Feeling Lost? Find purpose with an Artist’s Anthem.
What is it that drives the artists/writers/musicians/etc. you idolize to get so much shit done?
Successful people like to say it’s innate talent or 10,000 HOURS OF HARD WORK AND EFFORT AND SPIT AND GRIT AND… AND… AND… HARD WORK!
But you work hard. Or at least, you’ve given it a hell of a good shot.
So why are you not getting the results they are?
The Secret to Getting Shit Done
I know that headline is a big promise… But this really is the secret.
Behind every successful person is a mission. We call it the “artist’s anthem” because that sounds cooler than “mission statement.”
It’s a simple purpose that drives all of their creative output.
It’s like that famous phrase, “Shoot for the moon! At least you’ll end up among the stars.”
You’ve got to figure out what YOUR moon is.
Otherwise, you might be putting in all the “hard work” in the world…
And you’ll still be stuck on the ground.
A Simple Formula
You need to know what you’re aiming at. Then, you can direct all of your creative energy toward it. Soon, you’ll see you’re making progress and having an impact.
It’s simple to do. Easy as 1-2-... You get the idea.
Pick a Problem.
How are you the Solution?
What will the world look like when you’ve kicked that problem’s ass?
Let’s walk through these steps together.
What’s the Problem?
First, you need a problem to solve.
It’s got to be a big one.
Like, WORLDWIDE big.
And it’s got to piss you off. When you think about this problem, it should leave you fuming.
It bothers you. You rant to your friends about it.
Not like “I want a jet ski but I don’t have a jet ski” ranting.
It’s heroic. Something you’re going to save the world from.
It’s got to be that epic, or it won’t motivate you.
Pick a problem with these characteristics:
It affects the world
It really, really pisses you off
First, pick the problem. Don’t worry about how you’re going to solve it.
Feeling steamed up? Good. Once you’ve got the problem nailed down, we can figure out how YOU in particular are the one to solve it.
How Are You the Solution?
(Cue Liam Neeson voice) Now you’re going to look at your particular set of skills.
How will what you do in particular solve the problem?
Let’s look at a few examples…
Comedian
“People are too close-minded…
...So I’ll make jokes that show other perspectives in a fun way.”
Musician
“Too many hearts stay broken for too long…
… I’ll make uplifting music that helps people move on.”
Writer
“Kids don’t really read hard books anymore…
… I’ll write action-packed, attention-grabbing books that challenge readers.”
For every problem, art can be the solution.
If you’re not really sure how your skills can be the solution…
Consider the following:
How can you bring attention to your cause?
What about your art brings people together?
Think about the solution to the problem, outside of your work. Then, think about how your work can accomplish it.
If you’re still struggling with how your skills can fix the problem most important to you, comment below and we’ll work through it together.
But if you’ve got your solution in the bag, let’s move on to the real motivation in the anthem.
When you solve this problem, what will happen to the world?
What Will the World Look Like?
The last part is the most fun. This is the day-dreamy part.
Let’s say you have finally cured the world of the ailment we decided on in Part 1.
(Yeah, it might never happen, especially since you picked such a big problem. BUT this is where we really get an idea of the moon we’re aiming for.)
Let’s say the issue is 100% off your to-do list.
How does that change things?
What happens in the glorious new era you have birthed?
Really put it into visual terms, whatever is most evocative for you.
Let’s take a look at our examples from earlier…
Comedian
“People are too close-minded…
...So I’ll make jokes that show other perspectives in a fun way…
… People will be more accepting, more loving, and there will be less hate in the world.”
Musician
“Too many hearts stay broken for too long…
… I’ll make uplifting music that helps people move on…
… Tears will dry quicker, and those who felt crushed by sadness will get up and sing again.”
Writer
“Kids don’t really read hard books anymore…
… I’ll write action-packed, attention-grabbing books that challenge readers…
… So kids will have fun while learning and be smarter, more empathetic citizens!”
Give yourself a picture of the gold at the end of the rainbow.
There! You did it. You wrote a very nice and inspiring anthem.
Now what the hell do you do?
How to Use the Artist’s Anthem
Just putting the statement together and writing it out is actually going to have a big impact on your life.
You finally put into words how you can do good with your art. You’ve found your purpose.
What do you do with it now?
Use it.
Refer to your anthem when considering new projects. Does the project move your purpose forward? If not, say, “No.” (Scary, I know, but it feels soooo good.)
When generating ideas, start from the anthem. What can you make that will help your goal? Let it inspire you.
Make it your mantra. If you’re feeling down or looking to quit, recite it. Put it up on your monitor. Sticky-note it to your guitar. Get a dang tattoo of it on your palm (lol don’t tho). Make sure you see it and you say it OUT LOUD when you feel like giving up.
It’s your guiding star, your roadmap, and your destination, all in one.
It’s the thing you were meant to do, and only you can do.
It’s what the world needs.
Thank You, In Advance
I’m so excited to hear your Anthem and what you’re going to do to put it into action.
Comment below with your Anthem and any questions you have!
Need Extra Help in Your Battle to Make Stuff?
Download our 21 Creativity Killers (and How to Fight Back).
It’s an easy guide to figuring out exactly what’s holding you back from your full creative potential.
Plus, it’s got an Action Plan Template. That way you not only diagnose the problem, we help you pull the proverbial nail out of your foot and get back out on the road to making stuff.