an old friend who is seeing a psychologist about saying 'yes' too much. I wish she was on the internet so that I could share this with her. Maybe I'll just have to read it out to her over the phone? Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteHi Judy! Thanks so much for stopping by - I wish I could remember who I heard talking about this so I could give them credit. Although, I don't think it is a new concept :-) Great to see you!
DeleteThis would be great for looking at our own work and evaluating it.... finished art piece - is this a hell yes, welllllll, okay, not done, what would make it a hell yes?..... is This a hell yes, ya, hell ya... okay, goes into portfolio and goes to directors! Great idea! :D
ReplyDeleteHi Vivayne :-) Great idea! thanks for the comment.
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