How does The online Idea Party work?
You have a dream or a wish, and an obstacle to getting there (work through my kick-starter if you don´t think you know your wish, read this post. To learn why you must put logic aside to find your dream, read the following.).
The online Idea Party is here to help you – and you the other fellow party goers – with your wishes and obstacles.
Voices from Success Teams and Idea Parties:
Having a team to report to and hearing what everybody did each week is very exciting. It’s kept me moving all year. In the past I made some good starts on my own, but found, every time, when the energy ran out, I ran out. Now it doesn’t run out.
Jade G.
Children’s Playroom Therapist, New York Hospital
I would do a painting a year, a sketch a year. If it was only me I know I would never do it. Having to tell you makes all the difference. It’s crazy why I didn’t do this years ago, it’s so easy all of a sudden.
Caroline R. Personnel Executive, Macy’s Dept Store
OK! Where do I join in?
You have two choices, here below on this page or Twitter (or both)
TWITTER: State your wish and your obstacle and send out a tweet with the hash tag #ideaparty if you have a Twitter-account.
Here´s the last weeks #ideaparty tweets – keep it live with tweets!
Post your Wish and your Obstacle here!
here below – and help your team mates out when you can!
(Your first comment below has to be approved, so it may not display instantly depending on the time of the day. Once your email-adress is approved by admin you can post instantly. If you want your own profile photo to show up beside your comments, instead of the cute little monster, upload your photo on Gravatar.com)
Oh, and there will be a Teleclass Idea Party on November 12, 1 pm EST! All proceeds goes to a great Himalayan charity. Read more and book your seat for only 22$ on Geniuspress.com
Hi! Thanks Barbara, for addressing a topic that’s so rarely recognised, yet resonates with so many. I’ve just found your book ‘What do I do when I want to do everything?’ and am getting to grips with the descriptions of scanners, and the exercises which I look forward to doing.
I was wondering if anyone can help me with my situation. Here’s my story: I was good at most subjects at school, particularly the humanities. I’ve also always been talented at art and writing. My dream when I was a child was to be a writer and illustrator. After I left school, I did an art foundation course then started a BA in fine art, but left the course after the first year, because the approach was conceptual and unstructured, and I prefer drawing and painting from observation. At the time I felt like I’d failed, because I hadn’t got on with art school, and I actually stopped doing art for about 5 years. But deeper than that, I felt really lost about where I was going in life. I started a degree course in languages (French and Russian), which I completed in 2009. Languages were my other gift. Since my degree, I’ve been teaching English as a foreign language to adult international students at a language school. I enjoy the work – it’s good to help people understand things, and I’m able to do it part-time. For the rest of the time, I work on my art – about a year ago I found an art school which actually teaches drawing and painting from life in a traditional way, and I go there every Saturday, and also paint in the afternoons at home. I’ve just had my first commission, to paint a friend.
I’m quite pleased with the way things are going at the moment, but I want to figure out where I’m going long-term. I’m going to turn 30 in September and am quite worried that I don’t know my plans yet. I do know one thing for certain – I want to develop my art for the rest of my life, professionally. I know I’ll need a part-time source of income, so that’s what I’m trying to figure out.
From what I’ve read so far in your book, I think I’m a cyclical scanner (although I do pick up new interests, the key ones I return to are art, languages/writing, and helping people) and a serial master – I really love doing things well and developing them to a high level. My dream is to find a subject which I could really learn in depth, then write about it and teach it to others. I’ve thought of studying history of art to MA level and then trying to find a job teaching it to others, but people I’ve spoken to who’ve studied art history say there are no jobs in it, especially if you only want to teach part time. The other doubt I have about art history is that I want to do something that will really help people in their lives, and somehow art history seems a bit removed from most people’s needs, even if understanding art could enrich their lives.
I would really like to write books about something, books that would help people somehow or enrich their lives, but I don’t have anything worth writing about – I don’t have enough specialist knowledge in any area, or experiences worth writing about. I’ve tried to find jobs in writing, but it seems like more of a freelance activity than a dependable source of income, so perhaps teaching is the best kind of part-time job to go for. I couldn’t teach in a school, because I’m quite fragile and shy, even though I’ve learnt to act confident, and my friends who work in schools say it can be really tough. Also, I like discussing ideas in depth, which suggests further or adult education.
What I’m doing at the moment is writing to people who have different kinds of jobs, trying to find out as much as I can about what they’re really like.
Does anyone have any ideas about good ways forward for me?
Thank you!
Hi Autumn. Your story could be mine. I also started school as an art student but ended up somewhere else. In my case marketing. I have often wondered how to get “where I’m going” and felt a little lost at times. The difference is I am approaching 50 and have maybe a little more experience being lost than you. For what its worth, here is my advice to you.
Stop worrying about the future. You are happy with where you are now. You are exploring your art, teaching and helping others achieve their goals, and you’ve found a way to pursue your passion while keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. You have accomplished what most people would love to do. Knowing what the future holds is over rated. I know people twice your age who still haven’t figured out what they want out of life. They are some of the most interesting people I know. I’ve heard it said that luck is where opportunity meets preparation. Keep exploring. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep doing things you love. Keep your eyes open for your own opportunities Take time to enjoy what you have each day. The future will take care of itself.
