Don't Wait to Be Discovered: Stop Believing in Fairy Tales

This article challenges the prevalent "Cinderella myth" in creative fields, the notion that waiting for a "discovery" will bring success. The author asserts that relying on external forces like agents, managers, or talent scouts is not a reliable strategy for creatives. Instead, she emphasizes proactive steps that can lead to success.

The author shares her own journey as a writer, highlighting how she pursued her passion and actively built her career instead of waiting to be "discovered."

She contrasts her proactive approach with the passive stance of waiting for an agent or a lucky break, emphasizing that while "overnight success" can happen, it's rare and often the result of years of dedicated work.

The Real Legacy of Fairy Tales

While fairy tales may have instilled a love of stories and a belief in magic, the author argues that they also perpetuate unrealistic expectations about success. The notion of a prince arriving to whisk away a princess to a happily ever after is a misleading portrayal of the real world.

Instead of waiting for a "prince," the author encourages creatives to take control of their careers and actively pursue their dreams.

The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing that success in the creative field is often the result of hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

The Cinderella Myth and Creative Success

The author reveals how the Cinderella myth continues to influence the thinking of many creatives, leading them to believe that they need to be "discovered" to achieve success. This mindset can be detrimental, as it encourages a passive approach and discourages proactive action.

The author provides an example of a talented artist who believes his work will eventually be "discovered," even though he makes little effort to promote himself or make his work accessible to others.

She argues that while talent is important, it's not enough to guarantee success. Creatives need to actively promote themselves, their work, and their business.

Embrace the Real Magic: A Recipe for Creative Success

Drawing upon her experience and insights from interviewing successful creatives, the author outlines a simple but effective formula for achieving success in creative fields:

Do the work: It all starts with creating quality work that you're passionate about.

Put the work out there: Showcase your work in different ways to reach your target audience.

Tell people about it: Promote your work through social media, networking, and other channels.

Learn from feedback: Use feedback to improve your work and your approach.

Repeat: Continuously create, promote, and evolve your work.

The Power of Proactive Action in Creative Business

The article encourages creatives to embrace a proactive approach to their careers and to actively build their creative business. The author emphasizes that success is not simply a matter of luck or being "discovered." It requires hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach.

The author advocates for self-promotion, networking, and building a strong online presence as essential elements of a successful creative career.

She encourages creatives to take control of their own destiny and to actively seek opportunities rather than passively waiting for them to come.

Overcoming Doubt and Fear: The Real Challenge

While the formula for success is relatively simple, the author acknowledges that the biggest obstacles are often internal – our own doubts, fears, and the indifference of others. It's important to find support and encouragement, and to connect with other creatives who are pursuing similar goals.

The author suggests finding a community of like-minded individuals who can provide support, feedback, and inspiration.