There is a vast supply of knowledge you can attain to excel in your art career. Just consider what is readily available from many different human adults and so called experts. However, for a change of pace, let’s consider the lessons artists can learn from birds and children. A wealth of insight, intelligence and awareness may be waiting to be revealed when you apply their instinctive behaviors.
Soar Like A Bird!
When mapping our career goals for the long distance, we can learn a lot from watching birds in flight. Have you ever noticed how a bird adjusts its wings according to the way the wind is blowing? They seem to fly with fierce determination and awareness of the atmosphere. They change their flight patterns so they can achieve new altitudes.
As you soar to greater heights in your career be prepared with several different contingency plans or “flight patterns”. As you embark on your journey, be as flexible as the wings of a bird. Modify your goals and action steps according to the results you’re getting, what you’ve learned, and as new opportunities and circumstances arise. It’s okay to replace strategies as you go. Adjust your priorities and modify your timeline. If one plan doesn’t work, try another. And, when you lose momentum, find ways to revitalize your goals.
Birds also take time away from flying to rest as they perch on a tree branch or window ledge. They take advantage of having a “bird’s eye view” as they scope the overall situation before spreading their wings and taking off into the air again.
Similarly, it’s important for you to take time out of your busy schedule to pause, reflect and view your situation from a larger perspective. If you’re always flying around you’ll lose sight of the bigger picture.
Be As Curious As A Child
We can learn a lot about learning techniques from spending time with a child. Their curiosity is infectious! Even though they have not acquired the depth of maturity to process as much as we can, in their childlike wisdom they apply their innate gift of asking questions — something we have forgotten to do with as much enthusiasm.
As adults we may be afraid and self-conscious about revealing inadequacies. We are not as willing as children are to admit that we don’t know everything. Children, however, are not embarrassed to express their impulses to learn more about the world they live in.
Children are Curious and Ask Many Questions
They ask such empowering questions as: Why do you do that? How does this work? When can I get that? Why do I have to do it this way?
Imagine if we were to ask more questions, instead of thinking we should have all the answers, how much we would learn!
When an artist tells me they’re having problems moving forward I go to the power of asking questions. Questions are the driving forces behind knowledge, invention, solutions, creativity as well as personal and professional growth. Questions serve as problem solvers.
So, the next time you are planning your career goals think about the behavior of birds and children and take their leads. You may discover new worlds await you.
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I love this article, Renee. I could feel your own heart and imagination soaring as I read this. I agree with you about birds. They are magnificent, and so are children. May we all open our minds to the beauty and awe and wonder of our world. Thanks so much for your inspiration.
Thank you Teri for your positive feedback and recognizing that I was writing from my heart. Thank you for creating inspirational art that reminds us of the magnificent beauty in the world.
What an amazing and inspiring article…I really love the bird symbolism..so powerful! Thank you Renee!
Oh gosh, thank you Denisa. You’re very kind. Living on a high floor I have a wonderful view of the sky and my heart always flutters when I catch a view of a bird soaring through the sky. Birds are incredible creatures.