The Art of Going Against the Flow

Are you ready to go against the flow?  This article is inspired by best-selling marketing guru, Seth Godin, author of The Icarus Deception.

Seth writes, “Play it safe. Listen to the experts. It was the perfect propaganda for the industrial economy. What boss wouldn’t want employees to believe that obedience and conformity are the keys to success?”

When you make the decision to go your own way, start a business, become an independent contractor, consultant or a freelancer, the adventure begins. It is an exhilarating experience, the day you take charge, look in the mirror and proclaim; “You’re fired!” In fact, you are fired; fired in a 1700 degree kiln and fashioned into a beautiful, carefully crafted, vessel of art. When you decide to take the road less traveled and not conform to others’ expectations, your entrepreneurial venture begins.  It’s the art of going against the flow.

At first, you’ll feel like a little fish in a big ocean of large whales when you’re swimming upstream, going against the flow of mediocrity and the status quo. Doing what you love is a creative process. Making your art requires vulnerability and the pain of perseverance. You must accept the inevitability that someone will not approve.  Pay no attention to negative criticism from those who don’t share your vision. They are the dream stealers and the rut-riders who will invariably attempt to hold you back, constantly reminding you; you can’t do this. Don’t listen to or believe your own critical self-talk and self-imposed confines and limitations, either. Stay focused on the refining process and the joy of making your art.

Art isn’t only a painting. Art is anything that’s creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates with the viewer, not only with the creator. –Seth Godin

Believe in your unlimited potential.  How will your art make a difference?  What connections and contributions will you make?  How will your art serve people, add value, or even set some of the willing captives free?  The workforce is imprisoned by an industrial age mindset, an institution that has shackled millions of worker bees who believe they must settle for less and conform, but that’s not you.  Why?  Because you woke up and you’re tired of apportioning your family and friends the scraps and leftovers of each day. You also know that the false security of a forty hour work week for forty years is a relic of the past, an industrial age myth.

Launching out into a new entrepreneurial venture will eventually require full-time attention.  But for now, just work quietly, and intentionally plot your escape. Believe in yourself, do the work, and your actions and experiences will tell an amazing story that will inspire and bring hope to others who need the courage to do the same.

Life outside the proverbial comfort zone puts YOU in control, liberated and free to contribute and connect with people and the causes you love. There are only self-imposed limits and there are huge rewards. Your decision is the point your life takes an upward turn. Get moving, go against the flow, take your steps to freedom.

Recommended reading: The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin  — Image credit “pastorderick.com”