What is success? Fear Of Success And Self Sabotage - Artist Tips Podcast

[@BreakingArt1]

I short change myself. I forget the things I have done. I've won an award, been in a gallery and sold my paintings at the flea market. I'm still working at 9 to 5 jobs though and that world tends to creep in and I forget I'm an artist. Watching your videos the past week has encouraged me to push forward and not let my day job become my identity. My future vision of success is living on what I create and not working for someone else. Thanks guys. Your vids found me at the right time.

[@Saffirance]

I hate watching KZbin videos with fast obnoxious talkers. I so enjoy your realness, Rafi and Klee. I'm so glad you don't put on the show talk. You're a breath of fresh air.

[@jacquelineveach]

What an insightful topic, Rafi and Klee!!! You are excellent mentors! (Btw, I've been behind the scenes watching all your uploads. I just didn't have time to comment. I relish my time with you guys!) I am a success. Here's why: I love creating art! I create art everyday. I love my whimsical art. I love solitude to create. I love color, color, color! I love sharing my art. I love myself. I love being unique. I'm content being my present artist self. I'll be content being my future artist self. Yes, I am a success. I'd even dare add, I'm also a success because I love the Lord, and I love people.

[@shadowartist8892]

And when you try to sell something online, sharks (marketers) move on you and tell you you have to use social media, have a website, build an email list you write to every day, as an author---publish a new novel every 3 months so readers don't forget abut you, be available for live chats.....just reading it exhausts me, so no wonder I dread moving forward. I had a successful business before and the haters came out of the woodwork assuming my success had been handed to me on a platter and actively tried to sabotage me. I wrote 1 best seller, and the sheer hate reviews! My questions was Why did you read it if you hate it so much? So I may have developed a kind of agoraphobia.

[@kbowler9266]

I think the language of success and happiness isn't something that has a defined meanings. Success is what you're talking about but happiness is one of thoses words. People have expectations about what is happiness. Sometimes it's like Christmas morning and nothing else. Day to day happiness should be content. Being content is a much easier goal for most people, the bar is so high for being happy. Joy is easy too, the joy in a sunrise and all the little things. The little things make a much bigger pile, one little piece at a time. I really like channel.

[@dorindaconley2593]

You guys are my hero. Please never stop doing these videos. We love you guys.

[@Kyomiibrown]

There’s nothing to fear, but fear itself.

[@randomish4285]

That saying "money is the root of all evil" is a misquote that I often hear from others. The correct quote is, "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil." Basically it's greed not money that is the problem. Money in itself is not evil. But when you let the love of money, the greed consume you then that's where the problem starts. Money isn't the issue, how you manage and use it is the issue needed to be focused on. Moving on, recognizing my own success has always been a struggle for me. Especially since most of my life was full of moments where nothing I ever did was good enough. Growing in an environment where I was supposed to be always on top created such a toxic mindset for me that I never thought anything I did was good. Adding that to my clinical depression my self-esteem is at an all time low and even if what I did was amazing, it's trash to me. Luckily, I'm doing a bit better ever since I've decided to pursue art seriously and to finally get professional help for my mental illness. Art was my only escape during my darkest days and whatever comes out from my art efforts now is what I consider success. Being able to start to do art seriously is my proudest and biggest success yet. Your videos are a great help to me and I always watch them when I need encouragement, advice, tips, and many more. Thanks for the videos, God bless.

[@JamesBrenke]

At 70 years of age and having had 2 "successful" businesses (both computer related). So I could retire at 50 and pursue my love of art, I have dealt with many people. So my conclusion is that: You and Klee are a very successful couple (no pressure. LOL). I consider every art sale a success for both my client (they got something they love) and myself (I got to see their joy and got a little money). What can be better than that.

[@kidrockn4vr]

Awesome advice. I think you nailed it for a lot of people!!! The best advice is lived advice. Knowledge is not power! Applied knowledge is power

[@mjpete27]

My first idea of success was paying my monthly bills with my creations, I once yearned for “Artistic” success being collected by MOMA or another big museum. I have worked over 30 years as a working artist and I may never be collected by the rich and famous, but people who do have my work in their homes do enjoy having each and every piece. You are giving good thoughts and ideas for so many here online, thanks for sharing your expertise and time!

[@deeknits]

I think my biggest fear concerning success is that I won't be able to maintain it, and then I'll have to hear all the I told you sos.

[@luisodriozola79]

I love you guys, mostly because talks like this one! As for me, I don't know. I'm struggling a bit, my sales and exposure are gradually increasing overall but nowhere near the point I'm confortably paying my bills, much less saving a penny (And since I'm not a youngling anymore the future worries to the point of considering getting a "real job", something that in Mexico sucks quite a bit more than in the US). Motivation is often a problem, specially after making a "good" sale... I think I have a big case of self-sabotage and problems with my relation with money.

