Making a Promise to the Universe
It’s been about a year since I rebooted this website and about 7 months since I seriously started using it. My long-term objective for this site is for it to be the hub for all of my creativity and the projects I’m involved in and I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made toward that end.
However, a few other creatives that I know have been confused about why I decided to start the site now. Many of my newest projects are still in development. This site does take away a bit of the time I could be using to work on those projects. Why wouldn’t I just focus on getting those projects completed first?
This post is the answer to that question.
If you’re trying to decide whether or not the time is right to launch a website, my reasoning for starting one might help you decide if you're ready.
I started blogging in October of 2003 and did so until August 2005. I guess you could call it jimwilbourne.com 1.0. Fairly, the blog lasted longer than most blogs, but it had zero focus. It was me talking to oblivion.
I started again in January of 2008 and continued until March of 2010 ― the 2.0 years. I used the official domain name jimwilbourne.com and had a focus: my music. But I didn’t really have a game-plan beyond that. I didn’t have the proper knowledge, tools and planning to create a site that could grow into something beautiful.
I’m in the mists of 3.0, which started in July 2014. It was the longest I’d gone without blogging or having my own site, but I think I needed that time to figure out my objectives and trajectory. I have a much more clear game-plan for the site this time around. This past year, I’ve been laying down the foundations of what is to come.
For me, starting 3.0 early is about making a promise to the universe.
I knew that rebooting the site without much to show was going to take a small amount of time away from my core competency, but making that promise to the universe by putting myself out there forces me to follow through with the things I plan.
@@I promised the universe more art and I’ll be a liar if I don’t follow through.@@
Sure, I’m exposed to the winds of opinion and ridicule. I’m risking coming off as unimpressive and inexperienced. I’m also risking that I will fall flat on my face in public for the whole world to see. But I’m okay with that because it has forced me to put more effort into my personal and professional evolution than ever.
I think that many people won’t build their platform because they’re afraid of failing in public or afraid that they will be taken as a joke. I understand that fear, but I knew that the best way to conquer the fears and insecurities that I struggle with would be to force myself to walk naked before the eternal eyes of the web.
What About You?
I hope this was helpful and inspired you to take a big step towards making your dreams a reality. If so, please share this with others who might need it.
Have you made your promise to the universe?
Are you holding yourself accountable for the art you want to create?
Let me know how you’re doing in the comments below. I want to know your story.
