The Courage to Align Creativity and Commerce: Why Your Inner Hero Holds the Key
Imagine waking up each day, feeling the pulse of purpose and the electric thrill of possibility. You know, deep down, that your creative work has the potential to change the world. But alongside that excitement, you wrestle with the pressure to monetize your art. Will focusing on financial success compromise your authenticity? What if you could embrace both with a sense of harmony and courage?
This question sits at the heart of the creative journey. Whether you’re a painter, writer, or musician, the struggle between art and commerce can feel like a tug of war between your inner hero and villain—terms drawn from my Life On Purpose Process, which has been guiding creatives since 1996. Your Inner Hero seeks bold self-expression and impact, while your Inner Villain whispers doubts, stoking fears of "selling out" or compromising your artistic integrity.
Yet, as Todd Henry reminds us in Die Empty, the most important question is: "Will the work I did today really matter?" At the intersection of creativity and commerce lies your answer—and it's more accessible than you think.
Abundant Resources Optimally Deployed: Unlocking Hidden Potential
One powerful distinction I’ve applied in my own life and shared with many of my coaching clients is the idea of abundant resources optimally deployed. (Thank you Landmark Worldwide.) It’s a simple yet transformative concept that encourages you to look at the resources you already have—whether they’re financial, physical, or internal—and use them in the most impactful way possible.
For example, my wife and I once realized that our loft area was an underutilized resource. After exploring how to best deploy it, we transformed it into both an income stream through AirBnB and a space for our Write On Purpose clients during Writer’s Breakthrough Intensives.
Embracing the Heroic Purpose: Creativity Without Compromise
Too many aspiring authors shy away from monetizing their creativity because they believe profit and passion can't coexist. This mindset is rooted in Inherited Purpose, a belief system governed by fear and scarcity. The truth is, your True Purpose can—and should—guide you to create work that not only inspires but also sustains you financially.
As Rollo May says in The Courage to Create: "Courage is not the absence of despair; it is the capacity to move ahead in spite of despair". Moving through doubt is an act of courage, one that leads to deeper artistic clarity and, ultimately, the commercial success you deserve.
Example for Aspiring Authors: Redefining Success
For an author, the goal isn’t necessarily to hit bestseller lists on day one. Success could mean reaching a niche audience deeply moved by your words, or simply completing the book that has lived within you for years. Redefine your success, and allow your True Purpose to guide how you share your art with the world.
A Potential Live Q&A: Let’s Go Deeper Together
I’ve been thinking about offering a live Q&A session where we can go even deeper into the concepts shared in this article. It would be an opportunity for you to ask questions about balancing creativity and commerce, share your personal challenges, and receive real-time feedback.
However, before I commit, I’d love to gauge interest. If at least 6 people express interest in attending, I’ll make this happen for up to 12 participants to keep it intimate and interactive.
If this sounds like something you’d be excited about, drop a comment below to let me know, and we’ll see if there’s enough momentum to move forward!
Strategies for Authors: Aligning Creativity and Commerce
Diversify Your Creative Income Streams
Rather than fearing that monetization dilutes your creativity, consider expanding your revenue sources. This could include offering workshops, courses, or mentoring sessions alongside your writing. As Cal Newport discusses in Deep Work, focusing on such high-impact tasks allows you to excel.
For instance, authors can develop companion products like journals, podcasts, or exclusive content for loyal fans. As Michael Gelb highlights in How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, leveraging curiosity and multi-disciplinary creativity leads to innovation.
Marketing as Sharing
What if marketing wasn’t about "selling," but sharing your story with those who need it most? When you reframe marketing as an act of service, it transforms the entire process. You’re not selling a product. Instead, you’re inviting others into your creative journey.
Todd Henry’s advice in Die Empty resonates here: each day is an opportunity to build a legacy of work that matters. By showing up authentically and sharing your why, you ensure your marketing aligns with your artistic mission. (And I for one believe Substack is a fantastic venue for building such a body of work. Thank you Substack.)
Unlock the Power of Community: Share Your Creative Journey
One of the most valuable assets any creator can have is a community of like-minded individuals who are on similar journeys. The Creative Collaboration Circle (CCC) is designed to be more than just a place to consume ideas—it’s a space where you can share your creative wins, struggles, and insights with others who understand the unique challenges of balancing art and commerce.
Here’s how you can contribute to our collective growth:
Share Your Creative Projects: What are you working on? Whether it’s a book, a painting, or a new podcast, your journey can inspire others.
Discuss Your Income Streams: Have you found innovative ways to fund your creative work? Share your strategies with the community to help others think outside the box.
Reflect on Insights from this Article: How has balancing creativity and commerce impacted your life? Your insights could lead to a powerful dialogue that benefits all members.
By sharing both your personal insights and creative projects, you help grow the CCC into a vibrant, supportive network where ideas flow freely and collaboration thrives.
This is where I put my Write On Coaching cap on and challenge you to click the Comment Button below and share one, two, or all three of the above points. Or if you hear your Inner Villain screaming loudly trying to keep you safe by not leaving a comment, share that!
A Call to Bold Action
If you’ve gained value from this article, now is the perfect time to take bold action. Share this piece with other creatives, invite them to explore their own creative potential, and let’s grow the CCC together.
Your voice matters, and by contributing your insights and work, you empower others to step more fully into their purpose. When we collaborate, everyone wins.
How the Q&A Could Work:
Minimum of 6 participants to confirm—drop a comment if you're interested.
Maximum of 12 participants to ensure everyone gets personalized attention.
Once we hit the threshold, I'll send details for the exclusive session, where we can discuss your creative projects and income strategies!
So, let me hear from you! Another opportunity to ignore that Inner Villain voice and express yourself even if that means letting me know you’re not interested.
This is Brad, your Write On Purpose Coach waiting with baited breath to hear from my fellow authors and artists.
P.S. Here are three images I’m considering using for my next YA eco-fiction book, Awakening: Eco-Guardians Book One. Help me decide which one I should use. Which one do you prefer, from left to right, 1, 2 (middle), or 3 to the far right? Or 4, none of them?
