For years I’ve wrestled with the “how” of my business: How should I launch this business, how am I going to generate income, how is this going to work?

How, how, how, how, HOW….

All these “hows” have led to major points of anxiety, concern, worry, and feelings of insecurity and inadequacy with my work and process. It’s led to blockage, frustration and has ultimately stunted creative flow at different junctures.

As a creative professional, this is probably the worst thing that could ever happen…

A few weeks ago, I realized that I’ve been asking the wrong question. I’ve been asking the question of “how” instead of “what”

And without “what” there is no product or service to sell

Instead of sorting out the “hows” of my operations, for now, I need to focus on the “what” of my content: what do I want to create, what makes me come alive, what do I think is interesting, what is my creative voice.

What?! But what about the how?

The “hows” of our business are in fact very important. Super-DUPER important. The operational “hows” are meant for accountability purposes: to maintain checks and balances. They keep you in check with yourself, your client and the government.

Because you know the government is coming for your earnings at some point…

I’ve discovered in my own process that focusing in on the accountability structure first does not produce quality in the service that I offer.

It now “what” and then “how”…

This is what works for me. For others it could be the exact opposite. And that’s the thing. It all comes down to figuring out what works best for you.

What has worked best for you: “what” before “how” or “how” before “what”?