Mindset
The Importance of a Positive Mindset {Approx 5 to 7-minute read}
Every creative has faced challenges regarding their skills or levels of creativity at some point. Entire books have been written on the subject. I (Simon) have certainly struggled and from time to time still do with negativity, whether it's impostor syndrome, creative blocks, or even existential dread. We’re just specks of dust in the vast expanse of space and time after all, but I digress.
Unofficial sponsor of galaxy chocolate and coke zero, Rebecca Carpenter
Over the years, I’ve discovered that a positive mindset is the cornerstone of any successful creative endeavour. It shapes how you approach challenges, view opportunities, and persist in the face of setbacks. Our friend and unofficial sponsor of galaxy chocolate and coke zero, Rebecca Carpenter, who is also a well-known wedding photographer, shared on the podcast, "I think the most important thing for me has been to stay positive and focus on what I can control." This focus on positivity allows you to navigate the ups and downs of the creative industry with resilience. She added, "There are so many factors outside of our control, especially in the wedding industry. Focusing on what we can control keeps us grounded and proactive."
Rebecca's experience highlights that the foundation of any successful business is rooted in the mindset of its owner. Her journey and the growth of her business have been significantly influenced by her ability to maintain a healthy and positive mindset. This perspective is not just about staying optimistic but involves a deeper, more actionable approach to challenges and opportunities alike.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear One recurring theme in Rebecca’s conversation is the battle against self-doubt and fear. She candidly shares her moments of uncertainty, especially when making significant business decisions like turning down bookings to aim for higher-end clients. This level of transparency is vital, as it underscores that even seasoned professionals face these challenges. The key takeaway is not to let these fears paralyse you but to use them as a catalyst for growth. Rebecca states,
“The most common thing that comes up in coaching sessions is mindset. Every single time. It’s about changing your mindset and having a healthy mindset.”
This reinforces the idea that personal belief and confidence in one’s abilities are crucial.
Rebecca offered several practical steps to cultivate a positive mindset during our conversation:
Self-Belief: It’s essential to believe in your skills and value. Whether it's increasing your pricing or taking on new types of projects, self-belief acts as a foundation. “You need to know your worth and believe in your talents,” she emphasises.
Embrace Change and Challenges: Rather than seeing challenges as roadblocks, view them as opportunities for growth. Rebecca shares how she continually invests in her portfolio through workshops and styled shoots, which not only enhance her skills but also keep her inspired and creative.
Surround Yourself with Positivity: The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your mindset. Rebecca speaks about the importance of networking and learning from other professionals. Attending workshops and retreats not only boosts your skills but also connects you with like-minded individuals who can offer support and inspiration.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: Maintaining a positive mindset also involves taking care of your mental health mentioning how she balances her hectic work schedule with downtime, spending quality time with family, and engaging in activities that help her relax and rejuvenate.
More than hippie-dippie
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More than hippie-dippie 〰️
Rebecca touches on the concept of manifestation, which she believes is often misunderstood as merely "hippie-dippy." Instead, she frames it as a form of visualisation and goal-setting. By clearly defining what you want to achieve and visualising success, you create a mental roadmap that guides your actions and decisions.
A positive mindset doesn’t just benefit your personal well-being; it has tangible impacts on your business. Rebecca’s approach to maintaining positivity has helped her attract the right clients, make better business decisions, and deliver exceptional work consistently. She recounts stories where her mindset directly influenced the outcome of her projects, such as convincing clients to trust her vision and taking creative risks that paid off.
The importance of a positive mindset in the wedding photography and filmmaking industry cannot be overstated. Rebecca Carpenter’s experiences and insights offer a powerful testament to how cultivating a positive mindset can lead to significant personal and professional growth. By believing in yourself, embracing challenges, surrounding yourself with positivity, and practising mindfulness, you can navigate the ups and downs of the industry with resilience and grace.
Wanting To Take Action?
Reflect on your current mindset: Identify any negative thought patterns and work on shifting them to a more positive outlook. I tried journaling to do this during particularly difficult times, but if this sort of self-reflection isn’t for you, try meditation or even coaching. During Photography Farm’s Thrive 24, I jumped into a coaching session with Zoe Alexandra Yoffe. It turned out I had some unresolved father issues leading to an inability to trust any direction I wanted to take in business. Did I know this prior to the coaching session? Absolutely not! Did I ugly cry in front of the others in the group? Oh yes!
+ Business Coach & Mentor
+ Award-Winning Wedding Photographer
+ 7-figure Serial Entrepreneur
+ 'Make Your Break' Podcast Show Host
+ Founder of the Wedding Photography Summit
+ Co-founder of Vegan Clothing Label 'noskin'
-Jai Long
Set clear, achievable, or even unrealistic goals: Visualise your success and create a plan to achieve it. Unrealistic goals? "
“Now everyone that I’ve ever met that’s really successful in any way, they’ve always said the biggest regret that I’ve ever had is I always played small. And even when I thought I was playing big, it was just always small. Small plans mean small results. And, um, you know, small actions, small goals, like all those things. In my personal opinion, if you’re not, you know, setting yourself unrealistic goals and pushing yourself, I think you’re doing yourself an injustice.”
Invest in your growth: Attend workshops, seek mentorship, and continually improve your skills…. And keep listening to the podcast!
Prioritise self-care: Ensure you take time to relax and recharge, balancing work with personal well-being.
By implementing these strategies, you can harness the power of a positive mindset to transform your business and your life.
If you found this blog helpful, consider joining us on YouTube and Instagram @perspectivebycinemate and feel free to reach out for support. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue creating awesome work!
Stay positive, keep creating and in the meantime… ENJOY YOUR LIFE!
Simon
Cinemate
