I've had, this year, some great successes hitting "small" targets and financial goals with my business. For a couple of months, I even had my income matching the last 9 to 5 I held working in a studio in Hollywood. That was great. But then something changed.

I can't get my mind off of doing one thing. That is drawing and doing my original animation. (My business was not that) Ideas are flowing to me like mad. Ideas, scenes, stories and everything in between are flowing without effort and I really want to do them. When I work on my drawing, and animation style, I feel great!

With my business, though, it is like every action I take reminds me of the guy in SOGR chapter 16 where, "the thing failed in a perfectly inexplicable way; it was as if some unseen influence had been working secretly against him." Attempts to duplicate the successes of earlier this year are not meeting with results anywhere close to what happened in that time.

So this raises the question. Should I follow my bliss and do the animation I want to do, and believe that the financial support to make it happen will come?

Hi Teruchan,

Hard to say. Wally says you may have to continue in your original work for a while until you can get into the right business, but it sounds to me like you are at the point of making the jump - in fact you are bursting to do that.

I'd be inclined to do what makes you feel great - but only you can decide that. Maybe meditate or sit quietly and follow the action that comes to mind.

I am so wanting you to be doing what you love. That would be fantastic - and generally finances or oppportunities or whatever you need do appear to support you.

let us know
Pauline

Teruchan,

I’m not sure how you’re focused, so I’m going to just throw this out.

You know how to imagine having millions, right? OK, how about, imagine you have millions, but found out you only have a month to live? What would you do now?

I could add to that scenario a bit more, but I’m curious how you will reply, and I don’t want to lead you, beyond what I’ve already said.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by Phil:

You know how to imagine having millions, right? OK, how about, imagine you have millions, but found out you only have a month to live? What would you do now?

Phil

That's too easy. I would bang out one last short animated film, since I want to leave something behind besides the films I made nearly ten years ago. I would also rough out (outline) a couple of other films I want made and hand them, and the money needed, to my favorite studios and let them go to town. (doesn't matter that I'll never see them completed) That might me take 1 or 2 weeks.

FInally I would spend the last two or three weeks traveling on a bucket list type adventure, seeing the great places I want to see, visiting people I want to visit, maybe taking them to great places I want to share with them and just having fun.

If by some chance I didn't die? I'd do it again next month. A little animation and a little travel every month would be the perfect life!

OK, Then.

If animation ties into your life that much, I say, go get an agent to sell you or your already existing animation.

Or, imagine how you'd feel if you had a great agent, someone who believed in you wholeheartedly, and who was powerful enough to get you good paying work.

And, start telling anyone who will listen that you're God's gift to animation, and you're for sale, or you've got stuff for sale, if the price is right.

What do you think?

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by Phil:
OK, Then.

If animation ties into your life that much, I say, go get an agent to sell you or your already existing animation.

Or, imagine how you'd feel if you had a great agent, someone who believed in you wholeheartedly, and who was powerful enough to get you good paying work.

And, start telling anyone who will listen that you're God's gift to animation, and you're for sale, or you've got stuff for sale, if the price is right.

What do you think?

Phil

The thought never before crossed my mind. Indie animator Bill Plympton supposedly has three agents and he makes whatever he wants and sells it in every major country and market there is. He's even famous in Japan, which is where I want to be! I can't imagine why I never thought about getting an agent before.

I'm liking this idea.

I do know that the Japanese love their animation! And I think that having an agent(s) would be a great idea! I can see your characters taking over Japan; and the world!

Hmmmmm....... If they take over Japan and the world I hope that they are friendly characters.

Teruchan,

Did you go anywhere with the idea of getting an agent?

I know, years ago, when I was a full time freelance musician, one of our musician friends got a manager and she boosted his career quite a bit, connecting him with groups that wanted someone like him, getting him a recording deal.

I think part of the thing is, it frees a person of a lot of the leg work, running around, etc., of doing what's needed to generate money.

I remember the Beatles saying that that's what Brian (was that his name?) their manager did for them. He took care of business so well that they felt completely free to focus on music and being creative.

(As an aside, though, I also think it's helpful if one takes a sincere look within and makes sure they don't have some, "I don't deserve it," or other self worth or self esteem issues 'hidden in their closet.' What good does it do to have talent, but feel uncomfortable with doing well?

I don't think this is any 'major' issue with you, but I was also wondering why you hadn't thought of the 'agent route' before. Like you said, you were aware of it.

When I think back, I had self esteem issues, and although I was often told I was great at what I did, I didn't feel comfortable with it. So, maybe I'm just being reactive here.)

Phil

Not having made anything in a while, I thought I would do two things. First get clear on my vision of what I want my relationship with such an agent or manager to be like. (I am also thinking along similar lines with a publisher) Second I want to get a new short film out this month, and with that begin putting things together.

