And then someone asks you to paint their dog.

Do you paint it?  If you have a grumbly spouse, who doesn’t understand how painting a dog is any different than painting half-dead trees at twilight because you love them, you’ll be tempted to say yes.  By all means, give this pet portrait painting a try.

But if your heart hates it, don’t continue to do it.  Please, do the world a favor and paint barn doors or guys on Harleys or whatever it is you are meant to paint.  Be the fastest or niftiest or most magical.  Just, please.  Paint what you’re meant to paint.

As a photographer, can I shoot weddings?  Absolutely.  I can even have fun doing it.  But it isn’t what makes me all weepy-happy with the state of the world — I’m much too mellow, and the stress of an event makes me want to run and hide.

And Seniors?  Oh yes, I’ve been tempted to bust out my strobe-skills and rock the Seniors. Again, though, it’s not what I’m meant to do.  It doesn’t make me smile spontaneously for the length of the shoot, the drive home, and the time it takes to edit the images.

For me, it’s kids.  Kids and families, kids by themselves, Mamas and Papas and babies and silly songs and snacks and giggles and tantrums and winter boots in the middle of July.

So, what makes your heart cry out with joy?  Why aren’t you doing that very thing — and only that very thing — in your business?

Want to read it on the blog? STICK TO YOUR STRENGTHS.