There are moments in your career where you want to give up on the possibility of success. You don't believe in yourself. Your peers are doing 'better' than you. You're constantly thinking 'why me/why not me?'.

It's completely normal to think this way, especially at certain pivotal moments in your career/life. Its a sign you want more. It's when you're wanting to improve and change yourself but there is something in the way.

In the few years I've been in this industry, I've learned that it is always on you and that everything takes time.

Below are some of the thing's I've done that have put me back on track. They're not perfect, but they help tremendously.

1. Stop comparing.

   In a world full of curated moments, its so easy to compare your struggle to someone else's supposed success and think that they are doing SO much better than you. This is not healthy. Instead of entering the downward spiral of negative thoughts, I try to shift my mindset by thinking, 'oh wow she/he did an amazing job', 'good on them for...' - even if it may go through clenched teeth the shift tends to get you out of that negative mindset. You start thinking of ways you can work on your own thing.

2. Turn off devices

   Leave your phone in your bag. Be in the moment. So many people find inspiration from other people's work but they end up copying another artist. It ends up being a very copy cat industry and your feed starts looking the same. Instead, turn off your phone and see listen to the world. You'd be amazed at what you can find.

3. You can find inspiration anywhere.

   This ties into the 2nd point. I love looking at colour combinations in nature or in my environment. There's a reason why it looks beautiful to me, and I can't quite figure it out. This process really springs my inspiration muscle and helps me find different ways to use my products. Sometimes I'll be inspired by a technique in another industry, like cooking, or I'll be inspired by the textures on walls. You can find inspiration anywhere.

4. Do something

   The best way to achieve success is to start. Organise a shoot. Email that contact. Cold-call that photographer you wanted to work with. The magic is in the action and it will allow you to look forward to something. When you build momentum in your actions you'll find yourself in a place where you'd never thought you'd be.

5. Lastly, Remember why and reflect.

   Sometimes you just need to think about why you started this journey. People always talk about 'the good old days' before they were bombarded with responsibilities. The key question is, do you still like what you are doing? IF not, can you change a few things to make it better? Are you taking jobs that don't make you happy?

When I reflect on why I entered this industry, it really humbles me. It puts into perspective, what I have achieved since I made that decision.