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4 Artful Lessons I learned from a Painting Class
I had the joy of joining Monica Ochoa, owner of the new Pinot’s Palette of Long Beach for a painting party. It was a wild ride.
I’m the one who calls it “arts and crap.” I’m the one who was asked to stop volunteering at my son’s kindergarten class because I couldn’t cut straight, and I’m the one who hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since I was 6 years old!
Obviously then, I was nervous about painting. In truth, I learned a lot about me that day and I trust that a few of my observations are universal lessons that guide you in your business.
It’s Nerve-Wracking Trying Something New – I was literally scared of my empty canvas; I didn’t want to ruin it. The experience was reminiscent of what my clients tell me: they’re afraid of their blank computer screen ready to write their first blog. But, if I didn’t start painting, I couldn’t experience it and I couldn’t get better. The first step is the hardest.Everything is easy once you know how. Click To Tweet
Stop Expecting to Be Great – If you’re doing something for the very first time, you’ll likely fail. Just as I can easily spit out sexy soundbites, our teacher could effortlessly create trees and clouds. We each have a gift and if you want to master something new, you must put in the time and effort.
Judgment Clouds Our Vision – I still saw art and this project as a class in school trying desperately to get an “A.” I judged my efforts worthy of an “F.” Only later did I see that it was only me who was judging my result – no one else. I had to remember that not all of our efforts need a grade.Not all activities need to be graded. It’s OK to try something new and fail. Click To Tweet
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others – The artist had a painting and mine looked nothing like hers. I didn’t want a black tree; I wanted a green tree. Later, folks commented that my clouds were genius. In truth, I was trying to create a sun. Bottom-line: it didn’t matter. It was my painting and I could paint it as I wanted.
This outing was a humbling experience. I wasn’t good at it. Most of us only participate in activities that we’re good at. Think about it: if you normally don’t play baseball, do you volunteer for a new team? If you haven’t dusted off your racket in a few years, do you sign up for a social night? I think not.
Why? Because we don’t want to fail; because we want to be admired for our acumen, because we wanted to be comfortable doing what we do best.
BUT, if you’re serious about growing, if you’re serious about learning new skills, you must take the first step and face your fears. Let today be the day that you try something new!
Let me know your journey.In trying something new, you must take the first step. One stroke at a time. Click To Tweet
To your sizzling success,
Liz