It’s been said that the opposite of comprehensible is thought-provoking, a clever insight if you will to potentially seeing the merits of making a move in your life that spews of going against the grain. But logic would seem to dictate that aspiring to any new way of doing something is usually a stressful endeavor, or shall I say an anxiety based undertaking. Obviously, for most, stress and anxiety are not something we usually aspire to.
Here’s the challenge. Being in the space of daring a new, much less atypical direction is an easy way to generate feelings of incompetency, a place where very few of us choose to reside. Your lizard brain kicks in hard to keep you safe. But the truth is, for many, safe has become more of a ball and chain scenario than the safe haven of the comfort zone.
The Problem
You have thoughts of daring a new direction for yourself that don’t seem to fit into the traditional Working Class blue or white collar paradigm, and the pressures of responsibility, an unstable economy, opinionating friends and family, and the inimitable societal censor that works hard to keep you in line seem to put a halt to your aspirations.
The Solution
In the words of artist Jason Fox; “The art of compromise is knowing when not to.” Learn to have some faith in your instinctual modus operandi and give it its day in court. This goes beyond mere positive thinking. It’s about constructing a strategic plan of small steps drawn from a more creatively based thinking structure that breaks you free from the herd mentality. The irony is in today’s ever-changing work environment, taking a bit of an irrational approach might be the most rational course to follow. And without fail, muster up the courage to face the preverbal void this seems to represent.
Some Thoughts
Here’s an adjacent thought to consider in terms of zagging that I learned after years of being in the Arts. It took many years for me to finally understand that I had to see what surrounded me “as it is,” not “how I would like it to be,” and then proceed to address the decisions at hand. This is a tough bridge to cross, especially when you’re debating running left of center. But, clarity is priceless.
In everyday language, don’t be different just to be different. Strive to be and implement what you already are – unique! As Pollyannaish as this may sound, there is only one of you in all time, ergo; your expression will be unique.
It’s also good to remember that when you’re on this divergent road of sorts; you’re not your career, you’re not your art, and you’re not your creation. You’re the creator, and in that light you’ll always have the option to recreate when things begin to fall short of your expectations.
Here’s another way to view that point in a bit more counterintuitive light, written by Seth Godin:
“You don’t make art after you become an artist. You become an artist by ceaselessly making art.”
