Stop worrying about tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own worries

Nobody knows what will happen so we might as well do the best we can with what we’ve got today

Hi there,

I admit. I’m triggered. I want to scream: STOP WORRYING and GET WORKING.

Why do we waste so much time contemplating on “what if” for things that haven’t happened and perhaps never will?

What if we drop the what ifs and go for what is.

What if, “what ifs” is in fact the only thing blocking us from reaching new heights, like:

• What if it doesn’t work out? (The fear of every creative every single day)

• What if they think I suck? (The fear of judgement, which by the way, will happen anyway).

• What if I actually suck? (The fear of the imposter)

And, what I’ve seen circulating a lot lately, which also contributed to my “f*ck off” (sorry not sorry) energy this morning and ultimately this article…

• What if

  Substack
  (the platform I use to host this newsletter-blog) will become like all other mainstream life-sucking social media? That the connections on here aren’t genuine and authentic, that some readers will abuse free trials, that our creativity will eventually be compromised in the pursuit of satisfying our audience…?

Yes, what if?!

But also, what if it doesn’t?

Me sitting in the window in my first tiny rooftop studio in Paris, stitching away on another architectural embroidery design… You know the kind that “can’t make you a living but end up making you a living for several years”.

Side-note: I like to contemplate on how much this pre-worrying about not yet present realities contribute to those imagined scenarios eventually becoming an actual reality as opposed to living and enjoying the present moment (and as such instead contributing to a continued thriving environment…).

Thoughts?

The only thing we know today is that here’s a relatively new platform that allows us, the creatives, to express ourselves FOR FREE and slowly but surely build up an audience for our work (still for free) THAT WE MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP over and potentially make money from. So what’s the fuss about?

If we succumb to creative adaptation in response to our audience’ requests down the road… that’s a personal choice not an obligation.

To me, or as my husband likes to say these days, that’s a no-brainer deal.

Just get in there. Have fun. Explore. Express. Write. Connect. Break the rules, create your own. Grow. Develop. Thrive.

Do all the things that you dream of doing; Be the rule-setter of your own creative journey, because nobody can stop you today. Right now. This very moment. Except for your own damn self.

We don’t know if things will change next year. Or…. Actually…They most likely will! Because the only constant in life is that it constantly changes.

What worked on mainstream social media years ago, doesn’t work today. But some of those things work again on

Substack

. Brilliant. Use it while you can. What’s the hesitation about?

Maybe this is your opportunity to create something great. And maybe it isn’t. But that’s ok too. You only lose if you don’t try, right?

The rules of “what matters in social media marketing” applies equally to Substack. If it serves your vision and dream today, there’s no point in worrying about tomorrow; for tomorrow will have its own worries (and I know you know that too).

When the day for evolution and change comes, which it will, you’ll at least be able to pick up your folks and emigrate to the new hype location.

Because if there’s anything that has remained true through decades of online business: it’s that ownership matters. The more you own of your own creations, the more sustainability you’ll be able to create for yourself and those who depend on you.

The more you’ll achieve creative freedom and a soulful business that’s aligned with what’s true for YOU as opposed to what’s true to a current trend.

So, on that note I encourage you to stop worrying and start working for your dream instead.

The finished version of the same architectural embroidery I worked on in my pyjamas sitting in the window above (very artsy I know). But here I’m in front of the original inspiration on Rue Rembrandt, Paris.

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Disclaimer: I recognise that there are many elements in the conversation around growth, Substack and social media that are triggering to many.

We all live in some kind of hope that this time, it’s different. And let’s continue to hope that by all means. But let’s not be delusional in thinking that a platform will save us.

We can only save ourselves from the misery of comparison, consumption or creative blockages.

Do what feels good and stop what doesn’t.

And for all it’s worth: Let’s take ownership of our decisions and responsibility for our whereabouts rather than yet again handing it over to the market-makers.

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Thank you very much for reading and being here,

Elin, x

Ps. Please share your reflections around “worrying” in the comments! What do you worry about? Why? What if…?

If you enjoyed this essay, you may also like:

• Whatever you do, own it

• The honeymoon phase is over honest reflections 2 months into Substack

• You will be judged no matter what, so you might as well be judged for being you

Or why not this excellent interview with

Kate Eskuri, DNP

?

• Newsletter success chat with bestseller Kate Eskuri

Hi there, new here?

I’m Elin, Swedish (expat) artist and mother of two who have plunged into the unknown of Substack as a new writing home. Despite having 500k+ across mainstream social media platforms for my embroidery art, I decided to start afresh here. It’s hard, thrilling, heavy and joyful all in ones. Come and join me for the ride if you haven’t done so already! You can expect writing about creativity, life and soulful art business with a touch of motherhood.

You can also check out the how, why, who and what in the post below:

Follow Your Gut & Start here