Dr. J, Building a Body of Work and Going Pro
"Warhol Art in a Can" from jelene
I recently visited a friend who makes his living as a painter. There are paintings, sketches and other signs of his work throughout his house. Art in various stages of development is everywhere. He has built a large body of work that continues to grow every day. I was so impressed with evidence of his efforts. Once he gets his website back online, I’ll add a link to his work. (The Warhol can isn’t Micheal’s, I just thought it was cool.)
I would like to think that the reason I’ve let my blog become stale is because I am the parent of a young toddler or that my work responsibilities have increased now that the economy is less frightening than it was in 2009. While I have reached the time consuming “goaltender” stage of fatherhood and work has become more involved, the real reason is a lack of discipline.
It’s hard to keep sustained effort going on a blog (or a novel or a new business idea) when it’s easy to let the status quo dominate your day.
Right after visiting my artist friend, I also encountered the following quote from Julius Erving (Dr. J to basketball fans): “Being a professional is doing the things you love on the days you don’t feel like doing them.”
Dang Doc. That’s kind of sums it up.
So…I need to start blogging again. A lot. Even when I don’t really feel like it. Because that’s what professionals do.
