Surrender. It’s a word we often resist, but it holds the power to transform our lives. This blog builds on a recent conversation I had with Nikki Boon where we explored what it means to let go and trust the process. If you’re someone who feels stuck in the trap of perfectionism or constantly wrestles with the need to control, this is for you. Surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s about finding freedom and creativity in the moments where you release your grip.

The Perfection Trap

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: perfectionism. It’s the nemesis of creativity. If you’re like me, you’ve probably caught yourself obsessing over tiny details, trying to make everything just right. But perfectionism? It’s like a creativity blocker. It locks you in a box of “shoulds” and “expectations” and zaps the magic out of what you’re doing.

So, what’s the antidote to perfectionism? Surrender. It’s curiosity. It’s leaning into discomfort instead of running from it. When you’re curious, the uncomfortable stuff becomes less intimidating. You start asking questions like, “Why does this make me uneasy?” And from there, you can create something real.

Lessons From Turbulence

Let me tell you a quick story. I was on a plane recently, staring out the window when we hit turbulence. Nothing crazy, just enough to make me hold my breath for a second. And then it hit me – I had zero control. I couldn’t fix the bumps or smooth the ride. All I could do was surrender and trust.

That’s life, isn’t it? So much of our anxiety comes from trying to control things we can’t. But here’s the truth: the only thing we control is how we react. When we let go and respond with curiosity instead of fear, something amazing happens. We get inspired. We find magic.

Photography and the Power of Letting Go

As photographers, especially in genres like weddings or family shoots, there’s this pressure to make everything picture-perfect. We have these preconceived ideas of what’s “flattering” or “timeless.” But guess what? That’s all BS. Those ideas were probably planted in our heads to sell us something. True art doesn’t spoon-feed answers. It asks questions. It makes people pause and wonder.

When you surrender to what’s happening – the messy, the unplanned, the imperfect – that’s where the real beauty is. Nikki mentioned this in our chat, and it hit me hard. If you’re tired of creating photos that feel fake, if you’re done with chasing someone else’s idea of perfection, surrender is your way out. Let things be as they are. Flow with them. Sink into the moment.

What’s Really Bothering You?

Let’s get personal for a second. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why certain things bother you? Like, why does a slightly crooked bra strap or a bit of a double chin make you want to adjust your subject? Is it really about them, or is it about you?

This is where curiosity comes in. If you’re feeling uncomfortable about something, dig into that feeling. Get to the root of it. It might be awkward at first, but that’s okay. Sitting with discomfort is where growth happens.

The Year of Curiosity

So, here’s my challenge for 2025: let it be your year of curiosity. Instead of jumping in to fix everything, take a beat. Whether it’s in your art, your work, or your relationships, hold back and ask yourself, “What can I learn here?”

When you surrender to the moment, when you let go of control, you open yourself up to incredible possibilities. Trust me, I’ve been there. Trying to control everything only leads to burnout and disappointment. But surrender? It brings freedom. It sparks creativity. And it builds trust – with yourself and with others.

Navigating Client Expectations

Now, I get it. Some clients expect perfection. They want the polished, airbrushed version of reality. And that’s okay. But if you’re feeling drained by always striving for that, it might be time to redefine what you’re offering. You can’t please everyone, but you can find the people who value what you bring to the table.

2025 can be the year you say goodbye to perfectionism and hello to surrender. Start with small steps. Let a moment unfold naturally. Trust your instincts. Be present with your clients and your work. You’ll be amazed at what happens.

Finding Your Comfort Zone… and Pushing Past It

I’ve talked before about comfort zones, and I’ll bring it up again because it’s so important. Think of your comfort zone as three colors: green (safe and easy), yellow (a little uncomfortable but manageable), and red (way out of your depth and unsafe). The magic happens in the yellow zone. That’s where you stretch, grow, and discover new things.

So, the next time you’re shooting, push yourself a little. Try a new perspective. Let go of the “rules” and see what unfolds. It might feel weird at first, but that’s a good thing. Weird means you’re growing.

Storyteller School: Taking It Further

If this is resonating with you and you want to go deeper, I’m launching Storyteller School in February. It’s a group mentorship program where we dive into who you are, what drives you, and how to build your business around your unique perspective. We’ll tackle everything from branding to pricing to creating art that feels true to you.

In Storyteller School, we’ll also explore how your experiences shape your voice as an artist. You’ll learn how to stand out in a crowded market, connect deeply with your clients, and craft work that’s undeniably yours. It’s not just about the technical stuff; it’s about digging into what makes you you and letting that shine through every aspect of your work.

It’s limited to six photographers, so it’s intimate and personal. You’ll get one-on-one coaching with me, plus weekly group sessions. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, this could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Check out the link in the show notes to learn more.

Final Thoughts

Surrender is scary, but it’s also powerful. It’s not about giving up; it’s about letting go of what’s holding you back. It’s about stepping into curiosity, embracing discomfort, and finding freedom on the other side.

So, my friend, as we step into this new year, I invite you to let go. Surrender to the moments that come your way. Trust yourself. Be curious. And watch as your art, your work, and your life transform.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. Keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and above all, trust yourself. Here’s to a year of creativity and surrender!

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Learn more about coaching and mentoring at bobbibeducation.com.