Making Your Mark

A clean white piece of drawing paper is both exciting and intimidating. The paper stares up at me. Images swirl in my head. My goal now is to take those images and draw them onto paper in a way that is appealing, both to me and to those who buy my art.

But what if I get it wrong?

What if I waste that beautiful piece of (not cheap) drawing paper? What if I'm not worthy and my artistic pursuits are only appreciated by those who love me too much to not gush over them?

It is intimidating every time, the brightness of an unspoiled piece of drawing paper. As soon as my pencil touches a single dot on that paper, it is forever changed.

As long as it remains untouched, everything is possible. And this is why so many journals lay unwritten in. So many plays never get written. So much art never gets created. And so many ideas die with the one who carries them.

When you are a person who sees beauty everywhere, or is inspired by every story you hear, being an artist, a writer, or even a businessperson can be tricky. I work with people who tell me they have no ideas. They aren't creative. They aren't innovators. But here's the truth, we all have an idea. We just have to be brave enough to put the first mark on paper. Or start a one-page overview for the idea.

Will it be perfect the first time you attempt to bring it to life? No. I have stacks of drawings that didn't come out the way I'd hoped. But after 67 years of drawing (yes, my toys always included art supplies) and writing, I know to pause, honor the blank page, and then begin. Because in my head, no one else gets to enjoy it, or criticize it, depending on their attraction to my work. Either way, it doesn't matter. My efforts, good or not so great, all contribute to good in the world.

It was the same way with my company and the creation of Navigating Challenging Dialogue®.

I pulled up a blank document on my laptop and began putting down the thoughts and ideas swirling in my head, flagging what I wanted to research deeper.

And before I knew it, I had NCD — an impactful and positive gift to the world of work and the challenges of relationships and communication.

I'm not saying it ever gets easier to put your mark on that shiny and often intimidating blank sheet glaring at you but take the challenge. Make notes. Write out ideas. When you feel stuck, simply ask yourself:

• Where do I want to go deeper?

• Where might some texture, shadow, a quote, a story, or a bit of supporting research make this idea stand out?

• What is missing in the world if I don't do this? Expand on that.

• What is missing from my own life, from my sense of accomplishment and contribution, if I don't create this?

Starting is the hardest part of all.

Shifting the balance of a perfectly beautiful blank slate to add your own voice, ideas, or lens is always intimidating. But for many of us, most of us, good enough isn't enough.

You were born with the gift of ideation and the ability to bring ideas to life. Some may become irrelevant even while you're still creating. Some may seem like they've been done before, but never with your unique perspective. That I know.

So go ahead.

Pick up the pen. Make your mark. And know, you were born to create.

Write me and let me know the creative ideas you are holding on to. I’d love to spur you own.

P.S. And if you’d like to see some of my creations, go to https://BethWonsonIsCurious.com.