The way I approach a blank piece of paper or canvas is the best way for me to approach any unknown in life- personal or professional. Last year, I started my business- Susan Korsnick: Art and Soul. And what a year it was! 2019 was packed with events, expos, retreats, speaking engagements, and hours at the computer learning all I could about marketing, web design, and social media platforms. I was carried on a wave of busyness in my business and needed to stop and reflect before moving forward. I understand “go with the flow” but I also know that it’s good to pause, look around, and make sure I’m still going in the direction I wish to go. If not, start paddling and change course!
“Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life.” Oscar Wilde
Benefits and Challenges of Being a Sole Proprietor
A benefit of being the sole proprietor of a business is that I can work wherever I want, whenever I want. I chose to work at a nearby cafe so I could spread out my Strategic Content and Marketing Plans, a new 2020 planner, laptop, and a pile of looseleaf paper (there’s something about working on paper that I’ll always love!), while sipping cappuccino (from a real mug!).
Another benefit (and challenge) of being a sole proprietor is that when it comes time to make a decision, they are made as quickly and easily as I can make them. It’s totally up to me to decide. What worked in 2019? What did I enjoy? What resonated with clients? What do they want more of? What new ideas are waiting to be born? Where do I want to go from here? I had to decide and take a step but I couldn’t. I looked at the blank spaces in my planner and just sat there. “Come on, Suz, you’ve got this. If you can dream it, you can do it”, I encouraged myself. I was blocked and getting very frustrated (which doesn’t help at all). That feeling inspired my last post “The Blank Page”– as much a message for myself as well as for my dear readers. I suddenly remembered… whenever I approach life the way I approach art, I make better decisions…. ALWAYS. Let me tell you a story about how this works for me and see if it resonates with you.
A Story About Buying a House
Once upon a time, several years ago, I moved to Pennsylvania for a new job, choosing to rent while I got familiar with the area. Within a year, I decided it was time to purchase a home. The story could have ended there. I could have been too afraid to try and let the dream die.
With my art, if I let fear stop me, I’d never paint anything.
Life Mirrors Art Tip #1: Don’t Let Fear Stop You
Someone put me in touch with a realtor who eagerly signed me to a 30-day contract. She asked me about my budget and what I was looking for in a house. Then, we in her car and drove all over southcentral PA, looking for my future home. I had no idea what we were going to find but we had to start somewhere.
With my art, I consider what I’d like to create, select the medium(s), and make a mark.
Life Mirrors Art Tip #2: Set the Intention and Take A Step
The realtor proceeded to show me house after house, each worse than the one before it. One had old asbestos wiring. One was so small the refrigerator was in the living room because it didn’t fit in the kitchen! Yeah, it went from bad to worse. She frequently started sentences with “You can’t afford…” and “You’ll never have…” I sensed her black raincloud of negativity every time we were together. Even though she was the “expert”, I intuitively knew deep inside that she was wrong. She wasn’t able to see beyond her limited “what is” to the expansive “what is possible”. My new home was out there, waiting to be discovered.
With my art, it’s good to step back, get very quiet, and check my progress. If I like the direction I’m going, I keep moving forward. If not, it’s time to adjust course.
Life Mirrors Art Tip #3: Check Progress and Adjust
I knew that I’d never find what I was looking for with pessimism as a constant companion. At the end of our 30-day agreement, I happily terminated my relationship with her and found someone new- someone with enthusiasm and a positive attitude- someone who believed in my dream and would help make it a reality. This is completely true… We met in her office at 4 pm. She had researched some possibilities based on the criteria I gave her and had some houses that she wanted me to look at on the computer. The first image that popped up on the screen was an adorable, cheerful little rancher on a quarter-acre of land. “Stop! That’s it. That’s the one.” Don’t ask me HOW I knew. I just knew… with every fiber of my being.
With my art, sometimes it just doesn’t work, no matter how hard I try. It’s time to grab a clean sheet of paper or put a layer of gesso on the canvas and start over.
Life Mirrors Art Tip #4: Trust Your Intuition and Know When to Begin Again
The new realtor picked up the phone and by 5 pm, we were in the driveway of that cute, cozy house. “Yes” repeated over and over inside me as we walked from room to room. And yes, it met all the criteria I had for my new home and then some! What a surprise! By 6 pm, I made an offer. Minutes later, my offer was accepted. I was the new owner of a home that surpassed my expectations in my price range. Imagine that!
With my art, there are moments during the process when the unexpected happens and make the piece even better than I envisioned.
Life Mirrors Art Tip #5: Be Ready to Be Amazed
It Works!
So that’s it. The way I approach a blank canvas or paper is the best way for me to approach everything- business and personal. Keep in mind that these are not linear steps. They can happen in any order- often more than once in any given situation. It takes a willingness to honor the inner knowing, be vulnerable and willing to try, and trust in synchronicities and Divine timing.
- Don’t Let Fear Stop You
- Set the Intention and Take A Step
- Check Your Progress and Adjust
- Trust Your Intuition and Know When to Begin Again
- Be Ready to Be Amazed
Helping others get to the place where they can hear that small voice inside and have the confidence to listen and take action is a big part of Susan Korsnick: Art and Soul. Because it has worked for me many, MANY times, I use creative expression to frequently tap into my inner knowing and to support others on their life journey. It’s the best way I’ve found to quiet the fear and doubts so the higher self can be heard.
Can you think of a time in your life when these tips played a role, perhaps without you knowing it at the time? Are you experiencing something where these tips would be helpful? Please share in the comments!