Good news and bad news for Thriving Artists

You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?

As artists, we often dream of receiving that fantastic news – a glowing review, a successful sale, or a breakthrough idea. It’s the kind of news that fills us with elation and a renewed sense of purpose. However, amidst the celebration, it’s essential to tread cautiously and maintain perspective.

Picture this: you’re a thriving artist, pouring your heart and soul into your craft. One day, you receive news that sends ripples of excitement through your being. Perhaps it’s a rave review of your latest book or artwork, or maybe you’ve stumbled upon a groundbreaking idea for your next project. The temptation to shout it from the rooftops, to share the news with everyone you know, is strong. After all, it’s a validation of your talent and hard work.

But pause for a moment.

Before broadcasting your success to the world, consider the wisdom in sharing it selectively. For many artists, confiding in their closest circle – in this case, my wife and kids – is enough to bask in the joy of the moment. There’s a certain intimacy in sharing your triumphs with those who know you best, without the pressure of public scrutiny.

Yet, beyond the initial thrill, lies a deeper truth: success, like failure, is fleeting. Just as we weather the storms of rejection and criticism, we must also navigate the peaks of success with humility and grace. It’s easy to become intoxicated by praise and accolades, but true fulfillment lies in the journey, not the destination.

So, how do we maintain perspective in the face of triumph? By focusing on the process, rather than the outcome. Embrace the daily grind, the sweat and tears that go into honing your craft. Celebrate small victories along the way, but never lose sight of the bigger picture.

Moreover, treat success with the same caution as you would failure. Just as bad news or negative reviews can be instructive, so too can success teach us valuable lessons. Take the time to reflect on what led to your achievement – was it sheer talent, relentless effort, or a stroke of luck? By understanding the factors at play, you can replicate your success in the future, while also remaining humble in the face of uncertainty.

Ultimately, the mark of a truly thriving artist lies not in their accolades, but in their resilience. By embracing both the highs and lows of their creative journey, they become unshakable in their pursuit of excellence. So, the next time you receive fantastic news as an artist, savor the moment, but remember: it’s not the end of the road, but merely a stepping stone on your path to becoming a thriving artist.