Finding Balance in 2025: Thriving as a Creative Entrepreneur Amid Chaos & Uncertainty.
- Tebogo J. Khalo
- Feb 24, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 27, 2025
Last month, I talked about how ready I was for whatever 2025 had in store for me. I felt equipped, prepared, and confident. But you know what? Sometimes, when we’re not actually in the thick of things, we underestimate how challenging life can be. We tell ourselves we’ve got it all figured out, but in reality, we’re just being a little delusional. And hey, delulu is salulu, right? But then, reality hits. The hype of the new year starts to fade, and suddenly, everything becomes real. The challenges start piling up, the workload feels overwhelming, and that energy we had at the start of the year begins to dissipate. We make excuses, we procrastinate, and we question our choices.
If you’re feeling this way—if reality is hitting harder than expected, if you’re rethinking your life choices, if you’re doubting your ability to handle it all—you’re not alone. I feel it too. But that doesn’t mean we give up. Instead, we adjust. We find the sweet spot.
This blog is about just that: finding our footing, making the most of our current situation, and reshuffling our schedules to fit our busy lives. The goal is still to come out of 2025 triumphant, but in a way that is sustainable and practical.
Current State of Life
You know, right now I am in that position where my family is looking at me like, "What's next?" "Are you applying?" "Where is your degree going to get you?" "Are you going to get a job?"And then there are others asking, "Why didn’t you apply for something that would guarantee a stable job?"
Which I feel are all reasonable questions, considering the economy we live in. No parent wants their child to be stuck at home indefinitely without a sense of direction or financial stability, so they ask these questions out of concern and practicality, and maybe love.
These are the questions I have been getting since I began my journey in the field of art. It has been a rollercoaster, and honestly, I find myself asking the same questions: "What’s next?" The truth is, I don’t really know. I feel lost like I’m losing my footing. But despite all the uncertainty, I am still creating. I am still expressing myself through my art. In the midst of all the confusion, I am grateful to God for giving me another day to push forward. Even though I don’t know exactly what’s ahead, I hold on to two things: every day is an opportunity to get one step closer to my destination, and I have the hope, faith, and skills to make it to where I need to be.
I share this part of my story to let you know that you are not alone. We all go through moments of doubt, but we must continue to nurture and use the creative gifts God has given us.
Being an artist is not a linear journey. Unlike traditional career paths, where there are often clear-cut steps to success, the artistic journey is filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and the constant need for reinvention. The world often underestimates the power of creativity and its ability to transform lives, both for the artist and for those who experience their work.
I have learned that patience and persistence are key. Every brushstroke, every design, every piece of content I create is a step forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. The road may not always be clear, but I know that I am building something meaningful, even if the full picture is not yet visible.
Self-doubt is a powerful force that can make us question our abilities and our worth. It creeps in when things don’t go as planned, when opportunities seem scarce, and when comparisons to others make us feel inadequate. But I remind myself that every single great artist, writer, and creator has faced moments of uncertainty. The difference between success and failure is often just the decision to keep going. There is beauty in the process, even in the struggles. Every setback teaches me something new. Every rejection pushes me to improve. And every day, I have the choice to keep moving forward. The key is to trust the process, even when it doesn’t make sense. As artists, we are storytellers, visionaries, and dreamers. Our work has the power to inspire and bring about change. Even when the world questions our path, we must hold on to the passion that drives us.
Making the Most
As I have said before, we have been gifted with the greatest of all gifts in the world—a creative mind. So, use that big, beautiful mind of yours to think your way out of whatever craziness life throws at you. Creativity is not just about making art—it is about problem-solving, about envisioning something new where others see limitations.
Lately, I have been talking to people who have been in the same shoes as I am. They, too, have felt lost, uncertain about their future, unsure about the next step. And do you know what I have learned? The best way out of this madness is not to wait for an opportunity to come knocking—it is to create one. That means taking charge of your creativity, shaping your own path, and building something that allows you to thrive.
