Comments on: Take Action! Don’t just read. Do!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:19:57 +0000

Somehow this week, the things I’ve needed to read and hear have been coming my way. This is one of those things, and I appreciate that you’ve written this. Rest assured, you have reached at least one person with this article. Thank you!

By: Artist Contracts: She Broke the Rules — Art Biz Blog

Artist Contracts: She Broke the Rules — Art Biz Blog — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:04:33 +0000

[...] time you run into a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to take action and be the “maverick.” Use your best judgment along with carefully justified reasoning to [...]

By: Patricia C Vener

Patricia C Vener — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:48:43 +0000

It also helps to not take every action that comes before you. In other words, limit oneself to only a few actions, see them to their conclusions – or at least long enough to figure out if they are effective – and not stop and start something new every time something shiny appears.

That said, getting started is often the hardest part of any project for which one has made the necessary large emotional commitment. Is it fear of failing or fear of succeeding?

By: Katherine

Katherine — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:13:10 +0000

Wow! Too bad the people that need to read this won’t find it. I think people are afraid of making mistakes and choose to do nothing. Learn from it!!

By: Jennifer Ressmann

Jennifer Ressmann — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:51:18 +0000

I tend to think this “lack of performance” is due to lack of belief. Believing it’s impossible – looking for that one little tidbit that’s going to say – yes, it’s possible, yes, others are doing it! Not just what society has fallen back on – that artist live in poverty and that’s all there is to it.

One way I find to believe in something is to do it – is to put on those shoes and get out there. Get to the table and paint, then buy an easel and more paints, working in small steps until you are an artist. Doing causes the belief, not just the other way around. And, not just studying it.

By: Margaret Wright

Margaret Wright — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:04:34 +0000

Very good advice. One of the things that has stuck with me most firmly from the GO class is (to paraphrase) that a system does not get you organized. USING the system is what works. The same thing applies to marketing.

One problem is that there is SO MUCH information out there and I tend to read it all. Most of it is duplicative but every once in a while someone will have a different slant or an idea I haven’t seen before and it throws me into a tizzy, not knowing how to incorporate it with the stuff I already know, but may or may not be doing. But, true confessions here, the real problem is that if I would just go ahead and do all the stuff I know I should be doing, I wouldn’t have either the time or the need to keep reading! And, yes, Alyson, your book/blog/classes are the basic foundation of my plan — anything else gets compared to that for usefulness!

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:41:14 +0000

Rebecca: I getcha. I find myself doing it, too. I have to make myself slow down, read the content and then say, “I think I know this.” The harder part is making sure I’m doing it.

Brad: He was onto something. And I’ve written about this before. It just seems like I need to post a reminder every 6 months or so.

Patricia: Love this: “Yes, action is scary, but not terminal.”

Lori: I agree. I’m a researcher myself. Note that the title includes the word “just.” Don’t JUST read it, but do it.

Donna: Thanks!

By: Donna Branch

Donna Branch — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:44:28 +0000

This is why i LOVE getting your advice! Period.

By: Photographers are Buzzing

Photographers are Buzzing — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:22:58 +0000

[...] Take Action! Don’t just read. Do! [...]

By: Lori Buff

Lori Buff — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:16:06 +0000

It’s actually a good idea to do some research before taking action but the action has to start sometime or the research will all be wasted. Continual research is still a good idea as it promotes growth but action is key. I know my pottery would not be as successful as it is without my continual pursuit to promote it and reach new audiences.