Persevere, Starving Artists

By Wes Annac, Editor, Openhearted Rebellion

We humans have an innate ability to flourish under extreme circumstances. It fascinates me. I love hearing about people who, with little hope and against all odds, keep going and finally succeed at making a living from their art, writing, or whatever they may be passionate about.

To me, these success stories serve as an example that anything is possible if you work hard and refuse to give up.

The idea that hard work equals success requires a disclaimer most fail to mention: you need a strong sense of dedication and faith in what you’re doing. The work must continue regardless of whether you feel inspired, as the first and most important step is to be present.

When I write, my inspiration (or lack thereof) doesn’t matter as much as the fact that I show up to do the work. Writing is always a slow process for me at first; rather than work because I feel inspired, I find inspiration in the act of working. Or maybe it finds me.

Inspiration seems to be a reward for showing up, but not something you should chase or depend on. If you do, then being without it can become just another reason not to try. Create regardless of whether you feel inspired. Your love for your work will eventually come out of hiding.

I’m inspired by the incredible stories of people who faithfully push through insanely difficult circumstances to create a better life.

Ignoring almost all of our history, which is filled with tales of unlikely success; the most inspiring modern “rags to riches” stories can make any small content creator or business owner wonder if they’re really giving it their all.

Most people who succeed at something they love had to seriously push their limits and persevere despite impossible odds. If they hadn’t, they would’ve remained obscure and struggled forever.

There is a reason these people soar to such successful heights. They earn it after years of hard work with no guarantee that it would ever pay the bills. At any time, they could’ve decided it wasn’t worth the trouble and quit. Instead, they kept pushing and found that that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.

It’s unfortunate that so many look down on the idea that hard work and perseverance can lead to success or even fulfillment. I may sound like some old capitalist trying to motivate a group of exploited workers, but this is exactly what some struggling creators need to hear.

I’ve learned that the mere existence of the internet – a digital space in which you can publish your content and potentially earn a living – does not guarantee you will thrive on here. Most of us know this, but the thought that one day we can earn a decent living through this work keeps us going regardless.

For many of us, the goal is not fame or fortune, but the ability to survive while doing what we love full-time. If I wanted to be rich or famous, I wouldn’t write about taboo topics in an age of online censorship.

We should be grateful for this digital space that gives us the ability to promote our work, but despite its existence, our success or failure depends on us. For any other small creators out there, I sincerely believe that no matter how much you struggle or how hopeless it may seem; you can succeed if you keep going.

Persevere, fellow starving artists, writers, and creators. Remember why you chose this fulfilling yet insanely unstable line of work. Sure, at times it can be stressful and induce anxiety. But at least it’s easier to survive now than it was before the internet gave us arguably the best outlet for getting our work to the masses.

In 2019, I think it’s possible for anyone with an internet connection to find some level of success doing what they love. You’ll stand out from the crowd if you can hone your craft and add a unique touch to your creations. It helps to remember in your darkest times that you should never stop chasing the light of financial stability through work that sets your soul on fire.

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Featured image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

About Wes Annac:

I’m a twenty-something writer & blogger with an interest in spirituality, love, awareness, activism, and other crazy stuff. I run Openhearted Rebellion – a blog dedicated to sharing wisdom and encouraging a revolution that begins in the heart.

I also run Canna Words – a blog in which I share some of my research and opinions on cannabis. There, I write about everything from legalization to hemp and the various ways people use the cannabis plant.

I’ve contributed to a few awesome websites that include Waking Times, Wake Up World, Golden Age of Gaia, and The Master Shift. I can be found on Facebook (facebook.com/wesannac, facebook.com/cultureofawareness) and Twitter (twitter.com/Wes_Annac, https://twitter.com/love rebellion)