Drop the Anchors - Get with the Motors
Have you noticed that the people you look to for support and encouragment in your career sometimes have the opposite effect on you?
I have. Many people- even ones with good intentions- are lacking understanding about artists and what motivates us to do art.
They feel that art is only a “hobby“.
They think that art is not a serious career.
They warn you about negative consequences as if to prepare you for inevitable failure, and ‘paint’ (ouch) a frightening picture of what will happen if you don’t “get a real job“.
My favorite marketing coach brings some clarity to the doubt and fear that surrounds us as dedicated artists.
From her weekly newsletter Art Marketing Action, Alyson B. Stanfield writes:
Get With The Motors
“THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE — ANCHORS AND MOTORS.
You want to lose the anchors and get with the motors because the motors are going somewhere and they’re having more fun. The anchors will just drag you down.”
–Wyland, marine artist
Ain’t that the truth?! Success is hard enough when you’re working on your own. Who needs anchors that get in the way?
Everyone comes across anchors, which might be disguised as a friend, acquaintance, or a family member. They’re the ones who express doubt: “Now, Sally, don’t expect too much from this show. The economy is really bad and this is your first exhibit.” Or, “That’s a great hobby you have, but I don’t know anyone who is making a living as an artist.”
The motivation behind the anchors is perplexing. Are they jealous of your creative freedom? Do they always walk around with a black cloud over their heads? Or are they just buying into the stereotypes and trying to “save” you from the hard life of an artist? Regardless, they seem to be self-centered and oblivious to your serious pursuits.
In my Art Marketing Action Circles, we use Jack Canfield’s book “The Success Principles” as a basis for our discussions. His 25th Principle is “Drop Out of the ‘Ain’t it Awful’ Club… and Surround Yourself with Successful People.” He says, “Avoid toxic people,” continuing: “You’re better off spending time alone than spending time with people who will hold you back with their victim mentality and their mediocre standards.
“Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive, nourishing, and uplifting people–people who believe in you, encourage you to go after your dreams, and applaud your victories. Surround yourself with possibility thinkers, idealists, and visionaries.”
Canfield also notes, “You become like the people you spend time with.” What would you rather be? An anchor? Or a motor?
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The anchors will drag you down. |
| THINK ABOUT THIS | Who in your life is an anchor? |
| DO THIS | Get with the motors. Set boundaries with the anchors in your life. If you don’t, if you allow their negativity to get to you, you compromise your personal and professional growth. People will take as much power from you as you will give them. Setting boundaries with close friends and family isn’t easy, but you have to start. |
Read more on becoming successful and marketing yourself as an artist at:
Copyright © 2006 Alyson B. Stanfield. All rights reserved.
I encourage all artists to sign up for her weekly newsletter!
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