I’m not sure if you are familiar with the program “StrengthsFinder by Gallup.” I was introduced to the book years ago and it made a huge impact on my understanding of how I function as an artist and a business woman. As it turns out, though, most of my strengths lie in the category of strategy (I’m more the big picture thinker). I have zero strengths in execution (you know the little tasks that have to get done to put a plan in motion).
So the past three weeks have been difficult, frustrating, annoying, and draining for me. When you are launching a new book (and two other projects at the same time), there are plenty of little tasks that need to get done. You can spend an entire day filling out forms, double-checking entries, selecting and ordering items, playing phone tag, even running to three different stores to get all the items you need for the related events.
So I’ve been cussing a bit more than I usually do, and slumping in my chair, and whining—a lot. But sometimes you just gotta do it. It’s worth it when it’s done.
Maybe for you, the tasks I just described sound easy and fun. We all have different strengths. That’s what makes us a good team. But there are going to come days when you have to operate outside your strengths, and you need to acknowledge that those tasks need to be done and find the stamina to do them.
There is no perfect job. People think we artists have perfect jobs. That we just sit around all day practicing or musing about our art or daydreaming about success. But there are plenty of tasks we don’t want to do. Plenty of chores that need to be done.
Still, one of my favorite quotes is from an old 80s TV show (can you guess it?). “I love it when a plan comes together.” And I do. I LOVE it when my projects launch and launch well. So I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it takes a lot more cussing.
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