I’m so glad to hear you’ve been gentle with yourself. I just want you to know I support you in exactly what you’re doing. I don’t want you to feel any sort of shame/guilt for taking breaks when you need to! (recommend the shame TED talk if you haven’t seen it, as I’ve learned it’s truly the root of a lot of trauma in my cPTSD journey). I’ve dealt a lot with chronic illness so I appreciate this video more than you know. I’m proud of you for where you are and for making it through what you have so far.
“It’s about doing what you can, consistently.” That’s it… the thing I needed to hear the most. I want to start an art business… but I’m not sure how I want to go about it. I’m not sure what I can offer people, and products and marketing, yk the usual stuff . And that stresses me out because I’m 20 and feeling like I’m falling behind. But… While my anxiety is telling me all sorts of negatives. I’ve finally started my own UA-cam channel that I post Bi-Weekly. I’m improving my skills and learning new things. I’ve finally got a consistent art style. I draw/sketch more often which gives me new content ideas and I’m very slowly but surely building a community that I can connect with.
You're 20. TWweeeennnty. Aka you have your whole life ahead of you (and there's no "there" to get to, you never figure things out 100%, that would be so deeply boring even if it was possible). I'm 52, and I've lived a jam-packed life (lived in Japan and New Zealand, taught English, worked at the Canadian Embassy, became a military intelligence officer, worked in retail for years, worked in professional theatre in Canada and NZ, have been a professional artist off and on for years....) You have so much time, and so many experiences ahead of you, I know it's hard but try and experience the NOW. You will never be 20 again, you're never falling behind until you're dead. Seriously. Do what you can towards your goals, but don't stress about "I'm not there yet." As I said, "there" doesn't exist, it's like the end of the rainbow that keeps moving as you travel towards it. What you want will change and grow and pivot as you grow as a person, as your skills and knowledge get better, and your life changes. You can't see around corners, and if you could that would take all the enjoyment out of learning something new each day, trying something new, working on your skills... 😊
@ thank you for this message! I just get so wrapped up in my passion for art and then I proceed to compare my life to what I’m doing now. Working at two jobs , that ofc i hate. Always day dreaming about what I could possibly be drawing next or a content idea id like to execute. But yes. I’ll definitely take your advice into account! Thank you. Btw 😗 how did you enjoy living in Japan?
Due to the fact I got laid off my job I thought would get me through a few years to build up my art business, I was devasted how my future will look. I have chronic illnesses too, so I was constanlty bashing myself for not performing every day or doing something to get me going. You tip with making a list for different energy days is really, really good. I will do that. Don't know how right now, because I am on a really tight deadline for applying to things, but in general this will get me going, not shaming myself and eventually avoiding procrastination! This is really good, thank you Kelsey. And I am glad you are back!
It's about what is sustain and works for you, yes? I think the element of a vision really helps, otherwise you'll find yourself wondering aimlessly. You don't necessarily need the 'end' result, the path may change, but seeing the goal can really help.
Thanks for sharing this Kelsey. I didn't know until very recently that you live with chronic illness. As someone who's been living with ME/CFS for almost 20 years, I absolutely love the idea of an energy menu. Apart from the obvious things, what I really like is the idea of having this available on low energy days because they're often the days when I find it hard to prioritise or even to allow myself to take a step back. Often I push myself harder on those days than I might on days when I have better energy - you can imagine how well that works out! Thanks for the idea and for sharing this video today when I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the goal-setting, year--in-review things floating around today. Cathryn x
I'm glad I clicked on your video. It was in my recommended, and I've never seen any of your videos before. I'm also an artist, and believe it or not, I'm sitting in my room working on my daily task list - in a notebook very similar to the one you show at 2:54 Even though I have somewhat of a vision, I think I do have a problem dealing with things when a lot goes wrong at once. That completely drains my motivation, and it's hard to move forward in the same pace until I'm back into a higher energy. It's refreshing to hear that even the tiny steps on the low energy days are still growth, even if I don't see it that way in the moment. Your explanation brings me a different kind of motivation, and a different way of thinking. Thanks again, from a fellow artist! Keep up the great work!