Hi Jeff, thanks for your message. Yes, I agree with you – I should remember to be content with what I have, and not think that it’s ‘never enough’! The only issue I have at the moment is that I don’t know if I can stay teaching English part-time long term, because I’m only earning enough at the moment to rent a room in a shared house. Also, because I don’t know how long I’ll be staying in that job, I haven’t joined the pension scheme, and I need to make sure I have enough for retirement (if I live that long!) And my job isn’t very secure because the language school never know how many students they’ll have, so most teachers like me are on temporary contracts that keep being renewed. So I’m hoping to find something ‘long-term’ that’s a bit like what I’m doing now, but more secure and maybe a little better-paid. But you’re absolutely right about enjoying today. It’s easy to worry about the future, and about the past – that you haven’t achieved enough, whatever that means. But an illness that a friend’s been going through recently has helped me appreciate what a blessing it is to be alive – so my resolution is to stop worrying!
Uncertainty can feel very well…uncertain. But, you seem to have found talents and passions to get you through it. Have you thought about starting your own language school/business? Maybe you could find students who would be willing to pay more for private tutoring? Maybe business people who’s schedule doesn’t allow for a school type setting.
You mentioned art history. I know the classified ads aren’t filled with art history jobs, but many people do make a living teaching, working in museums, writing, or even arranging tours to study art in museums around the world.Or, maybe you could write about art history in a way that allows for more people to enjoy the subject. I know most of the books I have seen were more boring than watching grass grow.
Or, maybe you could teach art. I met a guy who has a website that charges just $5 a month to members for access drawing tutorials that help people learn everything from the basics to more advanced topics. It doesn’t sound like much but if he has a few hundred customers, it really adds up.
You didn’t mention having children or anyone other than yourself to support at this time. If that is the case, then now is a great time to learn, explore, and take risks. Want to travel? I hear they need English teachers in Thailand. Watch for opportunities to do more of what you love and help others get more of what they need. If you haven’t read Barbara’s book “Wishcraft” , I would suggest you read it. Its a great start toward getting where you want to be.
I know the lack of security can be scary. If you save up a little money for the lean times, you will feel more comfortable. I know saving can be hard especially when you don’t have much to save, but you can do it and you will get great comfort from knowing you can go for a short time without an income. Too many people trade their dreams for a steady paycheck. If you can avoid that, you won’t have to worry about retirement. You won’t want to retire. You’ll be living your dream.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your thoughts – those are some very good ideas.
Can I ask for your opinion on something? This morning I realised very clearly that I would like to do work that in some way helps people to understand things better, enriches their lives, inspires them and helps them live better lives. I would like to do this through writing if possible, or partly through writing, because I think I write more clearly than I speak. What kind of work does that suggest to you?
Thanks!
Hello again, Barbara! A former guinea pig here!
As you know, I am a Scanner. Well, I turn fifty next January, and I want to take a year off work to do a different Scanner experience each month by travelling across the US for the whole year.
Ok, I realize that may not be feasible (money, hubby, dogs, etc.), so my new thought is to focus on a new area of interest every single month in that year. I am thinking I could do a weekend jaunt every month, sort of a mini-scanner year, to figure out my next career step, and then maybe hike the Colorado Trail that summer! (I have always wanted to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail).
Ok, so Dream: To spend my fiftieth year exploring all my Scanner loves in hopes of maybe finding a second career….I love teaching, but do not love all the testing, paperwork, etc. that takes away from my time with the kids.
Obstacles: Money to take off for a year, or to do all these soul-searching weekends of travelling as opposed to taking a year off, plus convincing my husband that I need to do this stuff alone, without hurting his feelings. He has already offered to go on the trail with me. I would love for him to do part of the trail with me, but really want the alone time, too. And I dont want my mom to worry about me while I am on the trail. There is actually a very funny video I found on U-Tube about what people say when you tell them you are going to hike the AT……and the Colorado trail is MUCH shorter……
Is there a way I could do all these adventures cheaply? I havent talked about all the adventures I want to do, but they are things like kayak with whales in Washington, swim with manatees, hike the CO trail, work on an organic farm, attend a writers’ weekend, do a solo on an island off the coast of Maine, etc……..
Hello at all from Frankfurt, my wish that I like to become true: In 12 month I live in Greece. WOAAAAAAAHHHH….Dangerous, don’t say that so loud, psssttt, keep it by your own, you may fail….yeah…that is one of the obstacle.
Greece is my mother-land, my mom is greek, I love Greece, I love the sea, the beach, the sun.
And I have little kids. The elder one is 5 years old and the other is 23 month and has the down-syndrom. My husband is the one who work and bring the money home.
So here are my ideas to realize my dream:
1. learn greek
2. get your information according to schoolsystem and everything for supporting the down-syndrom
3. find out, where do you like to live, Thessaloniki or nearer to the beach or ist both possible
4. start you onlinebusiness, so you are independent from working somewhere for less (I was working in a bar years ago for very less money, It was not enough to stay in greece so I moved back to Germany)
Okay, that was it.
Thank you, for helping
I hope my english isn’t that bad!!!
Elena Sommer
4.
My wish is to release my Renaissance Soul (thanks to you, Barbara, I am finally able to define myself) from the death grip of the evil twins: fear of failure and fear of success; and create my unique life… one of freedom and balance, one that encompasses all my talents, gifts, passions, and interests; one that allows me to move effortlessly from one interest to another without quitting a job or having to explain myself to others. To take my interests of real estate, travel, writing, photography, interior decorating, music, history, reading, cooking/baking, animals, and morph them into an incredible life; to have time to finally earn a college education; and most importantly, to teach my children that life is what you make it, that there is not one specific path; that we all have the right to live life as we choose.