[@lucycannon6732]

What perfect timing! I've moved, and am in the process of setting up my studio space; I have a habit of downgrading what I'm capable of, and having to be reminded that I can do more involved and interesting work. On a related subject, the best art "advice" I've received was when a mentor took me to her studio garbage can, and had me look thru it. I'd been nearly speechless at her talent until she reminded me everyone makes crap on occasion, and to never sell myself short by the stuff I threw away. You folks rock! So happy I found your channels!

[@BarrettBiggers]

I like how you talked about perspective and how you find success in just being able to do what you love. What most people don't realize is that society's success = stress. Money = problems. But of course we need money and getting a sale of your art is "success" in more than just a financial way. Emotionally it helps give you confidence and also makes a collector happy. But as I do/did artists might fall into the trap to become people pleasers in order to make money. Over time it becomes your "job" and we directly attribute making more money to "success". Only a small % of artists can create whatever they feel like and still earn huge money. That involves a ton of consistency/time, sometimes good looks and good talking abilities (people sometimes buy into the artist and not the art) and usually help from other successful or influential people/organizations. Also something people fail to mention is how much just plain luck has to do with it. I had a lot of luck in the early years with freelance opportunities to afford my own equipment to help start my printing ability. So it's ok not to be the best or first, maybe just be 125th place in a race of thousands. I am currently struggling to find personal success by doing what I feel like more and trying to separate the money from the definition. "Starving artist" is a scary and irresponsible life plan - you should be trying to make money. But, as I am currently trying to figure out, how much money is enough - is it worth chasing more to be more "secure". At what point can you say "no" to things to help manage the stress that inevitably follows it. Food for thought - great podcast thanks for sharing.

[@BlackCat_2]

This is something I struggle with every day. The cause was my father mostly and my mother slightly. I can't blame them for it though because the blame ultimately lies with my reactions to the input they provided... so like someone with an addiction I just take it day by day. Most days I am fine but there are some days where I cave in... Thanks for making this. - Heidi

[@Pneko27]

Klee, you are the only one that says good day too!

[@CreateAgain]

Wow. Klee, what you said hit home how people would come out from my past that didnt like me. It comes from a place years ago and not a recent conscious thought or a current known fear, but yeah it was down there. Huh. Thanks guys. 🤔💞

[@elefantrising]

The biggest issue I see on a personal level is that creating is the reward, it is a fear that making your art becoming like that desk job. I am at the point where that would be great and I see that as the only reason I might push pass my sabotage. Daily struggle for me.

[@ellenm7806]

How did you know I really needed this to replay over & over? Fear of being able to continue to make work at the same level, acceptance.. And yes Klee, I'm with you about people from the past. So many things I didn't put a label on, yikes! It's true that $ is great & necessary but working a crappie job you hate makes you die inside a little more every day. But then if you're successful, worrying it could turn into that cubicle job with the uncertainty of not knowing what to do & how to make it easier/work. AHHHH!!!? Seriously though, I love you guys, you're the best! I'm gonna listen to your podcasts as I work to drill the good stuff into my brain, this is great therapy! Take care. :)

[@oilonpaper]

I've spent some time on thinking about fear of failure and fear of success and what those terms mean to me, and it's always interesting to hear someone else's thoughts on these. Thanks so much for all your videos, Rafi and Klee! Very much appreciated! 💙

[@blackcrowartistry]

I so need to hear this. You two are most authentic people on KZbin I have found. ❤❤ I am at a point in my life where I hate my job so much. Corporate I.T., I feel guilty at times because I have a great career but truly hate it and unhappy. I am at a fork in the road so l have sat down and figured out a plan and goals to redirect my life to where I can create oil paintings and pottery and be happy. I know the journey won't be a peice a cake but I know it will bring me happiness. Life is too short not to be happy. Blessing to you both. Thanks for posting this.

[@babyblue61549]

Omg! “The Daily Grind” of the “day job”. I had the exact same grind. Computer and a phone. Lmao. Then the pandemic hit and I got to do art ALL the time. 😄🙏😍 and thanks for making me LOL. “ the only surprise I might have in my day was if I got a flat tire on the way home”. 🤣😂

[@HanieBCreations]

Great talk you guys. Truly. Couldn't agree more. I felt inspired and confirmed, listing to you. Thanks! Keep rock'en it! 😘

[@tahliel]

I love you guys. My new favourite therapy is Klee and Rafi time. I am a serial self doubter and self sabotager. I struggle with what I like to call 'fraud syndrome'. I'm scared of success because I don't think I deserve it. But I want it. And I do think I derserve it. But I also don't. Aghh brains can be so frustrating. I do love how optimistic self doubt is though. 'success is scary, because you will be so famous you can't even go to the grocery store without being recognised'. Lol.

