We all have thought patterns we fall into from time to time. Things like self-doubt, procrastination, perfection are all classics for many creatives. One might say we even indulge–or over-indulge–in some of these emotions to our own detriment.

Because while we can’t prevent ourselves from feeling the whispers of these emotions, letting them linger too long ultimately hurts our energy and creativity.

So in this episode, Lisa is sharing how she’s learned to break free from indulging in negative emotions and the positive impact it’s had in her life and career.

 Let’s dive in!

What’s in this episode:

• [00:30] How I’ve struggled with my identity as my life has changed in the past few years
• [03:08] What happens when we don’t get external validation for our work
• [05:46] What happens when you embrace being more than your job

Tune in to this episode for a little kick in the pants if you struggle with your identity outside of your work!

SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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Did this episode help you rethink the way you view your identity? Check out this episode Alter Egos: Discover You Super Hero Secret Identity with High Performance Coach Todd Herman

Transcript

[00:00:00] Hey friend, welcome to the art and soul show. I’m your host, Lisa DiGeso, a mom, a photographer and entrepreneur. Tune in here for pep talks, conversations, and advice on photography, creativity, mindset, business life, and that messy in between. This is the place where you can go when you need a boost of encouragement, a kick in the pants and inspiration to pick up your camera.

[00:00:24] This is the art and soul show. Hello, my lovely friend. Welcome back to the show. I am so glad you’re here. Now, today’s topic is one I have often struggled myself with. It’s about tying my work to my worth and even my identity as a photographer, specifically a booked full time photographer. Because as my life has shifted and I’m no longer working full time as a full time photographer, I find myself, I guess the best word to describe it would be grief and just having a bit of a hard time letting it go.

[00:00:58] Where my identity was [00:01:00] wrapped up so much in it. And it really, if I can share anything with you, it’s about how important it is that we extract our worth from our work and make them meaningful. individual, not dependent on each other because they really should be mutually exclusive and not dependent on each other.

[00:01:15] Now for creatives, especially photographers, it is so easy to slip into the trap of tying our self worth to how busy we are, how much we’re charging, or Or even how well our social media is performing, but really it can take a toll on us emotionally, mentally, creatively. Now, today we’re going to be unpacking the pitfalls of really linking your identity with your work.

[00:01:37] And more importantly, how to avoid it. I’ll also share why it’s essential to embrace being multifaceted. Having passions and hobbies and relationships beyond your photography, because here’s the truth. You’re more than just your job and your life gets to be joyful and messy and complex. Now, my friend, there is a trap of tying your identity to your work.

[00:01:59] [00:02:00] Photography is so personal, especially when you’re putting so much of yourself into your work. It’s so easy to think that How others respond to you reflects your worth as a person. Now, if you’ve ever thought, if people don’t book me, I must not be good enough. Or if I lower my prices, does that mean I don’t value myself?

[00:02:17] You know what I’m talking about? We’re living in a world that loves to measure everything. Followers, likes, income, awards. And it’s so easy to get sucked into this idea that success really is defined by numbers. But the truth is, it’s not. Your worth is not determined by external metrics, your value isn’t something that you earn, it’s something you inherently have.

[00:02:41] Now, Brene Brown puts it perfectly, worthiness does not have prerequisites. You are just as valuable on days when bookings are coming in slow or you’re not getting inquiries as you are when you are fully booked and you can’t answer all your inquiries fast enough. Now, how many inquiries you’re getting or how [00:03:00] popular you are in mummy groups, your worth doesn’t rise or fall with the algorithm, your pricing, or how well your last session was received.

[00:03:08] And now let’s be honest, Instagram and social media can really be a double edged sword. It’s amazing sometimes for connection and marketing, but it can also sort of feel like a never ending game of validation. Like every like and every comment can feel like a little confirmation that we’re on the right track.

[00:03:26] But what happens when that engagement’s not there? And that’s something I’ve been going through too. When you tie your worth to social media engagement, you give your power to an algorithm. And algorithms are not built to measure your heart. Your talent or even your creativity. They’re built to keep people scrolling.

[00:03:44] So you could post your most meaningful work, something you’re so proud of, and it doesn’t perform well, and it can feel like a huge blow to your ego. But remember, your work is no less valuable because it didn’t go viral. Social media really is just one [00:04:00] tiny little window into the world. It’s not a measure of your success or your worth.

