The Process > Instant Gratification

You and I live in a world where people feel entitled to instant gratification. When you don’t experience immediate success, you’re left feeling inadequate as you fall victim to the comparison trap.

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This feeling of comparing yourself to others who are far more ahead of you kills the desire or the passion to even attempt to get better. There’s no fun in the process and it stops you from making anything at all.So how to you get over these feelings of inadequacy?It starts by becoming cognizant of the comparison trap so you can take the first steps towards starting to enjoy the creative process.

The Comparison Trap

This is something you and I are both guilty of. Being aware of it is a different story.It’s easy to compare yourself to those who are crushing it in what you aspire to do. They do things so effortlessly in a fraction of the time it would take you causing you to think to yourself, “I’ll never be that good.”This self-defeating mindset immobilizes you from going all in.I've totally been there and still deal with it at times.I remember when I started hand-lettering over 2 years ago, I was in awe by the skills of Raul Alejandro, Ricardo Gonzalez, Jessica Hische and legends like Doyald Young. I felt I could never amount to these people’s skills and it made we want to quit at times…..I would’ve never written this to you if I didn’t keep pushing through the comparison trap.Don’t ever forget that these peoplestarted exactly in the same place you were. They most likely compared themselves to others and probably still do today from time to time.It's a normal human function, but you have to have the tenacious mindset to overcome it.Understand that you are good enough, but these things never happen overnight for anyone. If you’re expecting instant gratification in this society of “viral Youtube stars” then this line of work isn’t for you.The goal should never be to please the masses with your work. Stop creating with the desire of seeking out affirmation — it sets you up for crushing disappointment when things don’t go as planned.Avoid the comparison trap and get started on your own personal journey of creating from an authentic place and enjoying what you do.[perfectpullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="1c1c1c" class="" size="32"]If you don’t have the desire or the patience to put in the work, you need to keep this as a hobby and do it when’s it’s convenient. I want to help you start right so you can become a professional and take yourself seriously.[/perfectpullquote]

Start By Enjoying the Process

If I was to start over again and had an opportunity to receive some guidance, these are the steps I would tell myself through waves of trial and error:1. Find Your Sweet SpotYou need to have a vision in order to enjoy the process and the grind of creating. This vision consists of your sweet spot which I cover many times in past content if you want to go more in depth.Essentially you’re in the pursuit to be equally good at what you love to do. This is done by finding your greatest strength and combining it with your greatest passion.It helps you ensure that you will enjoy the work that you are best at. You can’t focus on one more than the other.2. ExperimentationYou have the freedom and ability to explore your creative styles. You can use different tools, different mediums, etc. to develop a style that falls within your sweet spot and allows you to keep evolving.This is something I’m challenging myself with as I inject more color into my artwork. It helps me get out of that comfort zone and it provides endless possibilities for new growth.3. Create From an Authentic PlaceEvery artist references from previous artist’s work — hence the book “Steal Like an Artist.” However, the goal is to take your inspiration and transform it into something new and refreshing.Plagiarism is never cool and it’s seen too often. Mimicking someone’s exact style seems to be the new phase today; just look at Instagram’s art community….. Creating from an authentic place means you inject fresh ideas into your work that will distinguish it from the masses.It’s not about following the latest trends to jump on the attention band wagon. How can you stand out when you’re trying so hard to fit in?What can you do that will make you stand out from amongst the noise?4. Excitement & PassionThe best way to start building an audience around your work is by instilling as much excitement and passion into your work as possible.People are attracted to those who relentlessly pursue the things they love and bring an energy to it. People want to be associated and stand behind someone like this because it is a rare trait that helps them envision a better version of themselves.When you’re in your sweet spot, getting excited each day about the work you get to do is a byproduct. There’s never a dull moment.5. Get Vulnerable & TransparentIn order for people to care about you, you must prove you care about them. The best way to do this is storytelling through your work.Creating is self-expression — so getting transparent and sharing a vulnerable side of you that people can resonate with will help build credibility.People want to see themselves in your stories; they want to know that your work is for them.For example, I still struggle to this day with the comparison trap as every now and then I expect one of my blog posts or drawings to garner tons of admiration like Seth Godin'swork. It doesn’t always go that way and I’m left disappointed — I know you can relate.Yet, I’m able to shake it off due to self-awareness and go right back to the drawing board because I’m a professional. This creating lifestyle is no longer a hobby, it’s my life’s mission.

Time is On Your Side

You are living in a golden era of opportunity where someone is just one scroll away from discovering your work. Technology is advancing so quickly and more people are getting access to the internet daily.The odds are in your favor but understand the importance of playing the long game. This stuff doesn’t happen overnight.This is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your eyes ahead instead of down at your feet and pace yourself.The process is the most enjoyable part when you discover the sweet spot. Looking back each month you will see the growth as you string consecutive days and weeks together of showing up and focusing towards the vision.Time is on your side so you should find comfort in this.

You Are Good Enough

Whatever place you find yourself in in life, understand that you are better than you think you are.Strive to live a life of being true to yourself while creating something you enjoy. Your journey and story is unique from every other soul so don’t let the comparison trap rob you of the person you’re supposed to become.What are you going to do with your existence on earth?Life’s too short to drown in the feeling of inadequacy because you are good enough and it’s time to get started.Take the first steps and create your future.

Key Takeaways

Understand that you are good enough, but these things never happen overnight for anyone.
You need to have a vision in order to enjoy the process and the grind of creating.
Take your inspiration and evolve it into something new and refreshing.
Plagiarism is never cool.
Instill as much excitement and passion into your work as possible.
People are attracted to those who relentlessly pursue the things they love and bring an energy to it.
Getting transparent and sharing a vulnerable side of you that people can resonate with will help build credibility
Someone is just one scroll away from discovering your work.

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Comparison Trap: You’re Good Enough