Four days ago I wrote down the goal to earn $100,000 (after taxes!) this year. Today I modified that to read "after taxes, tithing, and expenses." In other words, I wanted to have that much in the bank at year's end. Not being too sure of myself, however, I vacillated . . . . How 'realistic' was that?
The truth of the matter is that since I haven't made any money to speak of for three and a half years, the $100,000 is 'unrealistic,' whether after taxes or not. So, whether it includes tithing or not is also somewhat 'moot.' The two together probably represent 40% of the gross (if it is in excess of $100k), which means that I would have to earn $166,667 to clear $100,000.
The point is that adding those two qualifiers does make the gross figure rise by roughly two thirds. If I were to add in the cost of living at, say, $30,000 (minimally), I'd have to add that much plus another $20,000 for tithing and taxes, resulting in a required gross income of $216, 667 - or more than twice the original amount.
In 'reality,' I am fairly certain I could do that amount if I were 100% committed to doing so. In truth, however, I'd have to say that I probably don't care enough to make that commitment. I want to be financially successful, but I am more focused on doing my best professionally or artistically.
With all of that said, I'm going to have to give this some thought before reaching a decision for now. Once I decide, however, and set about to act in accordance with my decision, I believe I will then reach whatever goal I have set. I'm being quite philosophical here, but it seems to me that the business of reaching decisions is the key to setting the creative process in motion.
Once we have made a decision, and are acting in accord with that decision, then things begin to happen. Creative forces are unleashed, and begin to act 'on their own,' as it were. In the vernacular, things begin to 'take on a life of their own.' That is very trite, admittedly, but I believe that it is, in fact, the case. Once we decide, and begin to act in harmony with our decision or decisions, magic begins to happen.
Perhaps that is why Goethe was credited with saying: "Whatever you can do, or think you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." It seems to me, however, that both our decisions and the resulting actions, must themselves be consistent with who we really are. I know that sounds a bit 'mindless' or unclear itself, but in my own case, while I wanted - and still want - to be a writer and speaker, I was also walking away from what had been my life-long passion of being an architect; and for some sixteen months or so, I floundered about not succeeding in anything I tried.
When I finally made the decision some three weeks ago yesterday, to continue my quest as an architect, and committed myself to pursue historic residential design, that, I believe, was the turning point. In the middle of the third week of working on a historical design (without pay), I received a paying (architectural) project.
This week, yesterday, in fact, some three days after setting a specific financial goal - while continuing to work daily in accordance with my decision to pursue historic architecture - I met someone who I believe can help me achieve both the financial and professional goals. We met today for nearly three hours, and I am quit intrigued with what he had to offer.
I was only able to work on the model for about a half hour today, but I made one major decision, and made several key changes reflective of that decision. Tomorrow I will press forward with the newly modified design, and continue to work this out. Monday I pick up the sketches to start my recently acquired work at $75 per hour. It may only be twenty hours, but that will be more money than I have made on a project in three or four years - and I believe it is only a sign of things to come.
I can only say that I believe things are beginning to change for the better. It may be that they will now change in ways that I have looked for most of my adult life. We shall see, but I believe that will be the case.
Good night, all!
Mr. Ballantyne
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