Thanks to 25 years of hard work in the real estate and mortgage industry, wise investing, and the support of a wonderful husband who is working in his own dream field, I’ve begun this exciting adventure: I started my own real estate virtual assistance business and signed my first client, started volunteering at the local library, became certified as a pet sitter, traveled to London, Paris & Dublin, and even applied to the local community college, but something strange has occurred… I’ve started to procrastinate, dawdle, shuffle things from here to there. I am frozen, paralyzed with fear! HELP!
Hi Cindy!
CONGRATULATIONS and way to go! Also, sending along a little HANG IN THERE note, as well! In my experience, I’ve found that it’s pretty darned typical to ‘hit the wall’ when I’m in the midst of trying something new. Maria Nemeth, a professional coach and trainer, says procrastination, dawdling, feeling frozen and paralyzed with fear are all signs that you are making your dreams a reality! She says that when we are doing that, we are traveling into new and unknown territory. Our bodies and minds want to pull us back to the ‘safety’ of what we know, even if we don’t like it! So, keep on moving forward. And, as Ceasar Milan (the world-renowned dog whisperer) says, acknowledge your fear (or whatever it is), claim what you want and make it happen!
Wishing you all the best.
Jean
Hi, there. Well, I’m not too good at sharing. It always seems as soon as I do decide to share and go for my dreams something will happen and there I’ll be with something ‘more important’ – like life – to take care of, and the dream gets put on the back burner. Then I’m stuck with this feeling of ‘oh God, I’ve failed again’ when the someone I shared with asks me how’s it going and I have to come up with lame excuses why I haven’t done what I said I wanted to. So, I tend to not share until I know I can finish what I’m dreaming about.
Still, I’m going to stick my neck out here. I want to have something I write either published or filmed. I’ve finished at least one screenplay that has actually won a couple honorable mentions (that was a long time ago), and I have several stories in the works…one of which is also a screenplay. What gets in the way? My fears are the first thing, of course…and there’s so much to be afraid of! But then again, there’s life, too. Never seems practicle to persue writing since there’s no money in it, and then, I have other responsibilities and interests, which drag me away from the focus I need to finish things I start. I can do it…finish, that is. But the guilt I feel at having to be that focused and virtually ignore all else…everyone else…is horrible. Anyone out there relate?
1. There’s not really so much to be afraid of. It’s not like bunjee jumping. It’s just plugging away at the computer for 30 minutes a day.
2. Life definitely intrudes, but we do some things every day all the same: wake up, eat breakfast, walk the dog. Put writing on that list and see what happens.
3. You can’t write for money until you’re already successful. Then you don’t want to. So forget money. Your goal is to have something published or filmed.
4. You don’t need to finish things you start. You just need to work on them a little every day. Then they finish themselves.
5. You don’t have to be focused and ignore everyone for more than a half hour a day. Nothing to feel guilty about.
Next!
Dear Barbara,
The model you offer for living the life in accordance with person’s talents gave a very warm feeling to me. The topic of living a happy, fulfilling life has been written a lot about but I would like to mention how your work stands out. It is not an easy task to write a universal how-to guide because of the difficulty of creating general rules from certain cases and communicating them using the limitations of the book format. In my opinion, your books are very well-written for several reasons. They withstand the temptation of sliding into pure philosophical approach as many other books on this topic do. Unlike the latter that tell what should be done, your books tell a lot about how. The language tone is encouraging, which relaxed my defensive mechanisms. The angle you took makes you credible to male audience as well, I think because your ideas to logic, which men understand. The deep respect for every human in the reader made me feel empowered and made the voices of my dreams stronger. The message you communicate through your books comes from the heart and that is what makes them genuine. I would like to say, “Thank you” for sharing your findings.
I found “Wishcraft” on Amazon about 2,5 months ago, it had excellent ratings, so I ordered it. After reading it several times and doing some of the exercises I got “Live the life you love” from the library and studied it very carefully. I also did the exercises in “Live the life you love” and then I received “Refuse to Choose”, read it at least four times, took notes (almost hand re-written the book). Last weekend I listened online to the ‘Hanging out..’ Twitter party. I make notes in the Scanner diary about any idea that I get excited about, create backflow charts in Excel. Certainly, writing is really helpful tool for me. I feel that I am quite knowledgeable on the theory part but need a push to speed things up a bit and get into action. I thought about Success teams, buddy but I feel like I need the right environment of people. To illustrate what I mean, let me give an example. To develop abilities in a sport, one needs to have interest in the sport; a coach, who can plan practices, help uncover your talents, stimulate motivation; an environment or team of other athletes following the same path. I have interest and know that other components exist despite missing now. Feeling blindfolded I keep banging into the wall not knowing when I discover the door and if I am even moving in the direction of the door. I know that once I hit my tracks, things will start develop exponentially. Certainly, this may not be sufficient information to ask you for pointers but I decided to start this way and see what comes out of it.
Best Regards, Oleg, Russian reader, currently leaving in Canada.
Thank you, Oleg, for your kind words. I appreciate what you’re complimenting me for.
Would you like to be more specific about what you’re interested in?
Hello Barbara,
I am having difficulty defining the next goal. I think I was looking for an audience because after I read your reply, I took my daybook and wrote 4 pages explaining my background and the path that led me to the present. Even though it was very exciting to write about, I am not sure if this is a good idea to post it as it is very long. Basically it talks about how I was equally good at all subjects in school, tended to go and learn best from inspiring teachers, had difficulty choosing a major, even more difficulty with a career. After being interested in certain areas and exploring I move on to other areas (sometimes come back to the previous interests at a new angle.) If this is relevant, please let me know and I will post it. Four pages though!
