"Shoot for the moon.
Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
—Les Brown
Often when we're getting started, we aim low. We submit our work to the magazine that's small, unknown, and easy to get into. We enter contests that don't attract many entries so we'll have a better chance. We hang back when it's time to try for a promotion, preferring to stay in our comfortable, if completely dull, job. I don't mean to say we should never do that. It is nice to have some initial success and build our confidence. But at some point, we need to aim higher.
One of the most inspiring blog entries I've read recently is about an artist who wanted to take that next step in her career and have her printed collage sheets sold in stores. These were products that she had made and tested and were sitting idle for years. She set out to try for 100 Rejections in 100 Days. Two big name places she dreamed about being in for years said yes and are now carrying her work. She now has the confidence to continue approaching new places. (After you read her introductory post, you'll want to read the summary of her experiment on Day 100.)
When I was submitting regularly to magazines, I would identify my top market ("the moon"), the one that would make me swoon if I got in. Then I'd identify several other markets ("the stars") that I could submit to if the first one turned it down. This simple technique helped me publish many projects and articles. Now I'm inspired to try this method to find more shops to carry my cards and jewelry this year. (I'll admit, I do feel a little queasy at the idea of approaching shops, just like I used to feel when first submitting for publication.)
What's the one big, scary ("I'm not sure I'm ready") thing on your list? Is this year going to be the year?
Quotation source: Goodreads. This quote has also been attributed to Brian Littrell.
Pictured here: My motivational Moon Pendant has a handstamped message and tiny copper-plated moon and star charms.