When I was in junior high and high school, my teachers told me, “Teresa, you’re a very good writer. You should be an author someday.” And I took their advice happily. It’s all I ever really wanted to be.
After my first novel came out, I started speaking about my book, and event coordinators told me, “You’re one of the best presenters we’ve ever had. You should be a speaker.” And I took their advice happily. Speaking gives me great pleasure.
After I started speaking, people told me, “You are good at explaining things, you should develop some workshops or classes.” And I took their advice happily. I love sharing my knowledge.
After I started instructing, people said, “We wish we had more time and access to you.” So I decided to become a coach. I get great satisfaction from helping others improve and reach their goals.
Before you knew it, though, I didn’t have one job (writing), I had several, and every year new projects were also added on. Like many artists and entrepreneurs, I enjoy reinventing myself, learning new skills, and moving in different directions. And like any successful businessperson, I understand the need to change with the trends and markets, but the more spread out I became, the less effective and more tired I felt. And the busier I got, the more I drifted away from my art. I was so preoccupied running the business and tending to others, I lost myself in the bargain.
Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy everything I do, but lately I’ve been clearing some things off my plate to get back to what I love most, writing.
What can you clear from your life to make time for your art?
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