Try not to think of things "going wrong" -- that's just a perception of your expectations not being met. Think about where the expectations come from, like is it from seeing others online or wherever "do the thing" that you're struggling with? Likely their journey wasn't as direct and simple as you think it was (or even as they say it was -- very few people will talk about every wrong turn they made, everything that didn't work out, because that's not going to garner attention/fans/likes/whatever). You're confusing a vision (the overall theme of how you want to live) with the tactics to meet your goals (tactics are goals broken down into smaller steps, and your goals all make up your vision). So your vision is intact, nothing can impact that short of cataclysmic life events (like you want to be an Olympic basketball player but get into a car crash and lose one of your legs, and even then you could be on the Paralympic team)... I hope this makes sense, don't take things not going how you want as having any impact on the long-term vision for yourself and your art. The only way those setbacks will impact your vision is if you let them stop you entirely. And they're not even setbacks in the sense that you just learned a way that doesn't work, which hopefully will leave clues as to what will work, or lead you closer to some clues. Like I suffer with chronic pain, it took me over 10 years to relearn how to paint around my permanent injury, and even then I have had to do a lot of experimentation with substrates (as anything too rough adds pain to me, as does flexible surfaces like stretched canvas). I could see almost two years at this point of experimentation, of trying things out as a failure. But I choose to see it as figuring out what will work for ME (and I take notes and pictures of what works and what doesn't, and why, so I learn from every experiment). Motivation is a myth, it's fickle and can't be relied on for action (not consistently anyway, ask any gym in February how many of their new members from January are still coming). Like you're not "motivated" to brush your teeth every day, you do because it's a habit you've created over years and you don't want to lose your teeth. People think they have to be motivated to take action, that's simply not the case. Your vision will help you take action even when it's hard, even when you don't feel like it, because your vision is far stronger than any motivation ever can be. If it isn't, then think about why that is, and create a stronger vision for yourself. ❤
This video felt like a warm hug for me! I also have chronic pain from an autoimmune disorder and struggle with the pressure to hurry up with my projects. I love the idea of honoring where my body is at in the moment and being accepting of when I have to do less in order to make it through the week ahead. Thank you for the share- I hope there are less flare up days in your new year!
My only resolution for the new year is giving myself grace. Of course I have goals and plans, but this past year taught me that I am human and its okay to make mistakes or not be consistent. I shouldn't expect myself to do extreme things when I've never done them before, like working out everyday when I barely leave the house or waking up in the early morning when I go to sleep at 3 most nights and wake up in the afternoon. I've created a list of things I want to achieve, and I put explanations as to WHY I want to achieve those things and how I can because it allows me to be realistic with my goals and set intentions🤍
This is really helpful and inspiring. Its kinda like the thinking that got me through some severe depression, just keep looking forward to the future and taking a step whenever I could. Dreaming can help get through the darkest and hardest times.
Thanks so much for talking about limitations and doing what you can (not what all the bro marketers and hustle-culture advocates say you "should") -- it's so easy to make health issues or whatever is going on so much worse just by piling on a bunch of "shoulds" on top of everything. Definitely familiar with spoon theory (hurt in my military service 12 years ago so live with chronic pain, exacerbated by a pinched sciatic nerve two months ago), but hadn't heard of a "menu" of options to do on good and bad days. I kind of was doing it anyway (like a painting I've been wanting to start has taken me like 3 days just to get one layer on it, instead of starting it and working on it until it's done over a few hours like I normally would), but making a list of various things I could do is a great idea. Then when brainpower is impossible due to pain, I don't even have to exert the energy to think about what I can do that day. I'm sorry you've been struggling, it's so hard, I'm glad you're able to still take baby steps towards your goals (and don't ever apologize for needing to take time away, taking care of you is the most important thing).
There is an episode Star Trek TNG where Picard sees his life if the never took chances, and he’s stuck at being a lieutenant. I watched it a couple years ago when I turned 40, and realized that my mentality of being content ended up kneecapping my ambitions.
as someone who struggles already with strategy and planning- its a million times more important that the tasks I execute feel like they are building toward the life that I want. I appreciate your blend of organization and passion. thank you for continuing this beautiful vulnerability and know that so many of us are there with you! down with hustle culture!!
This felt so comforting. Thank you. For many years already I stopped heaving new years resolutions. I just have the goals that I usaly have. Because heaving a speciffic deadline feels so pressureing aspecally when you not make it in time and a year goes by so quickly. I think I know some people, even non artists who might need to see this video. Will defanatly share 😉
This was massively helpful. Sometimes we just need to hear alternatives that work for others. I love the idea of an energy menu. Going 100% all day every day isn’t realistic or sustainable for many of us, yet I’ve always been hesitant to sell my future self short by saying x days next week I’m going to probably just be a potato.
Thanks for your outstanding video. As a creative with chronic health issues it was very refreshing to see your approach to how to set a direction for growth for the next year. Best wishes from me.
