You know that feeling when you’re doing all the things—checking off boxes, making progress, hitting goals—but something still feels… off? Like, you’re still passionate about your work, but the spark isn’t quite the same?
Yeah. That’s been me lately.
For months, I’ve felt like I’m at a weird crossroads in my business. Not because I don’t love what I do—I do. Branding, design, helping other creatives grow? That will always be my passion. But something wasn’t clicking. The excitement was fading. And let’s be real—that’s not a great place to be when you’re building something meaningful.
So, I did the only thing that made sense. I went deep into my why—not just the surface-level version, but the real, raw, core of it. And let me tell you, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster.
Your Why Evolves—And That’s Okay
When I first started my business, my why was simple:
✔️ Stop feeling like just a freelancer and build something real.
✔️ Create designs that actually make an impact.
✔️ Make enough money to have freedom in my life.
That why got me here—to a six-figure creative business, a successful course, and a life on my terms. But lately? That same why hasn’t been enough.Because here’s the thing: as we grow, our why has to grow too. Otherwise, we keep chasing old goals that no longer light us up
Getting Real with My Future Self
One of the most powerful exercises I did was visualizing my ideal day. Not just what I hope happens someday—but if money wasn’t a factor, what would my life actually look like?
For me, it’s…
🌊 Waking up without an alarm, having a slow breakfast by the water.
💪 Hitting the gym, feeling strong and energized.
🎨 Working on one brand at a time—fully focused, fully aligned.
⏳ Creating on my terms, without feeling rushed or stretched thin.
And the craziest part? I’m so close to that life. I just need to shift a few things to bring it into reality sooner.
Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap
Let’s be real—scrolling Instagram can wreck your mindset. It’s easy to see other designers and business owners who seem to have it all figured out—bigger launches, more followers, fancier vacations.
But guess what? Social media isn’t real life.
I’ve had conversations with people who, on the outside, looked like they had it all together—only to find out they were feeling just as stuck as I was. That was my wake-up call.Instead of chasing vanity metrics, I’m focusing on alignment:
✨ Does this opportunity feel right?
✨ Does this direction excite me?
✨ Am I building a business that supports my life—not the other way around?
A Vision Board Hack That Actually Works
I’ve always loved vision boards, but I recently discovered a game-changing tip:
🔹 Instead of pasting random images and hoping they happen…
🔹 Use a corkboard and push pins so you can swap in real-life photos when you achieve something. Example? Last year, I had a catamaran on my vision board. Fast forward—I went on one in St. Thomas! Now, instead of a stock photo, I have my own picture up there. Seeing those wins physically stack up? So powerful.
So… What’s Next?
Honestly? I’m still figuring it out. But I know this: I’m done chasing what I think I should want. Instead, I’m being intentional—working backward from the life I actually want to create.And if you’ve been feeling a little lost too? Maybe it’s time to revisit your why. It might just be the thing that helps you step into your next level.
For more insights and to catch a glimpse of the results of my headshot, follow us at @onbranddesigns, @profitablebranddesigner, and @profitable.brand.couple for your daily dose of creativity and business insights.
📽️YouTube: Want more than just audio? Subscribe to our channel, On Brand Designs, for video episodes, tutorials, and more that will help you elevate your business.
Want to turn your side hustle into a profitable business earning
6+ figures annually? Join other creative entrepreneurs in The Profitable Brand designer course here
We’re here to support you on your journey towards becoming a profitable brand designer. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with fellow designers, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and create more content that helps you succeed.
But wait, there’s more! As a special thank you to our listeners, we’re offering an exclusive Branding Biz Bundle — absolutely free. This bundle is packed with resources to help you refine your branding skills, level up your design business, and attract your dream clients. It’s a treasure trove designed specifically for ambitious brand designers ready to make their mark on the world.
To grab your Free Branding Biz Bundle, simply visit the BBB page here and use code: podcastlistener. Enter your details, and get ready to take your branding business to new heights!
There’s more! Check out The Strategic Brand Planner! It is a comprehensive workbook designed to help ambitious creatives like you build a six-figure business by mastering the art of brand strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this planner will guide you through every step of defining your client’s brand, elevating your design work, and increasing your pricing by delivering unmatched value.
Here’s to your success, and remember — we’re in this together. 💼🎨✨
Until next time, keep designing and dreaming big!
~ Kim (and Jeremy)
