Do you ever feel as though your life is like being in a boat without a rudder and at the mercy of the winds? Being unemployed or underemployed does not help.

You must keep your head above water. Stay away from the rocky shoreline and keep the boat afloat with positive storytelling to yourself about yourself, even if you have tried all the traditional advice and still can’t find work or clients. You’re losing your confidence and unsure if this is the right path for you. Don’t feel sorry for yourself, even if you feel as if your ship is sinking fast. Keep bailing and hang on. If you feel like grabbing a life vest and want to take a grab at getting a ‘real job’ – DON’T

This is the moment of truth. This choice, whether to hang in there and stick it out or hang your head and sell out is crucial. Get your sorry rear in gear and paddle your boat if you have to. Let it fuel you. Go ahead. Get mad. Life is not fair, I know. And you aren’t the only one out there in the turbulent sea. Others before you have come through the storms of life, battered but intact. They captained their ships with the belief they would survive and make it to  paradise. You can do it too.

What sinks ships? The ‘if they find me out’ syndrome. Feeling like a fraud is one way to capsize a creative career. You must believe you deserve good things, and enjoy them when they come. The greater the artist, the greater the doubt, perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as consolation prize.  Cut yourself some slack.

Maybe youŕe on  course but moving a little slower than you’d like. Maybe you should change course and head for a different destination. It isn’t easy, but you  must change to grow. You can do it. You must do it.  Cut out the catastrophizing and what – if – ing and get on with the work at hand. Everything will be fine. It almost always is. Stop freaking out, make a plan and start putting your plans into action. Pay attention to where you are now and where you want to go. That’s what is important.