I have for many years been the "champion" of independent animation. I wrote many articles against "the system" and why artists should "take control" and "do your own thing." etc. So while I may not have feelings of being undeserving, I may harbor some of lack of trust in the existence of good agents, managers, editors etc. That's why I want to be absolutely clear of what kind of partners I bring into my life.

Then, of course, after that, I have no idea where to begin.

quote:

First get clear on my vision of what I want my relationship with such an agent or manager to be like.

I think that is very wise. Like someone said, "Those who come to expect the best often get it."

Phil

quote:

First get clear on my vision of what I want my relationship with such an agent or manager to be like.

I gotta say I never consider what I want my relationshops to be like and this was sort of an epiphany for me. I spend my life avoiding the damn things with everyone. I don't even think I have had a single relationship in 20 years. Everyone is so far away. I am untouchable. Interesting.

I tried to 'let go' of it all to no avail.
I tried for all the right reasons and finally...
It 'let go' of me... for all the right reasons.
Finally... it takes time in living and thinking in the 'certain way'.

quote:

I gotta say I never consider what I want my relationshops to be like and this was sort of an epiphany for me.

Annie,

I have been wondering the same thing about you. I was wondering, has she ever thought of exactly the kind of relationship(s) she wants? Or, is she so far into disbelief that she won't allow herself to?

I'm very glad to hear you've had an epiphany about this.

Here are some Abraham-Hicks thoughts on creating the relationships we really want.

“Most people who want a relationship believe that a mediocre relationship is better than no relationship at all, but we do not agree with that. In other words, since the potential for a glorious relationship always exists -- we never encourage settling for less.”

“Also, this is what you're reaching for. It's big, and it's accurate and you know it, and we'll say it anyway. You come forth in clusters with intentions to enhance one another's experience. And when you meet up with your cluster, it's really fun!”

“People often believe that they would feel so much better if their mate would just change in this way or that way, but that truly is a backward approach to things. When you say, "I'll feel better if you will make this change in your behavior or personality", what you are actually saying is, "My happiness is dependent upon your willingness and ability to modify your behavior; therefore I am powerless." The reason why so many people are so hard on those they live or interact with is because everyone inherently wants to be happy, but they also believe that their happiness is dependent upon things over which they have no control.”

“By trying to please others, you encourage the distorted idea that someone else is responsible for their happiness, which, in the long run, disempowers them and makes them unhappy. We could accurately say that the harder you try to make others happy, the more unhappy they become because they come to believe they are dependent on behavior outside of themselves over which they have no control, rather than being in alignment within themselves, over which they have complete control.”

“This is what we see as an ideal relationship: Someone who has a majority of things (especially inner attitudes and/or ways of being) that I easily feel at ease with. Things I like. Not someone who satisfies me on every single level because expansion is fun, but someone with whom I can easily be comfortable. Someone, who like me, understands that they are an expanding being, who is eager about life, and eager about expanding and willing to keep up with who they are becoming.”

"Someone with whom I can easily be comfortable."

Someone who has a majority of inner attitudes that you easily feel at ease with.

Interesting, I think.

And also, consider what you want your relationship with yourself to really be like. Do you love yourself?

Phil

Relationships are certainly a real issue for me. I haven't truly been alone for nearly two years now and there is so much I miss about living alone. Granted, a lot of my issues would be solved by having a place to go to work rather than working from home, so that work and home life don't "mix", but I really miss living alone.

This is heightened by dealing with my partner's family and all that comes with that. Their problems become my problems, especially those of a financial nature.

I notice that all my visions for what I want, have me living in a completely different country from where I am, and living alone, free to focus on my animation and movies. I prefer to visit people I enjoy being around when the occasion arises, but to have my space and solitude at home. I used to love just watching movies, and that's one more thing I had to give up.

Sad thing is, when I did live alone for years, I thought what I have now is what I wanted, and I got exactly what I continued to think about. The reality is, I now appreciate the freedom and time to devote to my dreams and ideals that I had in those years alone.

quote:

Sad thing is, when I did live alone for years, I thought what I have now is what I wanted, and I got exactly what I continued to think about. The reality is, I now appreciate the freedom and time to devote to my dreams and ideals that I had in those years alone.

Teruchan,

Maybe it's not an 'either or' issue. Maybe there is a 'best of both worlds' that you haven't yet ironed out.

I knew of a person who was very happily married who said, being married he feels FREER than when he was single.

I think that kind of relationship bliss is possible, but you really have to be with a person who fits you very well.

I think of this A-H quote in this regard:

“This is what we see as an ideal relationship: Someone who has a majority of things (especially inner attitudes and/or ways of being) that I easily feel at ease with. Things I like. Not someone who satisfies me on every single level because expansion is fun, but someone with whom I can easily be comfortable. Someone, who like me, understands that they are an expanding being, who is eager about life, and eager about expanding and willing to keep up with who they are becoming.”

