I have worked on my professional career for the past three years or so very quietly. I have not barked much about my work, or asked anyone to look at me or my work – instead, I’ve just been creating for my very loyal clients who I am very fortunate to have. But we all know that is a very rocky road relying on their loyalty and their need for my services.
So, in the back of my mind I know I need to do more and bark online. I need to introduce myself to many more people who I can potentially inspire or have the opportunity to work or collaborate with.
Recently, I was out for a run in an unfamiliar town and approached a lady, who I think was tying her shoelace in the middle of the path near the entrance to a park, and a little part of me thought to warn her that I was approaching on her right...but I didn't! As I ran past her, a small dog shot out and wrapped its lead around my legs - it was one of those lengthening wire leads that can be locked at a length by flipping a button.
In a tangle, I kept running and tried skipping out of the lead in a not so elegant fashion whilst the owner expressed her surprise and apologised. I confirmed that I was fine and kept running. What I didn't realise, until around 3km into my 5km run, was that the wire lead had actually cut me and was now stinging with my salty sweat. It was very uncomfortable, but I pushed on and managed hit a Personal Best running time!
Whilst treating this uncomfortable cut on my legs and applying plasters I couldn't help but wonder what if I had warned the lady with the dog of my approach? Hindsight is a great thing.
I don't ever tell or warn people of my next moves in my life, or the new approach I am taking to my creative career and I miss out on the potential path I could take if I told people where I plan to go. Who knows, some people may want to reach out with advice or even get involved which could remove some hurdles or even tripwires - that I now call dog leads.
Everybody knows something or someone who could help us move forward, or even know someone that just wants to get involved and be a part of my journey.
So, what’s my takeaway? If I don't voice my approach I could run into a surprise and potentially get a bit tangled or cut (metaphorically of course).
Now I just can't help thinking what my Personal Best time on my run would have been if I didn't get tangled with that dog…
Left image - Top of the left foot. Right image - Mid shin on right leg