A huge part of my career is spent “talking” with photographers.   The word “talking” is in quotes because today’s definition of “talking”, for me,  includes email, Twitter, IM’s, Facebook and Linkedin.  And, oh yeah, now and then in person and on the phone!  

One thing I’ve noticed about those photographers and people in our industry who we all consider “at the top of their game”  is that their success has been created with a special ingredient in their attitude.   They all work hard.  They all have incredible technical and creative talent.  But when it comes to looking for success, they just aren’t worried about it.  They all trust that the hard work is going to pay off.

On the other hand, I’ve talked with so many young photographers and even more established photographers who are having a hard time this year and everyone is so preoccupied with making it.   I can’t help but feel they’re all looking too hard.  

Don Blair simply loved to teach.  It’s what he did best and second to his family and friends, it’s what he enjoyed the most.   But while other photographers his age seemed to worry about being forgotten or kept trying to reinvent themselves, Don just took it one day at a time.  He did what he loved the most and simply kept teaching.  He never looked for work – it came to him.

So, on a very wonderful lazy Sunday morning wrapping up a Thanksgiving weekend – for those of you who stay awake at night worrying about your business or wondering when the Success Fairy is going to tap you on the shoulder – relax and just keep working hard.  Keep building your network.  Keep fine tuning your skills.  Stay focused on your marketing…but stop worrying about success.  

If I’ve learned nothing else after all these years in the photographic industry and just being on this planet I’ve learned that great things happen when you least expect them and everything always works out for the better!

John Wooden, a legendary basketball coach said,  Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.    

No need to add anything to great thought like that!  Happy Sunday everybody!