Dynamic Dreamer ~ Art Weaver

I’ve never really thought about what it means to be “successful”. To me, it’s a concept loaded with complexities relative to time, place and personal philosophies. I think most would agree that success serves as a personal measuring device built on how we handle challenges and situations that test our fortitude and will. I don’t subscribe to the idea of “instant” success. That overused phrase is as flat and fleeting as a cup of tepid watered-down coffee. To me, success is something much deeper, richer, robust and full of vibrant life.

With all these thoughts of what success means percolating in my mind–especially during an era of uncertainty–I asked esteemed colleagues how they define it. The array of insightful responses delighted me. I was immediately struck by a collective motif of self-awareness: success is not necessarily a tangible measurement of material gains but rather, it is a state of mind. When most people hear the word “success”, they (at first anyway) may think fame and fortune; an alliteration fixed in the psyche. But monetary reward is not the defining element in these interesting reveries. Read on and judge for yourself. I hope that you derive much inspiration from these fabulous contributors who have created their own unique paths to success!

I've had this quote by the late actress Betty Davis hanging in my studio for years

Kris Waldherr, Author, Illustrator, and Designer

I define career success as the ability to make a good living creating publications which have meaning and integrity to me. The other part of my equation for success is that every project I take on should help me grow as an artist and as a human. I need to feel that I’m never stagnating with my work—that I’m constantly learning and evolving. And I think I have: my first job in publishing was as a children’s book illustrator and designer. (It shocks me to realize that this was over two decades ago.) Since then, I’ve expanded into writing and packaging gift books, creating iPhone apps, tarot decks, and so much more. And now my work has evolved into writing historical fiction, a whole new world. All of this progression feels organic, though if I’d known where I’d end up when I’d started out as a twenty year old, I’d be pretty surprised.

Lynn Araujo, PhD Director of Communications U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Early in my publishing career success meant setting and reaching goals. Success was measured by specific achievements, or the final product of my work. Now, it’s more about the way I work, and the integrity of the
process. I feel successful knowing that the energy I put into my creative projects comes back multi-fold as part of something bigger.

 

 

Barbara Moore, Author/Tarotist/Blogger, Acquisitions Llewellyn Publications

To me, it is imperative that everyone define it for themselves. And the definition, I bet, changes for people over time. I am successful because:

• I do what I love (mostly)

• I get to be creative in work and “work-related” things

• I feel like my peers know who I am and what I’ve done.

• I feel very recognized and valued by my peers.

• I love having some control over my earnings because I feel financial independence is empowering.

Brenda Parker, ATCL (Piano)/ LTCL(Piano)/ LTCL(Violin), Pianist/Educator

Success is a reward of overwhelming happiness you feel in your emotions after achieving your heart`s deepest desire. Like me or my students accomplishing playing a difficult piece of music fluently after studying it and practicing it a lot. I also feel successful when I feel like I have helped someone or an animal have a better life or managed to advise someone and help them overcome a difficult time in their life. Success the best way for me would be in a win win situation that has everyone involved happy. Success comes in many ways and many times in different forms.

Rebecca Zins, Senior Editor Llewellyn Publications

I think it’s a balance of internal knowing you done good and external reinforcement of that via others patting you on the head. Both have to be in place in order to truly feel successful.

 

 

Kort Kramer, Art Director PDI-SAT / Freelance Photographer

I think some form of recognition is a key component to “success”, but you have to feel happy with what you’ve accomplished otherwise it rings hollow. External validation is wonderful and monetary reward is always a plus, but what you think of yourself is the only true way to lasting happiness. If you feel you’ve done something and done it well, then you can move on to the next goal with a clear mind and not need further reinforcement. Fame is ephemeral, but true success is your lasting mark upon this world, whether it comes from creating masterpieces of art to raising your children to be good people.

 

 

Mickie Mueller, Owner The Mickie Mueller Collection, Author / Artist

Doing what you love and being happy while being able to pay the bills and have a little left over for some fun.  Just getting out there and taking a chance on yourself makes you a success. Taking that big leap of faith is something that everyone who ever found success had to do, they might have been scared to do it, but they just did it anyway. You have to dream it first, and then of course you have to do it, believe it and make it happen!

Thank you everyone who generously took time to contribute to this post.  More to come so stay tuned!

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In Hunt-Kramerville news:
Valentine’s Day Fun

~ Lisa

Tags: inspiration, journey, Lisa Hunt, satisfaction, success, transform, Valentine's Day

This entry was posted by lisahuntart on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 8:50 AM and is filed under Family, Inspiration, Life Lessons, tarot. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.