This writing allowed me to summarize what I know about my current situation and here it is. I am happy with my family life. I feel good physically and even though not working now, can stay afloat financially for the next few months before I have to look for a job. So I am in peace with the current searching stage as it feels to be the right direction.
What’s missing is feeling of meaningful application of my energy and talents outside my home. I understand that it may not be crucial whether it is a job or business as these are methods. From what I read about in your books I like the description of what you do. My experience tells that the reality may be different but my gut feeling says that you style is close to what I am after. I see the nature of the work as consultancy, providing a service because people need it and look for it unlike being a school teacher who addresses the audience stuck in the classroom with no other choices. The work requires problem solving, which in turn requires learning on my side. It is mostly free of useless procedures and bureaucracy. The work is interesting yet leaves enough time for other ventures. You are to decide how to set your priorities: training, writing, consultancy, presentations. It is not a gimmick and has real value for people. The purpose is to help rather than to make money. It supports financially other interests as well as provides opportunity for social interaction with genuine people/colleagues. These interactions turn into friendships and create a circle of people around, which acts as a nourishing environment.
It is still a long post, so thank you for listening. Oleg
Oleg said: “Even though it was very exciting to write about, I am not sure if this is a good idea to post it as it is very long.”
It might be too long for here, Oleg, but I’d like to know what was exciting for you to write about. Can you pinpoint that?
Part of the enjoyment was expressing my thoughts in writing. I think it stimulates my intellect and emotions or smth creative inside to produce what did not exist before. Another part was reliving the 35 years of my life and seeing me from outside, analyzing certain aspects of past experiences, maybe getting closer to seeing patterns and understanding of what I actually am. Also a feeling that I accomplished a few things I wanted when I was going for them instead of avoiding the attempt altogether.
Barbara, since I am Russian, I blame Russian classic writers for my lengthy messages. I also wanted to add this though. The most appealing form of writing that stimulates my creativity is addressing a real person, a letter in other words. This way I think about person’s level of comprehension, language (Russian, English) she/he uses, age, sense of humor, relation type, my attitude, and so on. These factors create a type of a frame within which I am free to pick any means of expression to make it a magnificent read to my audience (audience may be 1 person). Instinctively I feel when I get outside of the frame because it always sounds phony, like something I would avoid telling the person to his face. When writing about my life experiences I was addressing you, and was focused on expressing my story in a form that would be interesting and informative for you to read (From my perceptions and assumptions about you as my audience.) It is hard to express this more precise because the process of picking a tone and style of writing happens quickly and almost unconsciously. It also occurred to me that I never really did anything with this ability other than enjoying it when writing letters, cards, and emails.
In the end I wanted to add that I am enjoying one on one conversation more than discussions in a group for similar reasons. It is harder to use several styles of conversations with people in a group simultaneously while in one-on-one you and the person you talk to are focused on each other without distractions.
Yes, some people are much better at one-on-one communicating than others. Many writing teachers believe (and I agree) that letters are the form that always brings out the best in a writer. Instead of trying to imagine your ‘ideal reader,’ you actually know who you’re talking to.
Hi Barbara!
After 3 books, two telephone sessions and a retreat, I still feel like I failed. I’m now a member of your club (the moniker “VJ” must have come from my email). Not that I haven’t been doing a lot of things, but they don’t continue to work. (Nor do I, ha!)
After researching it, I didn’t go the route of teaching to fund public speaking. (Teaching needed an MA, I didn’t want to work with children, the few speaking places seemed uninterested or needed my speaker resume.)
I did finish my welding degree with honors (unemployment got me into that!) and like to do welding art. However, I couldn’t afford the $240 class that gives me the “shop” equipment, because no local welding outfits will hire me! (I can send a picture of my fish sculpture.) I tried valiantly to rent a room from someone, anyone, with a welding shop – no dice. (So far.) Someone actually told me, “Of course, you would be expected to pay with sex.” No one will ever tell ME “I know what you are; now we’re just talking price.”
I lost my first welding job because I was “too slow” for the shoestring operation, lost several places to live in fast succession, which led to shame.
I figured, as long as I was outside of the box, why not think outside the box? *Getting* outside the box has been the problem! Two wishes and obstacles – Here goes:
Wish 1: I thought of going “on the road” in one of two ways: my truck, which can carry welding gear for working, or preferred, my motorcycle, which can’t. (Picture Principal Skinner in “The Simpsons” riding off on his motorcycle saying “Up yours, children.”) Why didn’t I become an accountant, eh? They can work without helmets, leather boots and leather coats. Obstacles: (1) Can’t decide – motorcycle = fun but no enroute work, and truck = maybe work but more gas and less interest. And eventually my savings will need a transfusion. Can’t work in, say, Nebraska windmills, or better yet, the Canadian Maritime Provinces. (The call of the wild to a lifelong born & raised USA West Coaster.) Maybe I shouldn’t try to work just yet, and travel around asking about work?
Wish 2: Why not volunteer to use my welding skill to help rebuild Japan after the tsunami? What matter it’s volunteer if someone feeds and houses me? (And preferable flies me there, unlikely.)
Obstacles: (1) I contacted a laundry list of organizations: Red Cross, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Sister Cities, and a few others I forgot. I got regretful declines if I got anything at all. (HFH would have to overcome visa, language barriers, money for housing problems, etc.) (2) I can’t do this and motor around the country at the same time. (3) No, I don’t want to volunteer at home in my local county; I am disgusted with an area of slow employment that doesn’t want me, and need an excuse to travel!
