You Already Have What It Takes

When we think something isn’t working, we often jump right to the next thing, get excited, and repeat the cycle. But then we end up with thoughts like, "Well, I guess I just wasn’t born with any specific abilities or talent to succeed, and I’ll probably just have to settle."

This mindset applies to literally every aspect of our lives - fitness (when some exercises get too hard, and we might think we weren’t born like Arnold Schwarzenegger), the career we dream of (because it seems like we can’t come up with a brilliant idea that will make us famous right now), becoming a designer or artist full-time (after seeing the first few attempts and thinking, "What the hell is this? I’m definitely not the next Picasso"), or switching to a "more secure" job (after sending 100 resumes and getting no positive responses). The last one deserves a separate email, almost like a short business class.

No one can convince me that no one needs your services - you just haven’t reached enough clients and gave up too early. I know this from personal experience. When I was in an emergency situation, where I literally HAD to find clients within a few months or lose my visa and five years of hard work, I found those clients.

👉 Now, here’s a super simple hack for you to make ANYTHING work. Actually, two. First, each and every one of us can do something on an intuitive level - something we enjoy, something that flows naturally to us without thinking about it.

But here’s the catch: You’ve probably never thought that this is something you can do for a living. And I can already hear the first reactions: “But Anna, I really love taking photos, but come on, everyone does that.” 

YES, but if everyone can do it and make a living out of it, why can’t you? Literally yesterday, I stumbled upon the profile of a videographer from Germany who is now working full-time and collaborating with top-notch brands. Back in 2015, he was filming videos in his parents' basement. And this brings me to the second hack/advice I promised…

Develop a consistent strategy and stick to it - no exceptions. Just find a way to make it work professionally! Now, you’re already a professional in this one thing without even knowing it.

You just need a structure.

The amazing thing about living in the 21st century is that we have access to the world’s top entrepreneurs and business minds who have succeeded in various fields - whether it’s art, design, photography, or something else. Learn from them, soak up their philosophy, understand how they made it work - just DO something.
I know you’re probably expecting an example from my life, so here it is. When I was studying interior design in Germany, as an immigrant with big dreams and few resources, I realized I loved sketching concepts more than the actual design process. I spent way too much time drawing instead of focusing on the technical aspects of interior design. It wasn’t my "passion" at the time, it was just something I was really good at. And here’s the key - I didn’t overthink it. I just did it. It came naturally to me, without any "analysis paralysis" like, "Oh, what should I do with my life?" or "Is drawing something I should pursue?"

Then, when I lost my job as a fresh graduate because of the pandemic and hit rock bottom, thinking that it was time to go back to my parents because my visa was expiring and my resources were running out, you know what I thought? I didn’t have anything to lose, and the only thing I was an expert at - because even my professors asked me to coach my peers to draw like me - was drawing. So, I gave it a try. I simply… drew. A LOT. And I reached out to clients. No magic, nothing special - just action and hard work.

I’m currently listening to Alex Hormozi’s podcast, and he talks about this too: It’s not possible to be poor and busy at the same time. So, you’re probably just not working hard enough. By the way, I highly recommend his podcast and YouTube channel - they are treasure troves for entrepreneurship and business!

Stay true to yourself. Don’t blindly follow your passion and get too caught up in your head. Action is what matters.

Warmest,
Anna at @andshedrawsbig