It seems like every year, around this time of year, photographers get down on themselves. It’s the time of the year when we get to reflect on everything that we did over the year, everything we can do differently the next year, and most are a little burned out from the crazy busy season between August-November.  I can honestly say this is one of the most stressful times of the year for me. I worry about my family. I worry about Christmas presents. I worry about money. I just worry. Add in the stress of running a business, and it makes everything that much worse. You worry about not getting the amount of bookings for next year’s wedding season or that people won’t booking you at all. And that, my friends, is why running a business is hard.

Just this morning I was thinking about selling a few of my lenses to get some higher quality ones. Then the thought came to my mind “but what if I don’t get to keep doing this? What if no else books me for photos? What if after the few weddings I have on the books for next year that no one will want photos from me again? (this is a little closer to home for me) What if I want to have another baby and can’t take as many weddings after that!?” Oh man, you guys. The list just keeps tacking onto itself. Worry after worry. Stress after stress. But I have to remind myself one HUGE thing.

It’s like this every year!

Every year I worry. Every year I keep busy. Every year I have friends of past clients that loved me to want to work with me. I’m a firm believer that when you honestly serve your clients, they will love you, and want to refer you to the people they love when they are looking for someone like you.

I’ve said it in past blog posts, but i’ll say it again. Running a business is not for the faint of heart. There will be times of stress. There will be times that you just want to throw in the towel. There will be times when you have clients that aren’t happy. It’s the way of life, er, business really!

So my piece of advice to all the entrepreneurs out there, and not just the photographers…

Keep pushing!!!!

Keep fighting for the things your truly believe in.

Keep doing the things that make you happy.

Keep serving your clients with all your heart!

Keep hustlin’.

It doesn’t come easy. It takes blood, sweat and tears. It takes heart.

It doesn’t come easy, but when you push through all the sucky times, those good times are that much better.

So hustle your little hearts out, and reach for the goals.

Facebook reminded me of this little quote that I posted 3 years ago today…