Great pep talk for the beginning of the year! 😊 And I did love that part of the book. I think I naturally sort out my high-low energy days by necessity and I’ve forgiven myself for my low energy days but I think I’ve always had some guilt about not being 100% every day. Putting a name to it actually helps quite a bit in mentally reframing what progress looks like. Today is a medium energy day for me today so I think I’m going to go work on some web development & research. Thanks for making this content Kelsey!
Thanks for the video, i agree with you were talking about vision! I also want to say that i took your free advice you gave me on a reply and ditched Shopify for Big Cartel and you save me so much money, thanks.
I’m happy you posted this video. Sustainability , more human connections that fit who I am and being gentle with myself is also where I’m leaning too. I wish you a great 2025 and may it be fulfilling, cozy and full of cool art stuff 😊
Please do a vid on how u manage freelance with a chronic illness. I’m no longer going into art because of my chronic illness, I have me/cfs and autoimmune issues and what I think about is health insurance. I wish I had flare ups but it’s a daily struggle for me.
I love how you explained the idea of creating a vision of your ideal future and chasing it instead of just itemized goals that are strict successes/fail. I also really loved the preview of your workbook, it's really been resonating with me. Thank you for making what you do🙏💙
Hi Kelsey, I am a small business owner who's shope started growing in 2024 and I am hopping in 2025 to grow here on UA-cam where I have already tried twice to do but with no success. If you are still offereing 1 one 1 business sessions, please let me know I could not find them on your website. PS: I am working on my vision board for 2025 🙂.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve been gentle with yourself. I just want you to know I support you in exactly what you’re doing. I don’t want you to feel any sort of shame/guilt for taking breaks when you need to! (recommend the shame TED talk if you haven’t seen it, as I’ve learned it’s truly the root of a lot of trauma in my cPTSD journey). I’ve dealt a lot with chronic illness so I appreciate this video more than you know. I’m proud of you for where you are and for making it through what you have so far.
“It’s about doing what you can, consistently.”
That’s it… the thing I needed to hear the most.
I want to start an art business… but I’m not sure how I want to go about it. I’m not sure what I can offer people, and products and marketing, yk the usual stuff . And that stresses me out because I’m 20 and feeling like I’m falling behind. But…
While my anxiety is telling me all sorts of negatives. I’ve finally started my own UA-cam channel that I post Bi-Weekly. I’m improving my skills and learning new things. I’ve finally got a consistent art style. I draw/sketch more often which gives me new content ideas and I’m very slowly but surely building a community that I can connect with.
You're 20. TWweeeennnty. Aka you have your whole life ahead of you (and there's no "there" to get to, you never figure things out 100%, that would be so deeply boring even if it was possible). I'm 52, and I've lived a jam-packed life (lived in Japan and New Zealand, taught English, worked at the Canadian Embassy, became a military intelligence officer, worked in retail for years, worked in professional theatre in Canada and NZ, have been a professional artist off and on for years....) You have so much time, and so many experiences ahead of you, I know it's hard but try and experience the NOW. You will never be 20 again, you're never falling behind until you're dead. Seriously. Do what you can towards your goals, but don't stress about "I'm not there yet." As I said, "there" doesn't exist, it's like the end of the rainbow that keeps moving as you travel towards it. What you want will change and grow and pivot as you grow as a person, as your skills and knowledge get better, and your life changes. You can't see around corners, and if you could that would take all the enjoyment out of learning something new each day, trying something new, working on your skills... 😊
@ thank you for this message! I just get so wrapped up in my passion for art and then I proceed to compare my life to what I’m doing now. Working at two jobs , that ofc i hate. Always day dreaming about what I could possibly be drawing next or a content idea id like to execute.
But yes. I’ll definitely take your advice into account! Thank you.
Btw 😗 how did you enjoy living in Japan?
I'm not even finished with the video and you are telling me all I need to hear right now. I'm so in alignment with that energy! I'm ready. Thank you!
Due to the fact I got laid off my job I thought would get me through a few years to build up my art business, I was devasted how my future will look. I have chronic illnesses too, so I was constanlty bashing myself for not performing every day or doing something to get me going. You tip with making a list for different energy days is really, really good. I will do that. Don't know how right now, because I am on a really tight deadline for applying to things, but in general this will get me going, not shaming myself and eventually avoiding procrastination! This is really good, thank you Kelsey. And I am glad you are back!
It's about what is sustain and works for you, yes? I think the element of a vision really helps, otherwise you'll find yourself wondering aimlessly. You don't necessarily need the 'end' result, the path may change, but seeing the goal can really help.
yes, exactly!