Well, at least now you know that this 'thinking about what you want' stuff works, since it got you to where you are now.

I noticed in your other post you said, if you had all the money you want, you'd drop everything you have now, leave all your relationships and move on.

Maybe. But I imagine you'd then want to create another intimate relationship. Why? Because they CAN add a great deal to one's life.

I think you just need to become clearer and more certain of the kinds of relationships you want. And as A-H says, don't settle for mediocre ones, whether it's business OR personal.

I know, in his book 'The 4 Hour Work Week' the author figured out how to do business ONLY with who he wanted to, and still become rich. Frank Kern, a multi-millionaire Internet 'guru' has said the same thing, that he only works with who he really wants to, as incredible or 'impossible' as it may seem.

It seems most of us are just sooo trapped in limited thinking or limiting beliefs.

Time to wake up and smell the o-chah'!!

Phil

Teruchan

The more I read about your situation, the more I see ME.

The question I often ask myself - and the one you also seem to be seeking an answer to, "Is it possible to be a recluse in a connected world?"

Like you, I am fiercely independent, having been self-employed for all but nine years of my 40-year work life. I reel against people and systems that seem to take advantage of the gullible and vulnerable. Religions and my own industry (private music lessons) are my favorite targets. I've burned my share of bridges speaking my (alleged) mind.

While I love my wife dearly, one of the things I dread the most is when she says, "Honey, I'm taking the next couple of weeks off!", especially when I've got a bunch of projects planned. I definitely NEED my quiet time to ponder and create. I truly go bonkers when my carefully constructed schedule goes awry. Thankfully, she understands. I do balance my work and play to include quality time with her.

In Chapter I of SOGR, Mr. Wattles says, "A person develops in mind, soul, and body by making use of things, and society is so organized that we must have money in order to become the possessors of things." In other words, whether we like it or not, the things we need in order to develop and become rich in every way necessarily comes through other people.

Can you be a recluse in a connected world?

Another way I see that we are similar is the thinking that we have to do it all ourselves. I'm sure this attitude has held me back more than any other belief. Whether it's an issue of control, lack of trust, scarcity thinking... whatever, it can have severe detrimental consequences to one's further advancement.

The advice Phil and others give here to seek an agent and even a good PR person is perhaps some of the best you can receive and act upon. You DON'T have to do it all yourself. Allow those who specialize in networking and schmoozing to do that sort of leg-work for you. My wife does this for me, opening doors, breaking down walls and even mending the occasional fence or two, often with only her amazing smile. She does this so effortlessly.

And yet, she wishes she could write like me! Funny how that works, huh? We're the perfect complement to each other. Such relationships ARE indeed possible.

Can you be a recluse in a connected world?

Yup!

All the best from Toronto,
Russ

I dunno. I really like the untouchable part.
I mean if I have to define....we can laugh together, but if we aren't joking or problem solving, well what is the point of interaction?

Though once...only once, I had a moment where I was so relieved to make up with someone that I threw my arms around him and kissed his neck.

That was it for connection for me. It was a huge emotional display but I like to relive it time to time because I like the way he felt when I wasn't on guard. That was cool.

But kissing nice smelling men isn't gonna bring wealth. Darn.

Thanks again for the great replies.

I have no doubt that finding an agent, a good marketer and a publisher, that I can work well with, would put things on the path I desire. I really need these.

Sadly, I didn't value them when I had them (never had an agent, but had a major publisher) and now I miss them. (Well, some aspects of them)

In fact, finding these relationships would be perfect because then "do it all myself" would mean only doing the stuff that I want to do!

I have no idea how I will find them, but I am going to start looking! I guess I can always start with my old editor...

quote:

Originally posted by iteachlifeskills:

I reel against people and systems that seem to take advantage of the gullible and vulnerable. Religions and my own industry (private music lessons) are my favorite targets. I've burned my share of bridges speaking my (alleged) mind.

Russ

Do you think that your reeling against others, creates reeling against you? Is your burning of bridges burning opportunities? Just questions that came to my mind. I don't have the answers.

Dawn,

ABSOLUTELY! Of course, I'm speaking from hindsight. Now I understand why many elders just sit and smile at youth's 'exuberance'.

Seriously, it has been something that I've been aware of and needed to address. Ranting and reeling against the perceived wrongs of the world does not make them right. Rather, focusing on the favorable feels finer. (oh, how obviously I strained for that alliteration - my profound apologies... LOL)

Yup, rather than beat myself up over past reactions, I am grateful that my compass still works and I am able to get this old ship back on course. As always, it's simply a matter of focus.

Thanks for caring enough to question!

All the best from Toronto,
Russ