The Art & Business Conflict

I’ve realized that I’m a professional artist.

I can’t sing. I can’t dance. I can’t play any musical instruments.

However, what I do have is a very strong desire to express myself through my work.

As a human being, I’m constantly learning about myself; what I’m good at, where I’m weak, what I’m passionate about, and what I want my life to mean. I have a desire to have my work align around all of these at all times.

Unfortunately, I’ve learned that this ‘art’ instinct can be detrimental to a growing company. If I’m honest with myself, the work that’s most necessary for the company to grow doesn’t always align with what I’d like to personally focus on.

This is a painful admission because I’ve spent a lot of the past 15 years focusing on pursuing my passion and encouraging others to do the same while subconsciously looking down at people who were working just for the pay check.

Passion is important. Money is important. Growing positive companies is important. Finding the intersection is critical, but it’s also messy and sometimes impossible.

How do you find the bullseye and keep it on a day-to-day basis in your life?