[@yukifoxscales]

I more have a fear of failure. but you're right, as I've gotten older, its easier to find success in the simple things like being happy and managing to get through another day and stuff.

[@naynay3710]

This was a great podcast! I'm very "new" at arting, having only started about a year ago. Success is, right now, for me, simply making pieces that I don't want to throw away! LOL If they make my face light up when I see them the next day, then I've done it. But I also know that I would love to be able to make money doing this one day and, added to SSA, live comfortably. I never feel that I could be a "famous artist" someday, but I have a dad that calls my studio my "play room". Thank heavens I have a sister that lives with us that is totally on my side. So I'm working at not allowing his disapproving glares to get to me. Thanks for this podcast! It's one I'll save and listen to more than once!

[@twiggimmapiggus6695]

Thank you THANK you for addressing this for those of us that are artistically emerging into the public eye! (I asked a similar question and am beyond happy that I'm not alone!)

[@annea.1765]

So deep…you’ve addressed what I was looking for in a very relaxed way. Thank you

[@CarlOlsonArt]

I deeply appreciate all you do and the advice you give to artists. In this particular case, I’m going to have to admit I’m scratching my head with a bit of skepticism. In all my years I have never ever met anyone who was afraid of success. Quite the opposite... they fear the lack of success. They can work hard - perhaps years - at something and success still eludes them. Every single person I have met has very much wanted success, pines away for success, and sadly many will never achieve the success they envisioned for themselves. When the so-called gurus talk about “fear of success” - I think perhaps they are confusing it with something else. What that is I don’t know...maybe for some it’s simply procrastination, for others it may be that they dread the hard work that has to be put in before one achieves a measure of success, and for others maybe it’s a misunderstanding - maybe it’s a form of anxiety, not knowing what to do to get to their idea of success. Well, at least you got me thinking about it...I need to formulate my thoughts on this a bit better. Thank you for a great podcast!

[@trudiatherton7112]

Omg ! Great chat. I related to ALL of it, and it gave me things to think about too. Thankyou for this xx

[@SssvcreationsAu2015]

People that struggle to get to where they want to go because of the fear of success or they feel they are not good enough etc, there are many great books out there that can help. I am 48 and for most of my life I have put myself down due to my charming mother who always put me down. I was great at Art from a very young age but I used to tell myself that my art wasn’t good enough,that I wasn’t good enough etc.. This caused me to be depressed and just battle through my life. Last year after almost losing my life I started reading books and there are some awesome ones out there. One book that springs to mind is called “I am enough “ , I used to worry about what people thought of me and now I don’t care. It is a shame that it has taken me this long to get into what I am passionate about. One advice I have is don’t wait until your almost 50, do what your passionate about and kick fear in the backside. We all can do anything as long as we stay focused, positive and most of all don’t care what others think of us. Remember friends etc don’t live with us, we live with us on a daily basis 24/7 all year around.

[@annadreamsart9756]

Thank you!! I'm currently trying to figure out all of this. I haven't been back to drawing long enough to have met with society's definitions of success nor to make enough money from strangers to overcome imposter syndrome yet. I don't have a definition of my own yet. Thank you for giving me things to think about.

[@TurboBeads]

This is the podcast that i needed as well! Perfect time!!!

[@Electricdawn64]

Wonderful podcast guys, really got me thinking x

[@keisham9731]

This is exactly what I needed today 🧡

[@attheranch873]

I like these podcasts 🥰

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

You are amazing! Go be amazingsauce 🌷

[@fierywindwaker4466]

That podcast is quite an eye opener :D I think I should see success quite differently by seeing the progress that I do on my art and the artwork I complete a success, not earning a great deal of money which I'm trying to do. Maybe if I think should be my mindset success of completing progress on an artwork and completing an artwork which creates this success oriented energy to your work, not just the sales, but the work also.

[@shadowartist8892]

My take away too!

[@YellowMelle]

So far you guys are the most motivating channel I've visited! I appreciate the pep talks especially now, as I currently have no income and no job opportunities to speak of. I've been picking at this art business for nearly ten years and I haven't been able to make it work. You make me want to do something bold and different TODAY. I just have no idea what it is. Markets and gallery shows don't work :/

[@amyvance639]

Wow...nice pod cast. You should do a Ted talk.

[@subhadra107]

My biggest question after lisyening to this is..."How do I define success?"

[@brucestrickland8704]

This topic hits home, excellent conversation guys!! 🙂🙂

[@SalazarArtNation]

Oh cool a podcast! I like this topic,sounds like something i need to hear lol

[@TurboBeads]

Same as well!!