[00:04:05] Now, another trap we often fall into is charging more. It doesn’t make you more valuable. And we’ve all heard the advice, charge what you’re worth. But the truth is your price does not define your value. Charging more doesn’t make you a better photographer and charging less doesn’t make you less talented.

[00:04:21] Your worth isn’t tied to your price tag. Yes, it’s important to set prices that align with your business goals and your financial needs and to have a sustainable business, but pricing is a business decision, not a reflection of your personal value. So whether you charge 500 or 5, 000 for a session, you’re still the same person.

[00:04:42] You’re worthy, you’re talented, and you’re enough. Now, when we’re feeling like we’re not enough, it’s so easy to also fall into that trap of overworking and you tell yourself, I’ll just take this one more client, I’ll deliver these faster so I’ll stay up to 2am or I’ll go above and beyond every single time and then maybe [00:05:00] I will feel successful.

[00:05:01] But the truth of the matter is, no matter the amount of work, it’s never going to make you feel like you’re enough if you don’t already believe it. You’re going to just keep moving that goalpost thinking the next project, the next client, or even the next milestone will finally bring that validation you’re craving, but it won’t.

[00:05:18] And you’re going to burn out in the process. Oh, my friend, believe me on this one, because it’s something that I have repeatedly done. And one of the biggest lessons I’ve also have to learn is that you don’t have to be all about photography all the time. In fact, having other passions and other interests makes you a way better photographer and a way happier human.

[00:05:39] So when you actually embrace the idea that you’re more than your job, life gets so much more fun. Take some time to maybe explore those hobbies that have nothing to do with your business. Maybe you love. cooking or painting or pottery or hiking or yoga or reading romance novels. These other interests really can just feed your soul in ways that photography can’t and they can give your [00:06:00] brain that space it needs to recharge and spark those new ideas.

[00:06:03] And it’s also important to spend time with friends and family without thinking about your to do list. Those relationships really do matter. Go out for dinner or lunch, have coffee with a friend, have a picnic, or just take a day trip for fun. I promise you, your business will survive if you take a break to enjoy your life.

[00:06:22] And don’t forget about rest. Rest is productive. If we just keep going nonstop, we absolutely drain ourselves of the energy and the creativity we need to keep showing up as our best selves. Taking breaks isn’t lazy. It’s essential. Now, when we take our work and ourselves too seriously, we just suck the joy right out of the process.

[00:06:43] Creativity isn’t supposed to be a chore. It’s not about being perfect or making something impressive. It’s really about just playing and experimenting and expressing yourself. When your work is tied to your identity, every Project starts to feel like a test or a performance really. And you stop [00:07:00] creating for yourself and start creating to meet other’s expectations.

[00:07:04] But here’s the thing. Your best work happens when you’re free from the pressure to impress, whether it’s impressing your clients or even other photographers, when you give yourself permission just to create, because it feels good without worrying about the outcome. That’s where the magic really happens.

[00:07:19] So if you haven’t done it recently, create something just for you, a personal project, a shoot that isn’t for a client, or even just some photos that will maybe never leave your computer. So often we chase other people’s definitions of success without even stopping to ask ourselves, what does success actually look like for us?

[00:07:38] And maybe success for you isn’t about making six figures or becoming Instagram famous. Maybe it’s about having more time, maybe more time with your kids, with your spouse, with your friends. Enjoying your weekends or feeling excited about your next shoot. Success doesn’t have to look like someone else’s journey.

[00:07:55] And when you define success for yourself, you free yourself from that constant pressure to [00:08:00] measure up. My friend, at the end of the day, you are so much more than what you do. Your worth isn’t tied to your photography or your prices or your Instagram engagement. You are valuable just as you are. Whether you’re busy with clients or enjoying a quiet season too.

[00:08:17] Whether your post went viral, or just got a handful of likes. Life is meant to be lived fully, not just through the lens of your business. So embrace being multi faceted. Have fun, rest, explore some new passions, and spend time with people who fill your cup. Because your creativity will thank you, and honestly, so will your soul.

[00:08:39] My friend, thank you for hanging out with me today on the Art and Soul Show. Now if this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And until next time, remember to create from a place of joy and freedom because you are already enough just as you are. I’m sending you so much of my light and love today [00:09:00] and every single day.

[00:09:02] We’ll see you next time.