The other day I was absolutely delighted to find about 10 of the books on my must-find mental list in a thrift store. Score! I walked out with a huge plastic bag stuffed full of inspirational information just waiting to be read (along with the cutest green suede boots you ever did see!)

It took me all of about 3 minutes of reading to hit something that I felt was too powerful not to share: the difference between being proactive and reactive.

“Highly proactive people … do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice, based on values, rather than a product of their conditions, based on feeling.

Reactive people are often affected by their physical environment. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn’t, it affects their attitude and their performance. Proactive people can carry their own weather with them. Whether it rains or shines makes no difference to them. They are value driven; and if their value is to produce good quality work, it isn’t a function of whether the weather is conducive to it or not.”

– Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
(italics and bold were added)

It’s Not Easy Being a Proactive Photographer

In all honesty, I feel like this sums up why it’s so hard to run a photography business. Or at least, it’s hard for me. Photography is all about art! It’s about creating beautiful images … and feeling the emotion behind the image. I’m really, really good at that! I’m an incredibly sensitive person; I can feel my clients’ emotions without them saying a word. Feeling is not a problem for me! If you’re a fellow artist, perhaps you can relate to this.

Yet, Covey makes the very good point that highly proactive people (something I want to be!) base their decisions on value, not feeling.

So this was a good reminder for me. And perhaps for you, too. As a professional artist, it’s ok to be sensitive and tune into my feelings when I’m shooting. But I need to remember to pull out my other hat, too… the business hat … and be nothing but proactive when making decisions for my business.

Additionally, when it comes to the state of the industry, it’s my responsibility to avoid all reactive buzz. It can’t possibly be beneficial to spend time in photography forums where the bulk of photographers are moaning and groaning about the old days when clients appreciated photographers. If you find yourself around negative reactive buzz, move on. There are plenty of proactive photographers out there who are looking to make great things happen. Those are the people you want to surround yourself with.

Keep watering your grass!
XO,
Kate

P.S. Hey fellow photogs, want more motivation? Head to Bo and Belle for advice on how to be a leader this week.