How to Reach Your Full Potential as a Designer (2024)

Hey there, let me take you on a trip down memory lane to a time when I was convinced that the reason my designs weren’t hitting the mark was that I didn’t have the latest and greatest tools. Picture it: me, with my trusty HP EliteBook, daydreaming about how all my design troubles would vanish into thin air if only I could get my hands on a shiny new MacBook. So, I took the plunge and got myself that MacBook, only to find out that… well, nothing much changed. It was like expecting a magical unicorn to pop out of my laptop and sprinkle design brilliance all over my life. Spoiler alert: no unicorns, just the same ol’ me, staring at the same ol’ screen.

The Tool Blame Game:

Now, let’s talk about the blame game. For the longest time, I was convinced that my lack of design chops was all down to not having the latest gadgets and design software. I mean, how was I supposed to compete with the big leagues when all I had was my outdated gear and no design degree? But then, one day, I stumbled upon a designer who was whipping up masterpieces on Photoshop using nothing but his old Android phone. And that’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks: maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t about the tools after all. Maybe it was about something else entirely. After all, if someone with less fancy tools than I had was excelling, then what was holding me back?

The Curse of Comparison:

Now, let’s talk about the comparison game. Oh boy, this is where most of the imposter syndrome for most creatives comes from. There I was, scrolling through Instagram, marveling at the stunning designs of my peers, while my own work felt like a sad, squiggly line on a blank canvas. I mean, how was I supposed to compete with designers who seemed to effortlessly churn out one brilliant design after another? It was like trying to win a race against Usain Bolt while wearing lead boots. But then, in a moment of clarity, it dawned on me: maybe the only person I should be competing with is myself. After all, the only way to measure progress is by looking back at how far you’ve come, not by comparing yourself to others who are on their own journey.

The Procrastination Pitfall:

Ah, procrastination, my old friend. There I was, staring at a blank screen, with deadlines looming ominously on the horizon, and yet somehow, I always managed to find an excuse to procrastinate. I mean, why work on that daunting design project when I could binge-watch Netflix or watch some Anime on Crunchyroll, or talk to someone on the phone for the umpteenth time? It was like I had a PhD in procrastination, with a minor in distraction. But then, reality hit me like a slap in the face (metaphorically, of course): procrastination wasn’t getting me any closer to my design dreams. If anything, it was holding me back from reaching my full potential.

The Time Management Tango:

And let’s not forget the time management tango. Oh, the countless hours wasted on meaningless tasks, the endless meetings that could’ve been emails, the perpetual struggle to prioritise and stay focused. Time management was like a foreign language to me, and I was stumbling through it with all the grace of a newborn giraffe. But then, I realised that time was the most precious resource of all, and it was up to me to make every second count.

In order to tackle these challenges and pave the way for improvement in your design career, consider the following steps:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define your career aspirations and what success looks like for you as a designer. Break down your goals into actionable steps to create a roadmap for your journey.

2. Invest in Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning by regularly seeking out new skills, techniques, and industry trends. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, and stay updated with relevant resources to stay ahead of the curve. Remember, don’t just do courses, practice.

3. Take Action: Don’t just read or plan — take decisive action towards your goals. Whether it’s starting a new project, applying for opportunities, or networking with industry professionals, each step you take brings you closer to your dreams.

4. Be Consistent: Consistency is key to seeing dramatic improvement in your design career. Make a habit of dedicating time each day or week to practice, refine your skills, and work towards your goals. Remember, progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

5. Learn to say No: Recognise that your time and energy are valuable resources. Learning to say no to projects or commitments that don’t align with your goals or values allows you to focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, folks: a lighthearted journey through the ups and downs of a self-proclaimed design underdog. From blaming my tools to falling into the comparison trap, to cozying up in the procrastination pitfall, I’ve experienced it all. But recognising these poor habits is the first step towards breaking free from their clutches. Armed with the power of self-awareness, a sprinkle of humor, and the unshakable belief that your best designs are yet to come, you’re ready to take on the world. And if all else fails, remember to get back up, analyze what went wrong, and stay disciplined.

Solutions to Build Better Habits:

1. Books to Read:

- Atomic Habits by James Clear: This book offers practical strategies for building good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Clear’s insights help readers understand the science behind habit formation and how to apply it in their daily lives.

- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: While not specifically about habits, this book explores the concept of mindset and how our beliefs about our abilities can impact our success. Dweck’s research on the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset offers valuable lessons on resilience, learning, and personal development.

2. Apps to Help: Consider using habit-tracking apps like Streaks to stay accountable and track your progress in building better habits.