Adapt, Quit or Evolve

As owners of a small business in a creative industry, Emma and I have felt the need to adapt, quit or evolve over and over again. It's not always easy to make these changes, but it's so important. When you look at any artist, designer or brand that you admire, chances are you will notice quite a bit of evolution throughout their career. On the flip side, refusing to adapt, quit or evolve can seriously hurt a designer or brand—or even ones personal growth. Forward motion is the goal. Let's talk about a few ways to nurture forward motion. 

Adapt

Times change. Industries change. Blogging is one of the most severe examples I've experienced. When I started my blog I didn't have any professional ambitions for it whatsoever. It was just for fun. A few years in, opportunities arose and things slowly changed over time. This blog used to be a small personal blog, no staff, no planning, just my hobby. This blog could not be what it is today (our full time jobs) if I had not been willing to allow it to adapt to changing interests and grow into something different. Change is hard and sometimes scary. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. We've adapted to so many changes over the years, most noticeably our own changing interests. We have found ways to to make this blog really really fun to write every day. I think our readers would know if we didn't enjoy what we do and right now we are enjoying it more than ever. It's important to always find ways to adapt your creative work so that you can truly love what you do.

Quit

Growing up it was often emphasized to finish what you start. Follow through. Quitters never win. And I do agree that this is a super important life lesson. But now that we are older I think it takes a certain amount of wisdom to know when it's the right time to quit. Quitting is never easy, but sometimes it's an important next step. We're all humans with only so much time and so many resources. It's up to you to make sure that you are making the most of what you have. In the past I have realized that I was wasting a lot of time and energy on projects. Even though I really enjoyed some of these projects I try to make most of my decisions based on the big picture of what is healthy for my business, my creative side and my family. Sometimes I have to quit things. It can feel disappointing. Others might even say they are disappointed in your decision. It's hard, but it's worth it. Have you ever had this experience? Is there something in your life that is taking too much time or energy without much return? Make sure that your pursuits are still fulfilling a need or a passion in your life. 

Evolve

From time to time I come to a point with my creative work where I suddenly feel dissatisfied. For example, I realize that my photos could be way better or that my designs need freshening up. This is a normal, healthy way to feel. We all naturally evolve as we grow up, have new experiences and our values change based on where we are at in life (or who we are with). When you feel like you need these changes try to spend time really thinking about what those changes should be. Don't just throw out everything. Choose what needs an update, a makeover or a small change and what doesn't. Evolving is more than just starting over (and over and over). Evolving is making the small changes needed to improve the big picture. Healthy evolution is all about seeing the good in what you have or where you are and finding ways to improve on it. 

Those are just a few of my personal experiences. None of these changes are easy, but being active and open to evaluating things and moving forward will add so much positive energy to your work. I promise! xo. Elsie

Comments

[Elizabeth Lewis]

These are all so true. Thanks for sharing.
Change can be so hard sometimes, especially if it seems scary and/or difficult. But I also think changing and adapting is SO necessary.
Love your blog.
Liz
http://liz-makes.blogspot.com/

[Alice {sweet dreamer}]

I really like what you said about quitting. Sometimes it takes a lot of strength to admit that you've reached the end of line with something and you can't evolve any further on that path – then not feel guilty about pulling the plug. Great post. I'm so glad I found this blog of yours! x

[Kasia]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Hopefully I still feel like evolving:)

Cheers!

[Katie Estelle]

In college, I had to quit being a part of a research project with one of my professors. It was a big decision and at the time I was struggling with feelings of letting him down and not following through with what I'd started. I was surprised when he took it well and appreciated me doing some deep reflecting and realizing I was being spread too thin.

On the evolve front, I'm constantly in motion when it comes to making things better: my bedspread/pillow layout, the pictures on my wall, my hair, my makeup, my blog layout.

Thanks for this post. I like reading about others' creative processes!

[Layne]

Thanks for this inspiration - it's so true, after graduating from uni and starting full time work I found it very hard to carry on with my art work or to make time for anything creative. It's only recently that I've realised the importance of making sure my pursuits are fulfilling and allowed myself the confidence to evolve. Great positive tips :)

[lindsay]

You posted this at the perfect time! I'm so feeling the need to shake things up creatively. When I find myself bored in my own studio, I know it's time to reassess what I'm doing. Glad to know this happens to even the most creative types.

[Charlie Cécile]

I started my blog a few days ago after debating for months and months. I didn't want to make something that I wasn't proud of. But everything you're saying makes total sense. I just needed to get it going and evolve/adapt as time goes on. Thanks for the advice!

xo Charlie
http://charliececile.blogspot.com/

[Catherine Denton]

I needed to hear this today, Elsie. I've been evolving with my art and felt like I was betraying my old ways of doing it. But this post encouraged me that the direction I'm moving is right. Thank you.
http://catherinedenton.com

[Elisa]

Very interesting post, but a difficult question remains, when do you know whether to adapt, quit or evolve?

Elisa - Wandering Minds fashion
ourwanderingminds.com

[Keri-Anne]

What a wonderful post. I have just experienced this and ended up exporting my personal blog over to my photography buisness url blog and carry on blogging there as personal and buisness and see where it takes me. I feel a huge sense of relief from doing it and i know i needed to do it x

[Juliette Laura]

Very Inspirational. I'm only in college, but I am certainly thinking about careers and what my passions are. This post definitely gives me motivation to work my hardest. Thank You!

xoxo
juliette laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com/

[Rachel]

It is definitely hard to admit that you should quit, but its good because then you can focus more time on what you are great at.

[Holly]

Great post. I love the reminder that sometimes, it is ok to quit. The key is to keep your passions close even as they change.

Thank you for the reminders today.

Holly
http://notdonegrowing.blogspot.com/

[ellen]

this was very cool to read, great post. Thanks for sharing how to stear your life through your creativity and work. Super helpful

http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/

[*karen]

Thank you for writing this. I beat myself up a lot for quitting. Perhaps I just need to look at things in a different (read: more positive) light. Keep adapting, quitting, or evolving :o)

[Tiffiny]

Really needed to read this, and I love how you approached this universal feeling for all of us-creative-types. We are all so hard on ourselves. Thank you. <3

[Chamee Pecson]

Thank you so much for this inspiring post. I just recently discover your blog, and followed it after I got hooked with almost every post. You may not know this but this post is like God's whisper to me, and He made you as an instrument. I'm currently in a difficult crisis right now, and this post just came on time. This will be my mantra from now on: Adapt, Quit, Evolve. Life goes on. Thanks a lot.

xoxo, Chamee
Check out PIXELS AND TALES!

[Scames]

Great words of advice xx

[Carlee]

I love this! I love when you talk about the business aspects of things and it is really inspiring for people like me.!
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/

[Clare]

This really spoke to me... I've been doubting myself a lot lately, and feeling like I want to give up with everything. Photography, blogging, being healthy.. You just have to keep pushing and find different ways to be inspired and motivated! Thank you (:

xo, Clare
http://thewanderingelefant.blogspot.com/