Thanks for sharing this Kelsey. I didn't know until very recently that you live with chronic illness. As someone who's been living with ME/CFS for almost 20 years, I absolutely love the idea of an energy menu. Apart from the obvious things, what I really like is the idea of having this available on low energy days because they're often the days when I find it hard to prioritise or even to allow myself to take a step back. Often I push myself harder on those days than I might on days when I have better energy - you can imagine how well that works out! Thanks for the idea and for sharing this video today when I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the goal-setting, year--in-review things floating around today. Cathryn x
I'm glad I clicked on your video. It was in my recommended, and I've never seen any of your videos before. I'm also an artist, and believe it or not, I'm sitting in my room working on my daily task list - in a notebook very similar to the one you show at 2:54 Even though I have somewhat of a vision, I think I do have a problem dealing with things when a lot goes wrong at once. That completely drains my motivation, and it's hard to move forward in the same pace until I'm back into a higher energy. It's refreshing to hear that even the tiny steps on the low energy days are still growth, even if I don't see it that way in the moment. Your explanation brings me a different kind of motivation, and a different way of thinking. Thanks again, from a fellow artist! Keep up the great work!
Try not to think of things "going wrong" -- that's just a perception of your expectations not being met. Think about where the expectations come from, like is it from seeing others online or wherever "do the thing" that you're struggling with? Likely their journey wasn't as direct and simple as you think it was (or even as they say it was -- very few people will talk about every wrong turn they made, everything that didn't work out, because that's not going to garner attention/fans/likes/whatever). You're confusing a vision (the overall theme of how you want to live) with the tactics to meet your goals (tactics are goals broken down into smaller steps, and your goals all make up your vision). So your vision is intact, nothing can impact that short of cataclysmic life events (like you want to be an Olympic basketball player but get into a car crash and lose one of your legs, and even then you could be on the Paralympic team)... I hope this makes sense, don't take things not going how you want as having any impact on the long-term vision for yourself and your art. The only way those setbacks will impact your vision is if you let them stop you entirely. And they're not even setbacks in the sense that you just learned a way that doesn't work, which hopefully will leave clues as to what will work, or lead you closer to some clues. Like I suffer with chronic pain, it took me over 10 years to relearn how to paint around my permanent injury, and even then I have had to do a lot of experimentation with substrates (as anything too rough adds pain to me, as does flexible surfaces like stretched canvas). I could see almost two years at this point of experimentation, of trying things out as a failure. But I choose to see it as figuring out what will work for ME (and I take notes and pictures of what works and what doesn't, and why, so I learn from every experiment). Motivation is a myth, it's fickle and can't be relied on for action (not consistently anyway, ask any gym in February how many of their new members from January are still coming). Like you're not "motivated" to brush your teeth every day, you do because it's a habit you've created over years and you don't want to lose your teeth. People think they have to be motivated to take action, that's simply not the case. Your vision will help you take action even when it's hard, even when you don't feel like it, because your vision is far stronger than any motivation ever can be. If it isn't, then think about why that is, and create a stronger vision for yourself. ❤
You're making great growth for yourself in this shift in perspective. Thanks for sharing and i really love you sharing the menu idea!
This video felt like a warm hug for me! I also have chronic pain from an autoimmune disorder and struggle with the pressure to hurry up with my projects. I love the idea of honoring where my body is at in the moment and being accepting of when I have to do less in order to make it through the week ahead. Thank you for the share- I hope there are less flare up days in your new year!
My only resolution for the new year is giving myself grace. Of course I have goals and plans, but this past year taught me that I am human and its okay to make mistakes or not be consistent. I shouldn't expect myself to do extreme things when I've never done them before, like working out everyday when I barely leave the house or waking up in the early morning when I go to sleep at 3 most nights and wake up in the afternoon. I've created a list of things I want to achieve, and I put explanations as to WHY I want to achieve those things and how I can because it allows me to be realistic with my goals and set intentions🤍
Thank you.❤ I have huge energy issues after a hemorrhagic stroke in October of 2023. I love your advice.
This is really helpful and inspiring. Its kinda like the thinking that got me through some severe depression, just keep looking forward to the future and taking a step whenever I could. Dreaming can help get through the darkest and hardest times.
