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I'm a self-proclaimed sentimentalist who believes in photography that evokes emotion, looks effortless, and feels real. Here on my blog, you'll find my work, my outfit inspiration, goals, and more. I'm glad you're here!

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Keeping On

4/12/12

You know those moments when you actually feel like you’re going through life, doing wonderfully, accomplishing much, seeing lots of growth – personally, in your work, etc. – are excited about the many blessings in your life and, basically, feel like all things are sunshine & rainbows? If you know those days, you probably also know that it seems no sooner do they come, that they’re quickly followed up with the ones that try to tell you you’re really nothing at all. At second glance, all those accomplishments that seemed impressive suddenly pale in comparison to everyone else’s around you. All those blessings you were excited about, somehow don’t seem as good as your friend’s. All that you worked hard for now looks piddly and you wonder if you’ll ever be at the level of accomplishment as someone else. What started out as just a moment of comparison immediately leads to discontentment, and the discontentment leads to doubt, and the doubt begins to make you feel like a fraud and failure. C’mon, I CAN’T be the only one that goes through this cycle, right?

It’s funny to me how just when I’m starting to feel like I might have grown as a business owner, and can look back at my journey of growth, and all of the things I’m doing so much better at today than I was last year, or the last 3 years, as SOON as I look to the right or the left and see how someone else seems to be growing in THEIR business I get paranoid. I think, “Well, gosh. Maybe I’m not doing as well as I thought. I mean, I don’t do such and such like so and so does. Maybe I really CAN’T make it in this industry. Maybe I’ll never get to the point that I want to. What do I even have to offer?”

Ok. Sounds a little dramatic. I know. But that’s exactly how it goes in my head! And it isn’t JUST about my business or photography. Everywhere we turn in life, there’s a chance to compare, and see how you size up next to your friends and/or competition. And yes, when it comes to business, there’s a certain degree of NEEDING to keep up with what changes are happening in the industry. But that’s not really what I’m talking about. I’m talking about immediately doubting your worth and abilities because you don’t think and operate the same way someone else does. I’m the chief guilty one on this. And isn’t it ridiculous to even think this way when we “know” that individuality is what makes this world wonderful? And specifically, within an industry that’s incredibly saturated with wonderful talent, shouldn’t I be QUICK to embrace what makes me ME, and different from others? Well, yeah. And I do. Especially on the days when all things are cotton candy & unicorns. But those occasional days come when you’re just tempted to doubt it all, and this morning was one of those times. But thankfully, instead of sitting and wallowing in self-doubt, I decided to remind myself that it’s GOOD to celebrate my growth and accomplishments – even if they’d look small to others. That it’s GOOD to be grateful and give thanks for the blessings in my life – even if they’d look small to others. And it’s GOOD to remember that I have much to offer – even if it looks different than what others have to offer. Cliche as it sounds, I’m just grateful for the reminder that God made us all with different strengths and weaknesses for a reason. With different personalities and preferences for a reason. So that when all of us are together, we complete the whole picture.

I may have written this entire post just to preach at myself this morning. But in the case that any of you have struggled with similar doubt, take heart and be encouraged! Keep your eyes fixed above, and keep pressing on toward the prize. It doesn’t matter where everyone else is in the race in comparison to you, as long as YOU keep moving forward.

Happy Thursday, friends. Here’s to continual growth!

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  1. PREACH IT, lady! This post spoke to me so much right now. Something I’ve been struggling with lately and you spoke truth in the midst of it. Thank you! :) x

  2. Jenna says:

    AHHH! Tori! I soo needed to read this, this morning. THANK YOU! :)

  3. Samantha Smith says:

    Tori,

    I’ve been reading your blog these last few weeks. I know we haven’t talked in years, but it’s nice to feel like I’m somehow reconnecting through your entries.

    I just wanted to send you encouragement. You’re doing great things and I’m so happy for you!

    -Sam

  4. Jessica Hunt says:

    Wow, Tori, you have no idea I needed to read this, especially today. Thank you so much!

  5. Laurajane says:

    i’m glad i just read this post at the time of day that i did because i was heading down that yucky comparison trail pretty quickly. i had just read all of these client reviews of this one photographer on her site and was just like, “man i don’t even know that if i could get all of my clients to say such wonderful things about me”. and i was comparing all of the things that she does and i don’t do and felt like a total failure for a few minutes. but i’m not going to that place today. i’m going to focus on what i’m doing now and that she’s been doing this business longer than me, and doesn’t have the same weaknesses as i do when it comes to dealing with people. thanks so much for this post.

  6. Jennifer says:

    I really, really get what you are saying today. And you couldn’t have written this at a better time…so thanks for putting out there what so many of us are/may also be feeling! Sending you encouragement and good vibes:)

  7. Jessica says:

    Your timing is perfect. I had to deal with a pretty big blow of disappointment this morning and, on top of that, my efforts at launching my own business have been slow and awkward. Thanks (and, obviously, you’re not alone in those feelings).

  8. THANK you Tori. I’ve been all too guilty of doing this – comparing my life to those around me: whether they have a better business, or they’re happily married with no “issues” or scars from the past, they have their OWN apartments or homes all cutely decorated, they have a better steady income, or whatever! But comparison IS the thief of joy. You’re SO right when you mentioned that what MATTERS is that we’re going forward. Even if it means itsy bitsy steps. :-) Good thoughts, friend.

  9. Lydia says:

    Amen! So need to keep preaching that to myself!

  10. Megan says:

    Thanks Tori! I have been in this same boat lately! A common thing in the photography industry. Thanks for the encouragement!

  11. Mary says:

    Thanks for sharing! This really touched me. I’m leaving art school at VCU to pursue my desire to take only art classes, in a different setting, in more mediums than I’d be able to with a single or double major. Many people have tried to discourage me because of the need for a degree in today’s world. I’ve felt worried that I won’t be able to keep up. But, at the end of the day, the Lord will provide. And what matters is paying attention to the identity He gave us, not the one others want us to have.

    Just a side note-I’ve noticed your work several times, and I’m pretty much sure I want you to be my wedding photographer. I see no reason here to worry about a lack of talent :)

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