Obviously, manufacturing my clothing (on which I did a small bit of research) would have to wait. I do know of a factory in Seattle if it comes to that again. We all remember unhappy stuff much easier than happy stuff, and I still remember the *quick* discouragement someone in the retreat was “offering” me in a place where there is supposed to be encouragement! Even as an introvert, I am getting better at meeting people, but never meet anyone who has the inside track to clothes manufacturing. (They don’t have to have a welding shop, heh.)
Tell me that “Scanner” isn’t spelled f-l-a-k-e.
I worried (something I do a lot) that inflection doesn’t come through in print. I have felt a lot of guilt about possibly being a “flake”. Perhaps that is very common, and why scanners need these workshops. But the feeling like a failure in some ways must come through!
I have had a big dream for a long time about having a Center for the presentation, preservation, and promotion of the values of indigenous people, worldwide. This has been a dream since 1984. The reason that it still resides in the dream state is that I have no idea how to start such a project. I have had the great honor and distinction to work with Native Medicine People for the past 30 years, and have a legacy of ceremonies to share, but this spiritual stuff doesn’t go far enough. I have gloomily considered getting an MBA, which would teach me a great deal about creating, managing, and marketing the project, but do I really have to get it? And would it even teach me what I need to know? Mission statement, vision statement have been drafted, and that is about all, so far.
Dear Mary Ann
What a wonderful idea for sharing your knowledge!!
Forget the MBA. Have you tried getting in touch with someone who helps other people start up businesses? (There are lots of people out there who do this for a living..) Whom else do you know that could help you? Begin by telling EVERYONE you know about your idea.
A good idea is to start small. Start local and expand globally as a next step.
If it existed today: What would the center look like? Where would it be? What would visitors see? Who would work there? Where would the money to run it come from? Is there a foundation out there, that already exists has a similar project ongoing? Could you join forces them and use their resources – they might be exited by the idea?
Just shoul, if you need more ideas!
Monika
I have worked with Mark LeBlanc of http://www.smallbusinesssuccess.com/. He is a business coach specializing in starting and growing small businesses. He conducts one-day workshops on the weekends in many cities. He has been very helpful to me.
Just wondered if you’ve checked these folks out:
http://www.internationalfunders.org/english/about-ifip/ifip-values/
Or if something like this (Smithsonian American Indian Museum job) might be of interest:
http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/315547200
Not sure what part of your dream is the most important to you. Knowing that would help us to help you.
Best of luck!
I have lots of dreams. But I am not very good at joining. Today I am going to just get over myself and join. Thank you to all the brave people who have written about their dreams. You have helped me get brave this morning.
W: To be paid for my photography O: How to stop offering free or barter services and start getting paid, when there are tens of thousands of people with cameras who call themselves photographers and are also willing to work for cheap or free.
Dear Margaux,
One way in is to forget, first of all, about any or all competition. Just do your excellent best. I have similar ambitions, and have found that travel magazines are interested in work and will take work from relatively unknown photographers. I live in New Mexico, and New Mexico Magazine is our state-funded travel/tourist magazine. They have submission guidelines, including prices, for photography. Once you have built up some submissions to places like that, you can approach greater targets, like Smithsonian or National Geographic. These places are going to want to know that you have established a reputation elsewhere first. I like nature photography and close-ups. You haven’t said what kind of photography. Wedding photography?
Industrial photography? Aerial photography? Try some information interviewing with people who are doing the kinds of photography that you want to be doing. You set up an appointment to talk to them, and when you go to see them, ask them how they began, and what advice they would be able and willing to give you about how to begin to be a professional. Digital, of course. These are some ways in that I know about. I hope this is helpful.
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann,
Thanks for your ideas! Well, like a typical scanner, I really don’t know what I prefer to shoot—mostly people right now. I like nature photography but don’t have the patience for it. Thought about wedding photography, but I think that would be too stressful for me, plus I don’t think I can sustain that level of “on” for 8-12 hours. I shoot mainly portraits, documentary, and editorial, plus babies and children. My personal projects are documentary and that’s what I’d prefer to shoot, but it doesn’t pay anything. I’m hoping to get more assignments with non-profits, first by starting with local ones.
Shooting for National Geographic: that would be the blue sky dream. That, or being asked to join Magnum.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Now that I’ve been researching a bit more I realized that I’m a scanner. What a relief, though I have an artostoc tendency I feel stuck and don’t know where to start, not to mention the criticism I face of not have finished tons of careers that I began, and because I am a fulltime mom people tend to think I am lazy.
Dear Barbara, I wish to know my true passion.
Listen to last night’s telephone call on the launch party, Laura. I talk about how to find your passion there: Here’s the link to the recording.
http://www.livestream.com/barbarasclublaunchparty/video?clipId=flv_d8ccbf67-b5b7-49b6-8585-5a8e72d92f7e
I’m in the same boat Laura. I’m not really passionate about anything. So, where to begin?
Ever since I was a very small child all I’ve ever wanted was to live on a farm. Nothing big; just a cottage, a pond, some woods and room for animals.
I’m a struggling writer and barely make enough to live on so it seems ludicrous that I can dream of owning a farm.
I met Barbara about 15 years ago in her office in Manhattan. We spoke for hours and I’m still adrift. Maybe its ADHD or aspergers. Got tons of friends just can’t hold a job.
So that’s my dream: a farm with animals. And a boyfriend. And lots of friends nearby.
You don’t have to own a farm to live on it. Lots of people want house sitters for their country places. I had a hard time finding someone responsible to live on my land (a small house and a pond, woods and fields and plenty of room for animals) she’s been there over four years and I am very grateful that she watches out for the place.
