It's About Me, Not Business.

The day was winding down, and I found myself going to the same thought I go to most everyday. "Do I grab my camera gear and go? It may be a good sunset. You know you're a business owner. Any time not well spent is time wasted. No need to rest, no need to be wasting time." So I gathered up my things and rushed out the door as I normally do.

As I made my way into Gulf Breeze, I remembered this road that I have passed many times but never took the time to stop and see what's down there. I was always in a hurry going somewhere, to do something. Like I said before, I can't be just wasting time. 

I continued driving, battling thoughts in my head. "Do I stop? Do I go to my original spot? What if this new spot I may go isn't good? What if I don't get a good picture?" and so forth and so forth. The typical thoughts I go through on a daily basis. It was nothing new.

On any normal day, I would go with the safe, just for 'work sake' thought. Go where I know, do my thing, and go home. But this day, this day was different. 

I decided to take some time to myself and go out location scouting and do some reflecting over my life, and why I do what I do.

I did a U-Turn, and I headed back to this road that I would no longer continue to pass. Today is the day I take for myself. If I don't get 'the shot' that's okay. Today is not about business, today is about me.

I ventured through the woods, and came to an empty parking lot. With just about 20 minutes of sunlight left, I grabbed my camera bag, tripod, and I set off to see what I could see. Even though it probably wasn't the smartest idea... Not knowing exactly where I was going, or what I would find ahead.

As I started walking, I saw a sign that pointed to a small pathway through the trees. It was just a little trail. From what I could understand from the sign, it led to water, and it appeared frequently traveled. Off into the unknown I went. 

I walked, and walked. It seemed like it went on forever. The further I went, the clearer the path got. I knew If I just kept walking I had to find water. Surely someone had went this route before me, so I wasn't to concerned. 

After about 15 minutes of walking, which seemed a lot longer at the time, I finally reached the shoreline. Almost immediately upon reaching the water, my thoughts shifted. It was again all about the business. "I have to get the shot! Get your camera out Dustin! The light is amazing, you can't miss this!"

I scrambled to get everything ready. I finally got all set up. Just as I was about about to press the button to take the photo, I remembered, "This is about Me, Not Business" and so I began to think... 

Being a Creative Business owner as I am, I am always focused on what I need to do for my business. It's so easy to get caught up in business. Always on the go, determining what to post on social media, when to post it, how am I going to get my business to where I want it to be? Etc. 

Instead, I need to remember the business is about me. I created Dustin Williams Photography for myself. I did it not create my business for the sake of a perfect business. 

Staying in this business mindset all the time, I have completely forgotten why I got into doing what I do. I do it because it makes me happy. I do it because I wanted my own little place in the world to share my passion and my talent. I want to be able to have a future that I provide for myself by taking a leap of faith and building something from the ground up. I do it to show other people that you don't have to settle for working for something else that someone has created, you too can build your own creation. I do it because it allows me to meet the amazing people that surrounds us everyday. I do it because in brings me closer to my God. Ultimately I do it because I want it for myself, and that's what is important.

Some days I just want time to myself and my family. Some days I want to go out and enjoy an event without my camera. Some days I want to post whatever I want on Facebook just for the fact I like it even if it doesn't match the theme of my work. All of this I'm finally starting to see, that's okay.  

Today, I am making a change. 

I challenge each of you to join me in making a change. 

So often we are told to create a successful business, we need to make a list. List step by step the things in which we need to do. Things in which we need to make our business prosperous. 

Let's change that..

Take a moment and make a list of things that you want your business to do for YOU.  

We are Creatives. We love what we do. Let's do it for happiness. Do it for success. Do it for our families. Do it because, It's About Me.