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make up your own! A lot of times people want a manual. I've never been very good at following set rules. And I hate reading manuals.. always have (and that's probably why most of my IKEA builds fall apart on the first attempt). Anyone that knows me, knows I think most rules are silly fences put in place to hold us back. And I HATE being held back... which is probably why "set rules" and I have never had a strong affinity for one another.
We get e mails asking exactly what to do to get from point A to point B in the development of their craft and business. The truth is... THERE IS NO MANUAL. And people who seek one out and follow after doing the "norm" will reach a very limited level of success in the long run.
Every great explorer has paved his or her own way. Of course there are bits of wisdom that we can take from the journeymen that have gone before us, but the biggest piece of the "puzzle to success" seems evident....from Picasso to Steve Jobs, every great explorer has one thing in common; they never used a manual or followed in the steps of the norm to rise above.
Copy Cats will always exist and the majority of people will be too afraid to seek out their own path and develop their own rule book. That is why the extraordinary are easy to spot in the masses. But what the seemingly "ordinary" fail to recognize is that every person has something extraordinary within them. Most people are just too scared to recognize it or act on it, so they rely on the rules and manuals of others. They try and copy the path that has led to another's success. But the hard truth is each person must find their own path. Each successful person must create their own manual. Each individual has a unique DNA and a very individual compass that resides within that serves as a guide. It requires us to trust our crazy gut instincts and learn to "tune out" the noise of others and "tune in" to the internal knowledge that resides within. The map is there... and the world needs you to trust your own. Your internal map will offer something to the world that they have yet to see. Perhaps a new perspective or a new way of doing things... whatever it is... you must own it and let it be yours. Don't follow anyone else's rules to rise above, make up your own.
Thoughts
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i know a shannon sewell neckline when i see one. your words invoke. brava, bella.
I could read your posts and look at your images all day long. You are carving a creative path that is a huge inspiration to others. Thank you for the reminder of this important lesson. I am trying to 'find' more of myself and what beauty I would like to create.
YESSSSSSSSSSS! Glad you said it, girlfriend.
What a great post! I am struggling with finishing my brand and looking deep into my vision and get so frustrated sometimes and confused, I know styles I like but what is me? who am I? and how can I translate all of that into a brand, this post may help me sleep better tonight
thank you
@Karmen you just put the biggest smile on my face and made me snicker a bit to myself (sink reference). You are someone who "gets it" ;)
This is exactly the reason that photos of sinks work perfectly in albums! (response to a comment from your latest album post comments)
Sight is blocked by fences and walls, but vision isn't...which is why your photography transcends those rules and boundaries!
well said Sarah! you definitely have your own rules... and your photo's prove it! keep it up :)
That is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Think I'll go frolic in the wind like the chic in the photo too. Looks brilliant. x
I needed to hear that! Thx
So Sarah, I thought of a question or two for you, if you don't mind? How do YOU keep coming up with new ideas? How did you find your style? I get inspired a lot by color and textures, but during winter I find myself "held back" a little by the weather and finding people who will let me take their picture. Or who are willing to brave the cold. I have a few ideas I'm working on, but am not sure what to do if they say no. Keep trying I guess.
Thank you for another inspiring blog entry. PDNPulse just had an article about copying up today also. I am greatly inspired by people who stick to their guns and don't listen to the na-sayers. I get a lot of "advice" about what I should be doing from people who don't think about the artistic value but instead the bottom line.
Thanks for the inspiration. So true!
VALID. you could not have said that any better. I actually went out of state to college to go to the "best" photojournalism program there is, or so they claim. Naturally, I changed majors out of fear of being put into this tiny little box of what photography "is". and my IKEA furniture falls apart too.
hi Sarah, since my mentoring session with you i learnt so much. For the first time in years i feel like i am heading in my direction, not following someone else's way. Since i started finding my way and my style, and what i loved, things started to fall into place for me, and the work has started flowing...quite rapidly! I have also updated my website and blog. I have a long way to go, and will never stop learning. thank you for helping me start my journey in the right direction.
Bxxx
Very scary, I blogged something very similar yesterday. Funny thing is, I actually emailed you a few months ago hoping for a magic answer and it wasn't until recently that I discovered this truth. I still have a long ways to go but I'm glad I figured it sooner than later.
I loved your valentine's picture btw :)
Thank you for your beautiful words and wisdom. I adore getting lost in your blog and the truths that you share. Thank you for the inspiration as it can be a bit intimidating starting out! Loving the picture too!! You guys rock!!!
I second the AMEN! That was awesome! There's a photographer that lives 15 minutes away from me & she copies every single thing I do. It annoyed me so much at first, but I realized it's her own loss for not being herself & it makes me work harder to stand out. :)
Always a great reminder! You are a constant inspiration... and an amazing writer!
Amen and Amen!
I have so many people who LOVE to tell me what I SHOULD do. However they are not me. Why should I do what THEY would do? KWIM? So I am content to smile, nod and forget whatever advice they gave me and continue doing what I do. :) Thanks Sarah.
great topic! all i am going to say is . . . i think some rules are made to be broken :)
take what you see and try to see it from a different point of view, change it and make it your own, try without copying, without stealing, without subjecting yourself to guilt and...create, fail and try again. Failure is a road to success too - Learn from it. Be yourself - express your side, go at it from another direction, learn from what you see and again, make it your own. and MOTIVATE - Like Sarah Rhoads! She is not only a brilliant story teller & Photographer but a life coach.
Sarah, your motivations are so inspiring I hope everyone that falls into the "ordinary" class reads this most important post. All industries really need people motivating originality every day. We live in a world where limits can be breached, all we need is to believe. Thank you. Cant wait to meet you :)
right on!
Love this to the stars and back.
Well said. I'm discovering things about myself and the way I work: I thrive under strict "rules" or guidelines, but often find myself limited by those same guides. They are helpful, and restricting. There has to be a balance for me. I'm hoping I can find it. Thanks for this post.
Super true. Thanks for the inspiration. Your work is off the chain.
Thank you for your amazing words. I know I personally get so afraid to follow my own path. It's so easy to listen to those voices and let it take over. Whether your afraid of what your clients are going to think or what others will. It has held me back in the past. I truly believe listening to your heart and following where it leads is the way to go. Thank you for your passion. You inspire me everyday to be a better photographer and to follow my heart.
i was just sitting here at my desk working on my business plan and marketing plan...full of doubts of how to make IT happen. full of questions on how do other people do it and succeed. full of self doubt. thank you for once again reminding me that i can just be me. that i can reach for the stars on my own terms and that in order to reach those stars....i have to do it by being me and by finding what it is inside of me that is extraordinary. most importantly thank you for reminding me that i can do all of this while making up my own rules!
Amen, my friend!