However when you say a farm (not too hard to find), and a boyfriend (well, that could be very hard or not, who can say) and then you add lots of friends nearby — then you make it tougher. Unless you bring your friends to live with you, or you make new friends in the area where you find your farm to live at, you’ve raised the bar pretty high.
hi paul, there are several offers in the web. one of it you find here: http://farmsittersusa.com/
I just used the keywords “farmsitter wanted” on google. maybe you can try out your dream this way first, before you commit yourself?
greetings, claudia
Take heart! It is possible!
You dont need tons of money to own your small farm!
Pleanty of others have done it!
First of all you can get cheap land on ebay. Just go to the category section for real estate and go to land with no reserve. If you go there you will find cheap land all over the place. Check out the listings and decide which one you like. Dont like any? Fine… wait a week or so and do it again. There is property there from a few hundred dollars all the way up in price.
Oh…you say,, what about a place tolive? A house? No problem there either. Check out http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com
or http://www.simplesolarhomesteading.com
These sites will tell you how to build your house for very little ( under $5,000 and the solar homestead guy built his for $2,000) Also you can always find cheap trailers on craigs list . ( I recently found a nice one for $500.) True you might have to clean it up, but so what. You can live in it until you can build a bigger place.
There is a big problem though… you will actually have to DO it!!
You will have to do the research, make the steps and DO the work.
Maybe you would rather DREAM about It? Talk about it and talk about WHY you CANT do it?? Maybe you would rather see the problems rather than the SOLUTIONS? Think about it. Push yourself….
If this is what you REALLY want, then DO something about it.
My wish is this: Not to be paralyzed with fear about writing a book and articles about the discovering that one of the world’s most famous artists, Albrecht Durer, was encoding his artwork, making a diary, and taking revenge on his enemies in his art. Having this story made into a Hollywood movie. I feel like this is my life’s mission to get this story out. Actually having a life that makes me happy from telling this story.
Background: Six years ago I fell through a wormhole while an art student (I’m 58) and began collecting Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) prints because I suspected he was encoding his art. I have been working on this relentlessly since then collecting and decoding the messages. What was revealed was incredible, that Germany’s most famous artist was Jewish, that more than likely there is a co-artist, and that many of his messages take revenge on his enemies. I have managed to have my prints exhibited last year, and there are three more exhibitions scheduled through 2013.
The problem: I have been trying to write a book on this for three years for publication. I have joined writing groups, I have probably 14 different versions of this book-none finished, I have contacted Durer experts in academia, I have asked for help from Jewish organizations, rabbis, Hungarian organizations (Durer was at least half Hungarian through his father), introduced to a Hollywood scriptwriter who I asked for help, sent information to all the world museums, I have asked for help from anyone I could think of (art students, art professors, sent out query letters, etc.) and I have been rejected at every turn when I ask for help. EVERYWHERE. I’ve even been threatened by a German professor who found a story about this in the Jewish Ledger
The obstacle: I am now absolutely paralyzed with fear about how to move forward with monumental writer’s block. I need support from somewhere and some sort of idea that someone in the world would actually be interested in this story, for I am totally isolated with this information. I’m terrified of having to do marketing myself for I just don’t know how to do that
I have no social media presence, no Facebooking, and I can’t seem to imagine a fabulous life from writing this book. The idea of having to do book signings or radio shows or youtubeing terrifies me and yet when I talk about Durer to anyone, my face lights up and I am extremely happy.
Help!
Thank you.
Don’t worry too much about book signings or radio shows. These days publishers don’t send authors out much. They might be strapped to even publish a book by an unknown author on this subject (though I find it fascinating). I think self-publishing is the way to go. You might even consider some kind of chapter by chapter eBook, like Kindle, which would put your book up on amazon right next to all the hard copy best selling books.
The real question is this: Are you writing? Could you break your ideas into lectures, give them, and record them – thereby making either an audio book or getting transcripts and a co-writer to help you create the book. In fact, if you were to teach a class (at home or at the library or a community center or a senior center) you’d have to structure it to fit into, say 10 or 12 segments, and you’d have to decide what to put in each segment. If you taught the class more than once, you’d really know your subject, it would have a shape and perhaps a dramatic narrative. Recording everything you say, inviting questions and recording all your answers, would give you wonderful material to work with.
You say you showed your prints. What do you mean? Prints you made, or Durer prints that illustrate your ideas?
In any event, it’s a fascinating subject, no one can stop you from having a group get together in someone’s home or the library where you informally lecture (and record yourself) and illustrate your theories. Once you have some experience under your belt, you become an amateur ‘expert’ and can start getting quoted and known. For starters, search Tweetgrid for all the key words: Durer secrets, etc. and see who else is talking about this. The only way to stop being afraid is to get to work. The more adept and experienced you become the more confident you’ll become. Don’t let anyone stop you from this if it matters to you. I think lots of people would love to know more about this.
Elizabeth – I think your desire to get this informaiton out is terrific. And as Barbara mentioned – speaking at the Library, Civic Organizations, Women’s Groups are all possibilities.
I am writing because I noticed you wrote that you are 58 – I am too, and I often put up the big obstacle of being too old. What keeps you going? I would love to do walk on parts (become an extra) in commericals or television shows. I don’t even know how to go about doing something like that. Please know that I am waiting to read that book you have created in your dreams…it will happen.
Your book sounds fascinating! My mother had a book about Durer on our coffee table when I was a child and later it was given to me so I’ve always been interested in him. I’m so curious to know more about how he was encoding his art. Please write your book!!!!
