October 3, 2005

Saying no. It isn't easy. We have so many people who want our time, opinions, art, writing, assistance, etc. We want to make them all happy. We want to please them.

But, as it turns out, dropping your priorities at a moment's notice doesn't serve you in the long run. Changing your focus because someone else wants something just makes you more frustrated--at yourself for doing it and at the other person for asking you to do it in the first place. Sure, the new task may be easier than other things you have on your to-do list, but it gets you off track.

Many people will take as much as they can from you without a second thought. If you keep giving and giving, you have no reason to be upset at anyone but yourself. But if you set firm boundaries, they will know when and where you can help and when and where you draw the line.

Janet wrote me after last week's newsletter about promoting your Web site. In it, I listed 13 ways I promote my site. Under #1, I wrote, " I have this weekly newsletter that *supposedly* contains information that helps you with your art career."

Janet questioned, quite rightly, my use of the word "supposedly." She asked, "I feel a bit stupid spending any time here now, is there any info for me?"

Wow! Did she catch me! Self-confidence is the #1 asset a person in business for him or herself can have. My response revealed an obvious error. Read about how I should have written this, how it pertains to you, and why this is so critical: http://www.artbizblog.com

Read the entire newsletter from last week at http://www.artbizcoach.com/dothis/promoteyoursite.shtml