Now, I am not saying there aren't other ways forward. There is the option of going back to school, enrolling in short courses, or seeking out a stable job. All of these paths are valid and, for many, they are necessary stepping stones. In fact, I took that route myself, and I don’t regret it at all. But if you are living in the economic reality of South Africa, you know how bumpy that road can be. Even with a degree, the job market is unpredictable, and the search for stability can be frustrating. That’s why I say, the best way out is to start a business using your creative mind. And before you start doubting yourself, think about all the skills you already have. The world is full of opportunities waiting to be claimed by someone bold enough to take them. You can do so much with the gifts you possess. It’s just a matter of shifting your perspective from ‘waiting’ to ‘creating.’
Think about what you love doing. Are you a painter? A printmaker? A writer? An illustrator? A musician? A designer? Whatever your craft, there is a way to make the most of it. The internet has made it possible to sell your work globally. Social media has given creatives a free marketing tool to showcase their talents. Online learning platforms have made it easier than ever to refine your skills and expand your knowledge.
What if instead of waiting for someone to hire you, you started offering your own services? What if instead of hoping a gallery will accept your work, you created your own online gallery? What if instead of wishing for exposure, you actively built your own audience?
The reality is, creativity alone isn’t enough—you need to apply it in ways that create opportunities. And that means being strategic, being open to learning new things, and most importantly, taking action. The biggest challenge is always the beginning. Doubts will creep in. The fear of failure will try to hold you back. People will question your choices. But let me tell you something: every successful creative entrepreneur started where you are—unsure, scared,and doubtful. The difference is, they started anyway.
So, I say to you: just do it.
Create that portfolio. Launch that website. Open that online shop. Start that YouTube channel. Post that first design. Sell that first painting. Write that first blog. Do whatever it takes to put yourself out there, and keep going, even when the results don’t come instantly. Growth takes time, and so does success.
Finding Ways
For all artists and skillful individuals who find themselves unemployed and struggling to break free from the rat race—know this: there is a way out. Sometimes, when things don’t seem to be working, we start believing there’s no escape. But that’s far from the truth. Recently, I was watching Moana 2, and one of the key lessons I took from it was that sometimes, you just need to embrace getting lost to find the right path. We fear uncertainty so much that we build walls around the very paths that could lead us to the destination we are aiming for. But the reality is, it’s okay to get lost sometimes—it’s okay to feel stuck or unsure. This is your reminder that there is always a way forward. As a creative, the key to unlocking new opportunities lies in exploration. This means stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and allowing yourself to discover paths that you might not have initially considered. Maybe you’ve been solely focused on one aspect of your talent, but there are multiple ways to monetize and expand your skill set. If you’re a painter, perhaps you can also explore digital art or teaching. If you’re a musician, maybe you can compose for films or work on collaborations. The world is vast, and so are the possibilities within your craft.
Fear is one of the biggest barriers to success. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, and even the fear of success—it all stops us from taking the necessary steps to grow. But what if we changed our mindset? What if we saw failures as lessons and rejections as redirections? When we shift our perspective, we begin to understand that every closed door leads us to another opportunity, and every challenge prepares us for greater success.
Practical Steps to Finding Your Way
Self-Assessment: Take a moment to evaluate your strengths and passions. What do you truly love doing? What skills do you have that can be turned into a sustainable career?
Networking: Connect with other creatives, join communities, and seek mentorship. Sometimes, the right conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Skill Expansion: If you feel stuck, consider learning a new skill or enhancing your existing ones through workshops, online courses, or practical experience.
Freelancing & Entrepreneurship: Instead of waiting for job opportunities, create your own. Start offering your services, building your brand, and putting your work out into the world.
Staying Consistent: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your journey, even when things feel uncertain.
Finding your way as an artist or a creative entrepreneur isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about taking the first step, trusting the process, and allowing yourself to discover new paths along the way. Don’t be afraid of the unknown; embrace it. Your creativity is a gift, and the world is waiting to see what you do with it. Keep pushing forward, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself.
Rescheduling, Reshuffling, and Realign.
How can we move forward with a plan that no longer fits our current reality? Life moves quickly, and the goals and strategies we set at the beginning of the year may not align with where we are now. Perhaps you’ve started working, gone back to school, or are still navigating unemployment. Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear—life has shifted.
