This is a tree in our garden. It’s been there as long as we have and every season, it drops something different – leaves in autumn, flowers in spring, berries in summer, and twigs all year round. Each season brings its own cleanup routine, and many times I’ve wondered if it’s worth it. The tree can look beautiful when it’s in full bloom, but during the bare months, it’s hard to remember why we keep it around.
Yet, despite the constant mess, we’ve never seriously considered removing it. Somehow, dealing with the debris feels easier than the idea of taking the tree down. It also seems a shame to remove such an established tree – but is that thinking flawed?
I realised that this tree is a lot like the little things we deal with constantly in our art practice or business. We get used to the small tasks – the ones that seem insignificant on their own but add up over time. We put up with outdated processes, old mindsets, habits, and systems because they’re familiar, even if they’re not the most efficient. But at what point do these small annoyances become real obstacles to our growth? These hidden costs and overlooked inefficiencies might be holding you back in your own creative journey – and it might be time to clear away the debris.
Small, persistent tasks
Just as the tree constantly drops different things that require cleanup, an artist's business often involves small, recurring tasks that may seem minor but collectively consume significant time and energy. These could be administrative tasks, social media management, or dealing with difficult clients. Over time, these small tasks can add up, leading to inefficiencies and a drain on creativity.
The illusion of convenience
Keeping the tree because removing it seems harder is akin to maintaining certain habits or systems in a business because they feel familiar, even if they’re not the most efficient. You might hold onto outdated processes, ineffective marketing strategies, or unproductive work habits because the idea of changing them feels overwhelming. However, this perceived convenience can have hidden costs in terms of lost time, missed opportunities, and reduced creative output.
Assessing the true value
The tree's presence is tolerated despite the constant cleanup because it has some aesthetic or sentimental value. Similarly, you might hold onto certain aspects of your business that you value emotionally, even if they’re not beneficial in a practical sense. It’s worth assessing whether these elements truly add value or if they’re merely contributing to a cycle of inefficiency.
Opportunity for change
Just as you might eventually decide it’s time to remove the tree if the cleanup becomes too burdensome, there comes a point in every business when it’s necessary to make hard decisions. This could mean letting go of certain clients, changing your artistic style or medium, changing business models, ceasing certain activities or outsourcing tasks. The key is recognising when the costs of maintaining the status quo outweigh the benefits and being motivated enough or courageous enough to make changes to improve overall efficiency and growth.
It's easy to let familiar habits and routines go unchallenged, but they could be quietly holding you back. Just like the tree in my garden, these inefficiencies may seem harmless, but over time, they clutter your path to success. I challenge you to take a hard look at your art practice. What’s costing you more than it’s worth? It might be time to make the tough decisions that will ultimately free you to grow and thrive.
Instagram | Cara | YouTube: @sarahritchiehq Facebook: sarahritchieart
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