The Photographer Mindset

"Have To" "Should Do" or "Want To"... The Mindset Shift Every Creator Needs

Seth Macey & Aaron Mannes Episode 282

In this episode, we dive into the balance between passion and practicality in creative pursuits. We share personal stories about the pressures of turning hobbies into careers, the challenges of burnout, and how we’ve redefined success on our own terms. From navigating the "have to," "should," and "want to" moments to finding ways to keep the joy alive, we reflect on how timing, mindset, and self-awareness have shaped our creative journeys. If you’re looking for relatable insights and practical takeaways to stay inspired, this one’s for you.

Expect to Learn:

  • How to identify creative burnout, and understand its causes
  • The realities of turning a creative hobby into a career 
  • How focusing on gratitude can help you find fulfillment
  • Why it’s essential to say "no" to certain opportunities
  • How to embrace constructive criticism and curate your best work

Sponsor:

Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!

Use the code TPM2025 at checkout for 15% off: 

https://www.whitewall.com/


Our Links:

Join our subreddit where you can share stories and ask questions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/photographermindset/

Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/

Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show: https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US


Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

Support the show