How to Step or Not

That does seem to be the question of late as the musings have continued in and throughout my studio.

I'm finding the always present "how" to be at conflict with my ideal of process. Through my ponderings and noodlings I have come to the conclusion that our society is all about the how of it all which results in the loss and lack of appreciation for the process. How do I do this? How do I create a name for myself? How shall I create a work of art, a body of amazing paintings that will sell over and over?

I think instead we need to supportive-ly ask ourselves and one another what is the next best thing? As each step is completed, the question is asked again, what is the next best thing? (Of course, the idea is to not get ahead of yourself as that will lead you very quickly to envisioning the end result which then won't allow you to intuitively guide yourself step to step, piece by piece.)

In my head I'm asking myself (right now), how do I do this? this ideal I propose and acknowledge? I then so easily get myself all in a tizzy trying to figure out the how of it all - wound up stuck and unable to step in any one direction that I need to slow my breath and ask what is the next best thing for me right now regardless of my fear of the future and what it may or may not hold.....