I have read some of your books years ago (I am a Scanner) and although I felt that, for the first time, someone understood me, I have had no success in figuring out what I should do with my life. I have gone to the career center at my university numerous times, found out what color my parachute was, read countless books…. This has weighed on me (or more like driven me crazy) for more than 14 years and I am at my wits end. I am so frustrated that I shift between being miserable and tears beacuse I am in a job that is truly excructiating and I feel trapped my own self because I just can’t come up with a simple idea. I have tried different creative endeavors over the years and have found that the ideas did not work because China can produce them far cheaper, or a million other people were already doing the same thing, etc. etc. My bachelor is in Textile Design and I have a Master in Business Administration (which helped me to learn that a conventional desk job was the very last thing I wanted). I would like to have my own business doing something creative but I just need help figuring out what. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I would be willing to go anywhere, do anything, take whatever class, do whatever is necessary. Please just direct me. No one else has been able to help. Thank you.
Courtney,
It sounds like you are afraid of success. Can you image what success would look, feel like? What’s the worst thing that would happen if you were successful? And once you can find those answers, could you get a Support team in place?
Hi Courtney, those creative projects you tried to do in the past and that everyone else can produce much better and cheaper, was it fun doing them? Did you enjoyed doing them? What did you enjoy about them? Oh, and you should get out of such a job that is excruciating for you! Really!
Do you like live theater? Any production company would love your skills for set designs, costume designs, and props. Start with your local theater. Get experience, then offer yourself for bigger (paid) projects. Goodluck.
Well, the first thing to do is get a Good Enough Job. That means, not an excruciating one. A toxic job will make you too sick to do anything else so it’s very dangerous to hang on to it. Find anything that pays the same and doesn’t require more hours even if you have to work in a pizza parlor.
And then, when you aren’t feeling tortured every day, you start working on your dream. I think textile design sounds heavenly. Many years ago I was taken to a textile ‘library’ in New York city by a friend who was a loungeware designer. She pulled out one wooden rack after another full of samples of antique prints, modern prints, all kinds of prints, all to help her design something new but to learn from the past.
Maybe there’s a library like that online by now, but if there isn’t, you should start one. Or maybe find one of those old-fashioned ones and offer to help the owner get everything on line for some kind of exchange.
If you find this idea appealing, you should create a site and build it with love, with passion if you feel it. Don’t worry about turning it into a business for awhile, just become the person everyone goes to when they find a new fabric in their great grandmother’s long unopened trunk.
This will not only make you happy, it leads somewhere – to a special kind of consultancy or business, perhaps with clients in China or elsewhere.
And if this idea doesn’t appeal to you, find one that does. You went into textile design for a reason. Try to find that reason and get close to it again. If you love what you do — even before it pays you a penny — your whole life will become sunnier.
It has been my dream, for going on ten years, to open a Baby Boomer Klub. I would lease a space that would incorporate 8 10X10 ft cubicles and several small kiosk carts. All areas would incorporate businesses of interest to the “baby boomer” crowd. I have a friend who would like to open a consignment shop, another who deals in antiques,one who males jewelry, a hair dresser,a nail technician,find someone to run a book nook (used book store) a local shop s has recently opened that sells gourmet cupcake (perhaps would be interested in an additional small outlet ” find a bread company such as “Great Harvest”. I thought the small kiosk’s could be used for those that sell Pampered Chef, Tastfully Simple, Avon, and the like. The location is adjacent to a breakfast/lunch restaurant that perhaps might be interested in openning an entrance into my space. I could then have him sublet to a friend that is interested in making dinner selections. I would furnish the center aisle with comfy sofas and small tables & chairs for theme nights with singer/keyboardist or accoustic guitar singers for entertainment. Also old console TV’s that would show old TV sitcoms (Donna Reed. Leave it to Beaver ect…) The space could be used for Book Clubs, Idea Parties, networking groups, meetup groups to plan events while enjoying a meal & entertainment, small dance floor for dancing. Card & board games ect. ect. I would manage the co-op, rent the space, I am a bookkeeper and could do thier necessary accounting. Utilize just one credit card machine for all the purchases. In the space I’m looking at, I could accomodate 8 10×10 booths and about 5 kiosks, still leaving room for all the furnishings I mentioned. This location is in Myrtle Beach, with a high population of seniors and many snowbirds. This would be a great place for them to hangout and meet new people while enjoying things age appropriate. Where do I begin researching and developing this plan.
What a jolly idea! That’s your wish. Tell us your obstacles.
hi! i’ll post something now, too. at the time being i have no job, but a young boy-child. i tried some stuff though after reading one of Barbara’s books. I wanted to become someone who watches over toddlers. I passed a test for a school where they train people to do so, but then quit after a few months, because i felt it wasn’t the right thing for me. now i got myself a job in a kitchen, where i go to twice a month since i started (not very long ago). it’s so lala. i’m not a very passionate cook i must say. i studied german literature and love books. i am thinking if i should go back to university and become a teacher, but i’m not sure about this one either. i never wanted to be a teacher. i wanted to be a writer, but i can’t think of a story to write about, so i have to do something else to make a living i guess. i am hoping i’ll get a new opportunity to work at a filmfestival in june. i’d love to do something more creative though. learn how to photograph for example. write short notes about how i feel the one or the other day. but with writing one get’s lonely. i really want to do more stuff together with other people. and go jogging
Take your son to the park. Bring a notebook. Write about everything he does, desciptions of who he interacts with, talk to other parents about their children. You are meant to be a writer. WRITE.
hi! way to go! i went to my kitchen-job again and although i had to clean dishes for about 6 hours i am happy. what i need is to stick to things more. even though they are not perfect. and i got the job at working at the filmfestival that opens once a year and is called “tricky women”. it’s an animation filmfestival for women’s movies. that also makes me happy. it’s a little money in my pocket and helps me get out of my shitty housewife-life that i am living since a few years and which i hate. and the writing..well, it helps to sum up some ideas that are important to me and are in my head every day. but i tend to forget them and they become more clear if i just write them down for myself and not for professional reasons. i didn’t go jogging so far and the photography..well, i am a lazy person really..