[@mauricepowers3804]

Holy shit you guys are so awesome this is exactly what I needed to hear!! I’m gonna listen to this over and over because it has pumped me back to the place where I was before I did the show last Saturday that bombed 🥰🥰🥰!!

[@cordialgreetingsart]

Good advice in the podcast. Good to hear the psychological advice. Yes it is interesting what society seems to think as successful. Over a year ago I shared the name of the drummer of a well known singer was interested in my drumsticks. People didn't know the drummer's name but they knew of the well known singer. ( I guess I am at fault for sharing that moment too for attention. ha!) Normally my family and friends are so tired of seeing me share my artwork it doesn't phase them anymore. But as soon as I mentioned that famous singer's name they were all excited about it. Then months afterwords I visited with family and friends and I forgot all about what I posted. They were still talking about it! How is this connection with this famous person going? Well, honestly I guess my fear of success with this famous drummer kinda went on a back burner with me. I'm afraid if I send these drumsticks they will just sit in a box somewhere with all the other fan mail. ha! It probably will because I'm a no name. Then I fear the change. I also fear of what I have to do in order to scale my business. I'm the only artist that does what I do so I can't hire help. I was told I had to either hire a bunch of artists that can hand draw and hand wood burn like some crazy factory. Or I had to get some machines to do the easier stuff and I could do the custom work. Then the other thing I heard was raise my prices and work SMARTER and not HARDER. It's had it's ups and downs over the past year. I fear the change will go against my beliefs and value in handmade art. I fear I will become a starving artist and all my family will be angry with me cause I hold the family health insurance and my income pays certain things to keep the family functional. Rafi the story you shared about your corporate job sounds like my full time production artist job rt. now and I can't wait to go home every day and do my art. I dread the traffic and I dread the office institute. I don't have a cubicle but I have an open office and that's even worse! I dream through listening to podcasts and youtube videos all day as I peck my keyboard like a chicken. I want a change but I don't have a game plan.

[@jimmyhinAK]

Money is a tool to used. It can be used in a good or bad way. One person’s success is not a universal concept for everyone.

[@brookegartistry5477]

I definitely have that fear of people not liking me or unkind people from my past popping up, but then I do a little self-talk and ask myself "do you really give a rat's ass if Maggie from high school comes to an art show and calls you a dork & a loser???" No, I don't! I'm a happy dork & a winner dammit...as long as I'm being true to myself & striving to be my best self, than I'm successful! Sometimes I have to say this to myself in the mirror😉, but it's true!

[@colleenbeers8572]

That line about money being the bar of success. Needed that encouragement today!

[@DianeDobsonBarton]

Excellent topic!

[@ieri_creations]

You guys are awesome. You always get me thinking about things that I hadn't thought of. I guess I feel successful in set up but a failure in practice? I have a website, but I just don't have sales. I've got to work on getting out there with my art more and set up an easy online purchasing set up. Things will start looking up, right? Everything takes time.

[@rebeccas.murphy.]

Yeah, I don't think I have to worry about fame, I think I'll be known just in my community.

[@danielebucsa273]

thank you

[@10kCrows]

💖💖💖

[@pouponcrazycat5987]

Love u guys I love her jewelry I too am a jewelry artist but I make bead embroidery designs unlike what klee who works with the metals. I would love for u to go some videos on how to make a KZbin video and how to start a business as a podcasts.. I am an older momma women I had shop's and did slot of art shows and they ate not working anymore so I want to try to do a video but dont know how to,and editing who to get as customers??? Please help us??? Love u.

[@Newriverartist]

Great podcast!

[@deborahthomas1549]

I am so scared about success because I think of setting up I think of the whole pie instead of taking one bite at a time!

[@produceman13]

Thanks for such great inspiration! This video made my day!

[@saneinsylum9974]

So... is that podcast image a mono waveform of "Rafi"?

[@pouponcrazycat5987]

I do batiking and there is a batik lady who cries that some of us are making like hers but we are not...she blasted me and says that no one can have au tube video than only her. How can I change her mind on My Designs

[@3-y86]

nothing is worst than meet your soulmate in wrong time.

[@celestialmaat9462]

If I’m just starting off and I set up a paypal for business and I haven’t made any money yet should it be a business account or personal?

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

The negative comments fear? In the current "cancel culture", it's not an *unrealistic* fear. However, it's not an unsurmountable fear.

[@jasonjarred5198]

It’s all so true! Amazing channel and so many insights - I love the life philosophy you both speak about. I often try to speak about a lot of this myself (as a rehab professional who is a hobby/creator in my spare time) as I have clients with chronic injuries who often struggle with pain management, rehabilitation and the psychological hurdles that come with those things. It’s all about how we perceive the world and our place within it. BTW feel free to check out my channel 😊