How I Used A Back-to-School Mindset to Kick-Start A Big Dream

Last updated on July 8th, 2022 at 02:52 pm

I read a statistic the other day that shocked me.

Did you know that back-to-school shopping now ranks second only to Christmas as the highest consumer spending time in the year?  It’s like a big holiday.

I’m convinced the Hallmark back-to-school card will be out soon.

Even with all the hype, I think the back-to-school mindset is helpful to kickstart your big dream.

Why? You get yet another chance to start fresh.

Last year was last year.  It’s not a do-over situation, you have day one to start with.  There is a lot written about the psychology of starting–with any dream, school, job, or project.  If you are stuck, let the excitement, awareness, clarity, and energy in–and use it to move ahead.

It’s a perfect time for new supplies.

Back to school shopping for your dream, what could be more perfect?  As a freelance photographer, little things like new lens cloths, photo paper, memory cards, and protective filters are small but necessary investments.

Local small businesses with higher-end stuff usually discount this time of year to stay competitive.  The deals are out there, so go shopping.

Teachers and resources are everywhere.

If you feel all alone in your dream process, open your eyes.  There is help all around you.  Teachers don’t have to be credentialed class instructors in a brick-and-mortar building.

Join a Meetup group and learn from your peers.  Head to the bookstore and sit in your dream section for motivation and new ideas.  Take a field trip or two with your dreams and re-commit to the things you feel are important. Search videos on YouTube.

When was the last time you thought about your dreams? Are you on track with the goals you have set for yourself?  Do you have the resources, support, and supplies you need to make it through the year?

Honestly, I ignored looking at my freelance photography goal sheet for a while, thinking it would feel de-motivating to see stuff on the list not checked off.  But once I did, I saw that the goals around my in-demand freelance photographer dreams for this year are pretty much on track, but I still have a lot of work to do between now and the end of the year.

3 Things I’ll do:

1. Review what I’ve done and make a plan for the goals still in progress.  I’m a big ‘put it on paper’ person – are you?

2. Find a challenge. It’s easy to hide in my own dream. Finding a photo challenge or contest will keep me seen.

3 Do something once a day that relates to my dream. Right now, I do things related to my freelance photography dream when I can find time, and that isn’t helpful.  Creating a habit around a little bit each day will be better for me in the long run.

Start with just one thing. one small step.

Remy Gervais

Remy Gervais is a freelance photographer in the Northern California wine country and a Senior Business Coach at E-Myth International.