Now is the perfect time to revisit the drawing board. Plans aren’t meant to be set in stone; they are living, breathing blueprints that should evolve with us. This is the moment to assess what needs to be shifted, removed, or added. Are there commitments that no longer serve you? Are there new opportunities that require your attention? Adapting to change is not a setback—it’s a sign of growth and awareness.
With everything happening in the world, external factors may be influencing your circumstances in ways you never anticipated. Economic shifts, technological advancements, or even personal responsibilities can impact your ability to stick to your initial plan. Rather than resisting change, embrace it. Take stock of your current situation:
What goals still feel aligned with your vision?
What tasks or habits are no longer serving your progress?
What new priorities need to be factored into your plan?
By answering these questions, you create space for a more effective, realistic strategy that fits your present reality rather than an outdated one. Instead of getting stuck in the frustration of unmet expectations, focus on maximizing the present. Ask yourself:
What resources are available to me right now?
How can I optimize my current schedule to be more productive?
What skills or opportunities can I tap into to move forward?
A flexible mindset allows you to see opportunities in places you hadn’t before. Sometimes, it’s not about working hard but about working smarter and being open to alternative paths. The ultimate aim is not just to survive the year but to reach the end of 2025 as a victor. Success is not about perfection—it’s about resilience. By continuously evaluating and adjusting your path, you ensure that every step forward is intentional and meaningful. So, take this moment to reschedule, reshuffle, and realign. Growth comes from our ability to adapt, and with the right mindset, you’ll finish the year stronger, wiser, and exactly where you need to be.
Finding a Balance
So it comes down to this—you’ve planned, you know what you want to do, and you’re working hard to get there. In all this, remember: life is connected. Life is not just about work. As J. Cole once said, “What is money without happiness and hard times without the people you love?”Success without fulfillment is empty. So, on your way to greatness, don’t forget that you have a family, you have friends, you have time for God because you have to keep your peace, and you have to protect yourself. Finding balance is more than just keeping a schedule or mastering time management. It’s about ensuring that every essential part of your life—career, relationships, health, spirituality, and personal growth—receives a healthy amount of your time, energy, and love. We often get caught up in chasing goals, thinking that once we reach a certain level, we will make time for everything else. But the truth is, balance is not something you find after success; it’s something you cultivate while working towards it.
The Pillars of Balance
Work & Passion – Your career or creative pursuits are important, but don’t let them consume you. Overworking leads to burnout, and burnout kills creativity. Schedule time for deep work but also recognize when to step away.
Family & Relationships – The people who love and support you need you just as much as you need them. Make time for your loved ones, even if it’s just a simple check-in call or a meal together. Relationships thrive when they are nurtured.
Faith & Spirituality – Whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection, connecting with your spiritual side can provide guidance, peace, and strength. It keeps you grounded amidst the chaos.
Mental & Physical Health – Your mind and body are your greatest assets. Get enough rest, eat well, move your body, and take care of your mental well-being. The body fuels the dream, and a tired, overworked mind can’t create at its highest potential.
Joy & Leisure – Hobbies, relaxation, and play are just as important as productivity. Give yourself permission to enjoy life, have fun, and do things that bring you happiness without guilt.
Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about constant recalibration. Some days, work will demand more, and other days, personal life will take precedence. The goal is to not let any one aspect of your life completely overshadow the rest. At the end of the day, beyond money, beyond happiness, life is about balance—embracing both the chaos and the calm, the hard work and the rest, the excitement and the stillness. It’s about knowing you are surrounded by the people and things that make life meaningful. So as you move forward in your journey, take a step back and ask yourself: Am I making time for what truly matters?
Closing Thoughts
Now, as we move forward, it's time to put everything into action. Let's go make that money, create that art, and innovate in every aspect of our lives. I want by the end of 2025 see you flourishing in your greatness—having built a life that perfectly balances passion, family, work, and personal growth.
Before you take the next step, I want to ask you: What have you learned from these reflections? What will you do next to harness your creative power, adjust your plans, or find balance in your daily life? Your insights are invaluable—not only for your own growth but for inspiring others who are navigating similar paths.
Please share your thoughts and rate this blog in the comments below. Let's build a community where every experience is a stepping stone toward a triumphant future.
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