In today’s time, we have the luxury of social media to help us get started on a dream hobby or business while we continue our day jobs that pay most of the bills.

Prior to SLC, I was also working full-time as a Project Manager shortly before I was asked to leave due to Covid. In the few months of working from home, I actually carved out time to practice my drawings. Honestly, it was the best season I get to drift between a job and what I was actually trying to explore.

Having said that, in those months, my social life was cut. I was spending more time alone. However, the reach on social media definitely helped me to grow an audience with friendships that blossoms to this day.

I must say, 2023 is tougher to get around only on social media with the massive changes these platforms are conveying. As a single-handed artist, I am feeling the weariness too. Yet, more often too GRATEFUL for the community that keeps encouraging me.

Be it 1 or 5 years of growing your business.
Pace, don’t race in this hopping year.

My attention is to those who have been wishing they could do the same. These are some general points to get you started. Eventually, the choice is yours. Working full-time is equally hard compared to working for yourself. The truth is there is no easier way out of this unsatisfying life you are experiencing unless you fully accept who you are becoming.

1. MINDMAP the possibles

Start a mindmap. Map out all the possibilities. Where you want to be, will be the direction to get you started. Do you want to get better for fun? Relaxation? Do you hope to become a professional illustrator/artist/creative one day? Do you hope to create a stream of healthy income from doing what you enjoy?

From here, start practicing and taking your skills up a level. Consistency is really important. Like working out, you don’t build muscles quickly if you have long gaps in between. You can learn to cook the basics but to become professional, you have to want to increase your proficiency. This takes the initiative to learn and practice. And I believe it is worth it!

FUN FACT: I became interested in Procreate after casually exploring the app. As I started researching Procreate, I begin seeing an opportunity with it. In 2019, I purchased a secondhand iPad, and just like that my journey as a self-taught Procreate Artist; flexing my muscles every day.

← My first mindmap for SLC

2. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO SHINE

“There was a hesitation before I was brave to share my artwork. It took me some time to convince myself that sharing is for me to be vulnerable.”

I am not calling out pride to override but when you give yourself permission, you are then able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Giving yourself permission to shine, has its danger. You may have to face criticism. Your sense of security will be tested. Your mind for positivity may crumble. But the good part is character building. A growth mindset to shine on allows this hidden glory in you to come through. Your talent shall not be wasted.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

3. Start now; change later

To keep perfecting, one has to die to her own knowledge. This is way better than being perfectly ready. When I started SLC, I came forth as if I knew everything but the truth. I didn’t know what am I doing most of the time. All I did was take it slow, one day at a time to complete the task in front of me. I made mistakes and readjust. It is quite true when one says, “Fake it til you Make it.” This imitation of confidence, competence, and an optimistic mindset was what curated SLC.

Fact: Even AI has gone through trials and bad results.

Done better than perfect

This world is constantly changing as we weave into trends and colors of the year. Looking back, I still wish I started sooner, but it is okay to start now than never. My sentiments were clear, at least I tried. Here are two photos, side by side of how luxury obsolete with time. I don’t think Gen Z will ever get to experience how Bottega Veneta actually existed 50 years ago.

While we can control certain times, we can let the rest take its course with time. That’s how the universe works. Time is for us, not against us. Start making use of the time that was made for you. We cannot stop time from leaving but we can start living it.

You don’t always need the right tools to start. Pick up what you have and just start! Here’s my Instagram feed from 2020 →

I believe SLC is going to keep getting better. You can read here to understand how I made the shift with that invested mid-way.

4. DO NOT COMPARE.

Envy and comparison is the thief of joy. The Bible has more to say about an envious heart. My favorite verses to meditate on is, James 3: 13~ 18

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

When you carry enviousness in your heart, you won’t be able to develop healthy relationships with people. Jealousy is always an unhealthy response, it overwhelms our emotions and insecurities. As an entrepreneur or a person in general, this will only end up revengeful. Showing kindness and being about to freely share your gains without feeling competed. I think that makes you competent.

5. DO IT Fearlessly

Yes, my friend, feel the fear and do it anyway. Similarly, when I first went on a snowboarding trip, I was so fearful. Every day leading up to the trip, I was worried. Thankfully my husband was encouraging and he has always been the fearless one.

After the first hour of trusting the trainer, I felt that I had to give my life to him. I remembered I was holding onto his hands and not letting them go. Soon, I was able to control the board on my own. He challenged us to go up another level after we completed the baby slopes. Guess what, today I just want to keep going! Right after I knew I could, I just can’t stop! I’m so glad I did not respond to the fear but instead, I faced it and finished strong.

Having said that, on the 3rd year of the trip, I fell quite badly. But it did not stop me from coming back strong. Over a year of recovery, I took up pilates to strengthen my injured body. Soon, I was on the slopes again!

Life is a journey your story is yours to tell. Whether you’ve pursued, pursuing, or procrastinating, this is your story to own. I pray that this dream of yours will find its way through the highs & lows, and the impossible.

Closing with this book and may you find it encouraging. Follow the rest of the podcast channel for inspiring books to keep you going.