When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. ~ Confucius
This timeless wisdom from Confucius offers profound insights for everyone, but it holds particular relevance for creatives, artists, designers, and especially those just emerging in their fields. In a world that often encourages us to dream big but rarely instructs us on how to achieve those dreams, this quote serves as a beacon of practical guidance.
For creatives, setting ambitious goals is second nature. Whether it’s crafting a masterpiece, designing an innovative product, or disrupting an entire industry with a new idea, the creative mind naturally gravitates towards grand visions. However, the path from conception to realization is rarely straight or smooth. It’s in navigating this journey that Confucius’s advice becomes invaluable.
Consider the career of Frida Kahlo, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Kahlo’s goal was to express her inner world through art, a lofty ambition for anyone, but particularly challenging given the physical limitations she faced due to a bus accident in her youth. Rather than abandoning her artistic aspirations, Kahlo adjusted her approach. She turned to self-portraiture, using her own image as a subject she could paint while bedridden. This adjustment in her action steps, rather than her ultimate goal, led to the creation of some of the most powerful and personal artworks in modern history.
For emerging artists and designers, the temptation to lower one’s sights in the face of obstacles can be strong. The art world can be notoriously difficult to break into, and early rejections or failures might seem like clear signals to scale back ambitions. However, Confucius advises us to resist this urge. Instead of diminishing our dreams, we should re-evaluate our approach.
Take, for example, the journey of architect Frank Gehry. Early in his career, Gehry’s goal was to create buildings that were both functional and sculptural, challenging the conventional norms of architecture. However, his initial designs were often met with skepticism and rejection. Rather than abandoning his vision, Gehry adjusted his action steps. He began experimenting with unconventional materials and technologies, including software used in the aerospace industry, to bring his complex designs to life. This adjustment in his process, not his ultimate goal, eventually led to the creation of iconic structures like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
For surface designers and textile artists, the quote holds equally valuable lessons. The goal might be to see one’s designs adorning homes or clothing worldwide, but the path to achieving this can be fraught with challenges. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her iconic polka dot designs, faced numerous setbacks early in her career. Her goal was to create immersive art experiences, but she struggled to gain recognition in the male-dominated art world of 1950s Japan and later in New York. Rather than scaling back her ambitions, Kusama adjusted her approach. She began creating public performances and installations, bringing her art directly to the people. This shift in strategy eventually led to her becoming one of the most recognized and celebrated artists of our time.
In the realm of fashion design, the story of Alexander McQueen provides another powerful example of adjusting action steps rather than goals. McQueen’s ambition was to revolutionize fashion, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. However, he came from a working-class background with limited resources. Instead of tempering his aspirations, McQueen adjusted his approach. He honed his tailoring skills through apprenticeships, learned the intricacies of pattern cutting, and used unconventional materials to create his early collections. These strategic adjustments in his journey, rather than a scaling back of his ultimate vision, led to McQueen becoming one of the most influential designers in fashion history.
For emerging creatives, it’s crucial to understand that setbacks and obstacles are not indicators that your goals are unattainable. They are, instead, invitations to reassess and adjust your approach. This might mean acquiring new skills, exploring different mediums, seeking mentorship, or even changing the order in which you tackle various aspects of your project.
Consider the journey of street artist Banksy. While his true identity remains a mystery, what’s clear is that his goal has always been to use art as a form of social commentary and provocation. However, the illegal nature of graffiti presented significant obstacles. Rather than abandoning his mission, Banksy adjusted his tactics. He developed stencil techniques for faster application, chose strategic locations for maximum impact, and later expanded into other mediums like film and installation art. These adjustments in his approach, not his ultimate goal, have made Banksy one of the most influential artists of our time.
For those working in digital design and new media, the rapid pace of technological change can often make goals seem unattainable. However, the principle remains the same. Web designer and artist Joshua Davis set out to create complex, generative artworks at a time when web technologies were still relatively limited. Rather than scaling back his ambitions, Davis adjusted his approach. He learned programming, experimented with different software, and continuously adapted to new technologies as they emerged. This flexibility in his process, not a reduction of his goals, led to him becoming a pioneer in generative art and design.
It’s also worth noting that adjusting action steps often requires creativity in itself. It demands problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. For creatives, this process can often lead to unexpected innovations and breakthroughs.
Take the example of graphic designer Paula Scher. Her goal was to create impactful, memorable designs, but she found herself constrained by the limitations of traditional typography. Rather than lowering her ambitions, Scher adjusted her approach. She began experimenting with unconventional typographic treatments, pushing the boundaries of legibility and form. This adjustment in her process led to the creation of her iconic, typographically-driven designs that have defined the visual identity of numerous major brands and institutions.
In conclusion, Confucius’s wisdom offers a powerful framework for creatives at all stages of their careers. It encourages persistence and adaptability without compromising on vision. It reminds us that the path to achieving our creative goals is rarely linear, and that setbacks are not endpoints but opportunities for reassessment and growth.
For emerging artists, designers, and creatives, this mindset is particularly crucial. The journey from aspiration to realization is often long and challenging, but by focusing on adjusting action steps rather than downscaling dreams, you open yourself up to innovative solutions and unexpected opportunities. Remember, every established artist or designer was once an emerging talent facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Their success often came not from lowering their sights, but from finding new ways to reach their original, ambitious goals.
So, when faced with challenges, channel the spirit of Kahlo, Gehry, Kusama, McQueen, Banksy, Davis, and Scher. Don’t diminish your dreams – instead, reimagine your path to achieving them. Your goals are valid, your vision is valuable, and with the right adjustments to your approach, they are within your reach.
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