My kind of human. I live on a hill, so whenever I walk out it’s uphill one way or the other. That’s as much as I’m willing to grant the exercise thing. But I do huff and puff for more than 20 minutes at least 4 times a week. Wouldn’t do that if I were jogging or at a gym. How about a wish and an obstacle, Eva? Maybe we’ll come up with something that makes a difference.
I’ve been at home with my kids for 8 years. In that time, my social network has disappeared and any perspective or confidence in my abilities has gone with it. I love my kids, love learning everyday, love meeting other families and spending time together. However, I am not a domesticated being. My love is learning, research, sharing ideas and networking. Sharing with my children is a joy and bonus, but I would still be a library mole, YouTube addict and Wikipedia hound without them.
I have hobbies. I love cooking, and have been paid to cater. I like photography and design, although my portfolio is so pre-millenial! I am also a spiritual being with lovely experiences of leading courses and activities. My problem is that I am a middle-aged mistress of none when it comes to moving forward with my interests.
I have read Barbara’s book on Scanners, and her others. They are wonderful, inspiring and reassuring. However, they seem to describe other folks, who knows how to balance work and household responsibilities. That’s not my strong suit. It seems by not completely embracing my domestic role, I haven’t been able to create the structure and organization to pursue my outside interests. And no one interest has been compelling or fruitful enough to warrant the disruption or cost to my family. So I feel hooped. Without proving my abilities first, my family commitment holds sway. But without a trial period where I can experiment and build confidence, I can’t seem to find my wings.
Colour me hooped,
Sharon
Dear Sharon,
It seems to me that you are about where I was years ago. I felt that everything at home–all my household chores and responsibilities–were utterly blocking me from doing anything that I really wanted to do with my life, and it also felt that they stretched on into infinity! I finally took a class in organization, which helped considerably.
Since then, I have been able to organize and run three businesses, go to graduate school, and get a master’s degree.
What I learned is that I was trying to do too much every day, and that also I was being a workaholic. The keys to my freedom (and greater chance for a creative life) are to do only 4 things around the house on a daily basis: Shut doors and drawers–you’ll be amazed at how this improves the appearance of a room. Remove debris. Definition of debris–Items that are out of place. Go around the perimeter of each room, putting them back in place. Never let an item pass through your hands more than once. This gets done once a day, not 40 times a day. Others need to learn to pick up after themselves, and this begins as soon as children are verbal. Pile dishes in the sink as if you were going to wash them. Dishes done, at least once a day, or not more than three times a day. And make the beds. After this, there is one chore a week from the weekly list. My ancestors were Amish, and they had a definite weekly outline for keeping a household orderly. It went like this: Monday, wash. Tuesday, iron. Wednesday, mend. Thursday, market (Thursday is my paperwork and errands day.) Friday, clean house. Saturday, they said, bake. This is when women baked all the bread, cookies, cakes, and everything else that the family would consume in a week, but I don’t do that. So therefore, I have turned Saturday into car and yard day. Sunday is my day off from chores, except doing dishes and making my bed.
Another piece of freedom-making that I have learned seems very unfree, and it has to do with running on a schedule, which I have never been good at, but, as I implement this, I find it invaluable. By 8:00 a.m., I have had breakfast and am working at completing my daily and one weekly task. By noon, as if there were a factory whistle blowing, I stop. Lunch is 12-1, and the entire afternoon is devoted to creative projects, from 1-5. I can usually be found in the library, on the computer. I just took 10 days off to travel throughout the fascinating State of New Mexico where I live, and am now getting ready to spend my afternoons developing some travel articles for New Mexico Magazine. I am also using this time for job hunting in my profession, networking with others, publishing a research paper, and working on getting a manuscript that I’ve written out to agents. By 5:00, I quit again, and go home. Then it’s time to have supper. Evenings, I write to friends, listen to stories on tape ( I am also an amateur storyteller), while I work on a major sewing project, read books related to my profession, and/or keep up with public affairs. Later in the evenings, from about 8:00 or 9:00 on are taken up with spiritual affairs, including ceremony, which, in my life, happens every 4 days or so. It is a rewarding life, and chores no longer take up 18 hours a day, as they used to. I have had to learn how to turn them off by noon each day. I find that four hours a day is enough. My yard, which has been an overgrown weedpatch in which others felt free to dump construction debris, is now turning into Mary Ann’s little park. Chores get easier, because each one becomes less involved, as I do them, according to this discipline. I have always hated the word discipline, but truly, I find it to be the pathway to creativity and freedom. The very crucial piece is that I do something creative every day. Sundays, on my day off, I go hiking in the desert or the forests near my home, and Sunday mornings I devote 2 hours to music making. I am a violist and a violinist. So that’s it, for right now. If I were working full time, Saturday would be my chore day until noon, and that would be all. And Sunday would still be off. I used to try to do laundry, ironing, mending, gardening, all in one day, and it drove me nuts! Or weeding all day long until I came in at night feeling enslaved and exhaused. NO MORE! I have learned that the soul needs to be nourished on a daily basis.
I hope this helps.
Mary Ann