Starting an Endeavor
Starting on a journey to pursue a passion is not an easy one... or is it? It is a bit of both.
The first thing you need to look at is why are you doing what you are doing? Are you just "passionate" about it or do you "believe" in what you are doing?
These are critical questions to answer because passion is like gasoline being lit, it will be very bright and hot but will only last for a little bit before going out. However, belief is a well built campfire with coal that will last even after the gasoline has burned out. Paired together passion can make the fires of belief even hotter and brighter.
You may be a visionary or an idea person with tons of ventures and ideas but struggle to follow through with them. It is all possible to make those ideas into reality.
So, where do you start?
Step One:
Go For It
Take the leap into whatever your project is and get something out there.
Do your best but get something out there, whether it's a podcast, book, music, poem, or art, get it published in the public eye. It's a learning process so it's best to go for it, get it out there, and learn from your mistakes.
The main thing is to have something to look back on to let you know you accomplished it before, so you can do it again.
Step Two
Learn From Your Mistakes
Look back on your first project, see what you did wrong, and see what you can do better on your second try.
Strive to do your best, and don't let the naysayers try to convince you to stop. Take criticism with a grain of salt and take what is applicable and throw out what is false.
We want to improve, but we don't want to get torn down.
As a Christian, I find it easy to sometimes focus on my mistakes and let that define me. However, our focus should not be on the mistake, it is how you come back from them. Anyone can fail, but not many can successfully come back from failure. The great news is that Jesus Christ has made a way to help you overcome and press forward in your mission.
If you ever get discouraged, remember to focus on your belief in the project and that you have already gotten something out there. You've done it before, so you can do it again.
(Most people with ideas and talent have never done what you have already done.)
Step Three
Don't Stop Creating and Improving
Consistency is key and momentum is even better! This can look a few different ways.
One is constantly creating. Not every creation is the greatest thing, but it is one project closer to the next great thing.
Another is releasing content regularly, this may be quicker for different genres of art and creative platforms. Some processes of creation are quicker for some as they get better and more advanced, while others will take longer as they get better in their craft.
Don't get discouraged if you miss a deadline, sometimes life gets busy or a project takes longer than expected. Remember you are doing things that very few others have done.
Step Four
Only So Much You Can Do Alone
Depending on your field and craft, there may reach a point where your skill levels out and you cannot accomplish anymore on your own. So you will have to do one of the hardest things a creative person has to do... work with others AKA collaborate.
Being creative can sometimes make it difficult to work with others who have their own ideas for projects. Letting people have influence into your projects can make you feel very defensive and protective of your projects. But just know, many times they can give quality input into your project making it even better.
It is best to learn quickly how to compromise and communicate clearly with other creatives so that you can benefit from collaboration.
Summary
Creating is one thing that is built into our DNA. It is a trait that comes from the creator of the world, God. We have received a finite fraction of His creativity and a yearning desire to bring things into existence. The journey is long, but the results at the end are so satisfying.
These four steps, as simple as they are, can help keep you on track to take an idea to reality.
“We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God." - J.R.R. Tolkien