Reach for the Summit as Never Before
Recently I was reading a post from a fellow photographer stating that she was now becoming a weekend warrior. That times were tough and she needed to take a day job to make ends meet. She stated that she had worked to hard to lower her prices and adjust to the current economic climate. She didn’t want to compete with the people who were under cutting her. As a single mom she needed to have more security for her kids. A tough decision for sure, but we are living in the worst economy since the great depression and at times like this you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. But should you just give up and go back to the 9 to 5?
This got me to thinking. Why is it that some photographers are flourishing while others are struggling and still others are holding steady? I don’t think that there is an easy, one line, black and white answer to that question, but perhaps there is an under lying principle that we can learn from. A while back I wrote an article entitled “The Size of the Rat.” Therein I addressed the reasons why one mountain climber would reach the summit and the other would fail, even though they were of equal ability. And while determination seemed logical enough, is it still true today?
A change in the weather or economy can sometimes move in and cloud the summit before us. When you lose sight of your goals you may lose the determination necessary to accomplish them. You start to look down at base camp and think, “I could be down in less then an hour drinking hot coffee and eating warm stew.” Then you look back up and the summit is shrouded in clouds. You become unsure of yourself and begin to question your reasons for climbing in the first place. You’re cold and tired, your fingers and toes are numb, and honestly like that stew, a 9 to 5 is sounding really good right now.
You are at a critical junction in you’re life and the decision you make will ultimately lead to your goal or lead to failure. If you’ve lost sight of the finish line, how can you see yourself crossing it? And remember, those who are continually looking back while climbing will eventually slip.
Even in this economy you can succeed. You simply need to keep your goals before you, each and every day. Work towards them, seek out ways to attain them and be ready to make the sacrifices that will no doubt be demanded of you. We’ve all heard the saying, “No pain no gain.” If it were easy everyone would be doing it. Now is the time to refocus on what your goals are and find ways to attain them. Now’s the time to remember what the summit looked like before the clouds set in, now’s the time to reach for the summit and succeed. And remember, if you can succeed in this economy just imagine the rewards you’ll have when the weather moves out and you reach the summit.
Houston Wedding and Portrait Photographer - Scott Villalobos www.rsvpstudios.com
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Thank you for the inspiring words and article! That was great encouragement to keep looking forward.