Of all the things we do with our life, we tend to get stuck in routines. We stick to what we know. When we get really good at something we tend to hang onto it because it’s our strength. There is nothing wrong with wielding your strength all the time, but it is common for us to feel burned out or bored with our strength.
This is where we can start something new for ourselves.
When we feel stuck, bored, or tired of the same old stuff, it’s time to take ideas or skills that we respect and admire and make them our new strength. As a photographer, I spend a lot of time shooting landscapes. I felt like I had a lot to learn when I started shooting them, but after shooting them non stop for about a year, I felt like I have mastered them within my style. Even with my iphone.
Shot and edited with an iPhone 4.
As a human being, I naturally became bored or tired of it. I still love to shoot them, but I find that the ones I really love are starting to be few and far between. It takes a lot more for me to impress myself. So now I am taking a step towards a weakness in my photography to create another strength.
There is also something about taking a break from things. Coming back can give you new energy and ideas. Going into unknown territory is good for both your strengths and weaknesses.
I know my portrait work and artificial lighting knowledge could use some refining. I know I am decent at it, but I want to sharpen my skills to gain confidence in my work so instead of thinking to myself, “Oh crap how am I going to pull this off?” I will soon be able to say “Yeah! I know exactly how to do that and this is going to be a ton of fun!”
With any skill it is important to remember to find your weak spots.
You have to make them your new strengths rather than hide them or shield them with your other strengths. Sure you can be a one trick pony, but odds are it’s not going to fulfill your spirit as much as trying new things will. As a creative person, it also can be difficult to only offer one type of service. There are folks that do it, but it definitely not the easiest route to take.
Confidence can come from knowledge. That is when fear fades away.
It’s kind of interesting how it works. Confidence can be something we give ourselves when we need it most, but for the most part it comes from being fully aware of how to do something, understanding you do have control and realizing that you can change an outcome to your desire.
Continuous learning is important in everything we do. Especially if you are in a creative field. Remember to keep growing in your skills and look for your weak spots. The more confident you are in your work, despite the circumstance, the more you will be able to succeed.
Great post! Something I think I have been feeling recently as well.
It’s so important for us to evaluate where we are, what we can improve on and how we can get out there and make cool stuff. Nothing better than getting uncomfortable in your craft. That’s where the growth happens. Best part is that it reflects upon your others skills as well. You learn how to adapt.