Graphic Designers are always scaling, but what about us who are just starting?

I say this from personal experience,

ā€œBeing overwhelmed when getting started is the worst thing to do for motivation.ā€

As a college student, there is so much to learn. But seemingly, there is also so little time to learn it!

At least, that’s how I feel when thinking of —

what I need to doĀ VSĀ what I can actually do.

From obligations in my personal life, to school expectations for when I need to complete a lesson, timeĀ seemsĀ limited. But in reality, I have the whole world ahead of me!

Now that you know some background information of where I’m coming from, here are some strategies for how I’ve coped with this.

[ Note: Whether you’re someone who is in school or used to be, I hope this blog is helpful for those needing help & having been there. I’d appreciate it if you could share your knowledge :) ]

It starts with Mentality

ā€œI can’t read everythingā€

Yep, that’s right, OJ! You simply can’t.

I get DƩjƠ vu whenever I say that, actually.

It’s a continual process of expanding my mind and then bringing myself back.

AsĀ Karen Martin, said ā€œWhen everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.ā€

What if I try out this hobby? Wait, I have to focus on this. Oh, you know what! I can create a template and sell it, I’m studying Typography in my college lesson so it’s a great way to apply it.

Some of the ideas I’ve come up with are great, because they:

  • Open my mind
  • Help my portfolio development
  • Give me application for my studies
  • Help me become knowledgeable in topics outside of school

But… I simply don’t have theĀ experienceĀ to do so many things at once that I’d end up getting none of those things done!

I’ve read in many many online resources for side hustles that,

ā€˜You need to reach out to as many social medias as possible!’

ā€˜If you don’t use THIS resource, you’re going to fail,’

in reality- that resource, *side-hustle course, or membership, costs $30 a month!

Instead of falling into this trap, I simply think ofĀ priorities:

  1. WhatĀ I need to get done
  2. WhyĀ does this need done
  3. What to-do’s can I put on the backburner? Or… do I evenĀ needĀ to do these at all?

Often, I’ll put things that IĀ thinkĀ I need done on my to-do list, but actually having noĀ needĀ to do it.

The next strategy shares the next step.

Scaling my Growth

TakingĀ Action.

Doing something that you’ve never done before can be tough.

But they say, ā€œOnce you take the first step, everything becomes easier.ā€

Whoever said that meant that after you start:

  1. You knowĀ whyĀ you’re doing it.
  2. You knowĀ howĀ you’re going to expend your efforts
  3. You know that- it isn’t just about ā€˜knowing’ anymore; you’reĀ doing!

Once you get in the routine, it’s easier to take a look at your situation and say, ā€œYeah, I got it.ā€

Even if you’ve never done it before…

don’t have the confidence…

or don’t have the experience (maturity) to start as strong as others miraculously seem to do-

it’s still a way of moving forward and giving it your best shot.

Seeing your End-Goal

This applies to any of us, doesn’t it?

I was thinking the other day,Ā ā€œWhen I finish college I’m going to land a freelancing job on Dribble that will make me a good amount of money.ā€

In thinking that I realized:

I’m going to have to set more goals in order to find clients.

So the process starts all over again…

  1. Change my MentalityĀ to work on what I need to.
  2. Scale my GrowthĀ to take action and become experienced.
  3. See my End GoalĀ knowing that life keeps going, and that I have to keep pushing myself to reach new heights in my maturity.

Each of us have a journey that consists of transitions full of change and developments. If you like my journey please leave a follow! And come back next week to read a new story from me.

*Not that these ā€˜side hustle’ resources aren’t bad, but relying ONLY on these does not give experience. ButĀ actingĀ on a game plan will.

[ Photo by mtweb:Ā https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-rock-front-of-mountain-241322/Ā ]

Have a great day & hope you enjoyed this read! ^.^