Purpose:
- the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
- a person’s sense of determination.
- have as one’s intention or objective.
The great and godly Solange Knowles reminds us in the intro to her 2019 album When I Get Home to ‘do nothing without intention’. If it’s good enough for Solange, it’s good enough for us. What the artist means by this is to always maintain focus on why you are doing what you’re doing. As a creative freelancer, this advice is relatable as f**k.
The creative freelance life can be a lonely one. We are the boss and the employee, the creator and the critiquer, the networker and the researcher. Sometimes we get so lost in the sauce, the paycheck to paycheck life that we focus so much on the stress that we forget why we chose this crazy yet beautifully creative path in the first place.
That’s where purpose comes in. Purpose is a powerful business tool. Both for the business you want to grow and the change you want to make. Purpose allows you to know why it matters, why your time on this crazy thing isn’t wasted and this reduces stress.
So whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be a good idea to take the time to focus on purpose. Instead of doing a 45 minute workout, maybe use the last 20 minutes to meditate, stretch and remind yourself of the purpose of your career. Go back and save images in a folder on your phone that remind you of your inspiration. What was the first movie you watched as a kid that made you want to be an animator, fashion designer or performer? What was the first poster you saw that inspired your graphic design?
Stay focused with purpose.