Thanks so much for talking about limitations and doing what you can (not what all the bro marketers and hustle-culture advocates say you "should") -- it's so easy to make health issues or whatever is going on so much worse just by piling on a bunch of "shoulds" on top of everything. Definitely familiar with spoon theory (hurt in my military service 12 years ago so live with chronic pain, exacerbated by a pinched sciatic nerve two months ago), but hadn't heard of a "menu" of options to do on good and bad days. I kind of was doing it anyway (like a painting I've been wanting to start has taken me like 3 days just to get one layer on it, instead of starting it and working on it until it's done over a few hours like I normally would), but making a list of various things I could do is a great idea. Then when brainpower is impossible due to pain, I don't even have to exert the energy to think about what I can do that day. I'm sorry you've been struggling, it's so hard, I'm glad you're able to still take baby steps towards your goals (and don't ever apologize for needing to take time away, taking care of you is the most important thing).
There is an episode Star Trek TNG where Picard sees his life if the never took chances, and he’s stuck at being a lieutenant.
I watched it a couple years ago when I turned 40, and realized that my mentality of being content ended up kneecapping my ambitions.
as someone who struggles already with strategy and planning- its a million times more important that the tasks I execute feel like they are building toward the life that I want. I appreciate your blend of organization and passion.
thank you for continuing this beautiful vulnerability and know that so many of us are there with you! down with hustle culture!!
Very well said! Best wishes for 2025 😊
This mindset is a true game-changer❤
This felt so comforting. Thank you.
For many years already I stopped heaving new years resolutions. I just have the goals that I usaly have. Because heaving a speciffic deadline feels so pressureing aspecally when you not make it in time and a year goes by so quickly.
I think I know some people, even non artists who might need to see this video. Will defanatly share 😉
This was massively helpful. Sometimes we just need to hear alternatives that work for others. I love the idea of an energy menu. Going 100% all day every day isn’t realistic or sustainable for many of us, yet I’ve always been hesitant to sell my future self short by saying x days next week I’m going to probably just be a potato.
The moment I was going to give up on art, this vid popped up in my recommendations. WOW. Maybe there’s still hope for me yet. Thank you for this.
Thank you so much for this wholesome message 💗
Thanks for your outstanding video. As a creative with chronic health issues it was very refreshing to see your approach to how to set a direction for growth for the next year. Best wishes from me.
thank you so much for this great video, it really inspired me
thank u Kelsey
Thank you for this vide Kelsey. Really helpful and touching.
Yes! Vision as a guide. Energy planner. Love it. 😊❤
Great pep talk for the beginning of the year! 😊 And I did love that part of the book. I think I naturally sort out my high-low energy days by necessity and I’ve forgiven myself for my low energy days but I think I’ve always had some guilt about not being 100% every day. Putting a name to it actually helps quite a bit in mentally reframing what progress looks like. Today is a medium energy day for me today so I think I’m going to go work on some web development & research. Thanks for making this content Kelsey!
Thanks for the video, i agree with you were talking about vision! I also want to say that i took your free advice you gave me on a reply and ditched Shopify for Big Cartel and you save me so much money, thanks.
I loved it!❤ You’re right
I struggle sometimes with everything that happens around me
But this was very nice thanks
I’m happy you posted this video. Sustainability , more human connections that fit who I am and being gentle with myself is also where I’m leaning too. I wish you a great 2025 and may it be fulfilling, cozy and full of cool art stuff 😊
Thank you!
I love this video! And I really love your book
this was helpful thank you 🙂
Please do a vid on how u manage freelance with a chronic illness. I’m no longer going into art because of my chronic illness, I have me/cfs and autoimmune issues and what I think about is health insurance. I wish I had flare ups but it’s a daily struggle for me.
"a place to create without fear" "doesn't need to be elaborate"
I'm in the minute 3 and this already hit me way much hard than i expected....
I like how the small and pretty edits are increasing, love it!
I love how you explained the idea of creating a vision of your ideal future and chasing it instead of just itemized goals that are strict successes/fail. I also really loved the preview of your workbook, it's really been resonating with me. Thank you for making what you do🙏💙
Thank you Kelsey for the endless inspiration always, all the best for you in 2025 🤗🌼🌸🪻🌷🩵
Hi Kelsey, I am a small business owner who's shope started growing in 2024 and I am hopping in 2025 to grow here on UA-cam where I have already tried twice to do but with no success. If you are still offereing 1 one 1 business sessions, please let me know I could not find them on your website.
PS: I am working on my vision board for 2025 🙂.
I do still offer coaching! www.kelseyrodriguez.com/work-with-me
WHY DID YOU DESIGN THE BOOK IN ADOBE XD? 😭😭😭
i ask myself that question every day lol 😅
Can I message you? We sound very similar.
2024 was such a mess, im gunna need to take notes