I’ve dabbled in many forms of art throughout my life, but I got serious about it in 2014. The sure way to get serious about your passion is to make it your business. It’s no longer a hobby when you need it to help feed you and your family. It takes a lot of effort to push back against naysayers, especially the ones in our own head, but if we want to push through, there’s 2 simple things we can do.

• FIRST, START LEARNING ALL WE CAN

We’ve got so many free resources! There is nothing we can’t educate ourselves about at the library or on the internet. My husband and I have sung the praises of Youtube again and again. What we’ve learned to do there has saved us a small fortune. Seek out people who are doing the thing you want to do. Subscribe to their channel or email list. Follow them on social media. THEY are successful because that’s what they did.

My favorite way to learn is by listening to podcasts. You can find a podcast on every subject imaginable and they’re free. Are you new to podcasts? Check out this how-to link. I have a part-time cleaning service which provides me with several hours to listen while I work. I also listen while I drive, cook, mow the lawn, etc…

Here are a few of my favorite business-related podcasts:

This Is Your Life Podcast – Michael Hyatt —  If I could only choose one business coach, Michael Hyatt would be it. He not only offers clear, excellent advice and resources for our business and personal lives, his values match mine. Win! Win! If that weren’t enough, his co-host is one of my favorite authors, Michele Cushatt.

Elise Gets Crafty – Elise Joy — This podcast is tailored more to my personal interest — creative small business. Listen to Elise interview all kinds of creatives who have turned their passion into profit, just as she herself has done.

The Chalene Show – Chalene Johnson — Chalene is a fitness celebrity, but far more than that, she is the queen of motivation. While fitness is extremely important to her, the focus on her podcast is more about the disciplines that push us to be all we can be in EVERY area of life. Who doesn’t need a cheerleader?

Christy Wright’s Business Boutique — Christy’s experience as an entrepreneur, a Certified Business Coach and her affiliation with Dave Ramsey will fill you with inspiration, encouragement and wisdom.

And then, there’s audiobooks. Here is a link to a great post on 8 ways to get them for FREE!

And of course, keep learning.

• SECOND, PRACTICE WHAT WE LEARN (AND FAIL)

This hardly needs explanation. Sometimes, we just need permission. Isn’t that crazy? It’s as if we can’t really like what we’re doing and consider it work. We can shift that thinking with all we’re learning and get busy making a life rather than just a living.

We also need permission to fail, right? But hey, that’s one of the best teachers there is.

C. S. Lewis wrote:

“Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.”

I’ve learned that by modeling this way of life, we pass freedom and hope down to our children. In us, they see the freedom to develop our gifts, as well as the perseverance to keep at it when the going gets tough. Our sons are encouraged to know that none of their efforts are wasted. It all counts toward success.

I hope I’ve encouraged you to get going in your gifts if you haven’t already. If you have, keep on keepin’ on and share a favorite tip or resource with me!

“By doing what you love, you inspire & awaken the hearts of others.”

Learning and practicing with you in life, faith & art ~ Jamie