A couple of days ago I participated at a meeting with other artists. The discussion navigated toward the topic of buying/ selling art when someone said:
“The reality is: only 4% of Canadian population buy original art.”
“That’s not the reality“, I replied, “that’s a statistic!”
I didn’t get into more details there, but what I’d like to point out here is how easy we create beliefs that are limiting us (without even becoming aware of this process!).
Statistics are based on data collected from a sample (statistical population) by a defined procedure. While they could give an idea of what’s going on, doesn’t mean they reflect accurately the reality!
1. If she really beliefs that’s the reality, she might get discouraged. That will diminish her willingness to take the right actions that could help her sell HER art! And guess what happens?! She won’t sell. Not because of the reality, but because of not doing (or not doing with enough enthusiasm) what she needs to do to sell her art!
2. Assuming that statistics reflect accurately 99.9% the reality, it was only the reality at that specific moment. How can she be sure that her art doesn’t fall into the category of the 4%, if she’s not trying to see what really is out there?
How can someone be so sure that his/her statement reflects accurately what’s happening in the world? There’s so much going on outside our perception!!!
Next time when you say “The reality is …”, check if you’re not kidding yourself! 🙂
(thus limiting your progress!)
Gabriela
ThoughtsDesigner.com
I think like you Gabriela, I put one foot forward into the unknown and what can happen? I trust that my work will be recognized if I just keep painting , get more accomplished gradually and keep risking. I don’t worry about anyone else’s reality. I just keep making my own. What the heck….I can fall on my face and then pick myself up and go forward. I create my own future.
Hi Karin,
Thanks for your comment! I like “I make my own reality”!
Since no one can know the whole reality, all we can do is focus on creating what ever we want, until the world will catch up with us. 🙂
Since we’re connected on facebook too, I know you do more than just painting: you’re also out in the community to show your paintings, talk to people, share your and others’ experiences … which helps increasing the visibility of your art, and people to see who you are! You’re definitively on the right track, helping the world catching up with you. 🙂
Gabriela