Your passion will drive you. "You are the creator of your reality." -Nick Onken The Cheat Sheet: Nick shares how to find your why. Is there a formula to creating your vision? Why no idea is actually new, and why that's okay. Being successful all comes down to what? What's been the trigger for the biggest growth in his career? And so much more... Getting paid to do what you love is something all of us have dreamed of at some point in our lives. But why do some achieve that goal and others don't? And why do some artists have phenomenal careers and others never really take off? Nick Onken joins the show to share his thoughts and experiences on those very subjects. Nick is a world-renowned photographer who works with people like Jessica Alba and Usher. He shares the lessons he's learned about turning passion into profit on this episode of The Art of Charm. More About This Show: If you're passionate about something and want to create a business and an income from it would you be willing to invest 5 or 6 years to get there? That's what Nick Onken did and today he's a famous photographer working with the likes of Usher, Justin Bieber and Coca-Cola. But it did take him years to get where he is today. Over the last few years he worked as a freelance graphic designer and spent his days creating visual graphics for others. In his free time he perfected his photography skills, all the while keeping his eye on the prize of making a living with his art. On today's show he talks about how to find your passionate why, how to translate that into a vision of a business and some of the most valuable lessons he's learned on his rise to the top. Nick and I cover several subjects but two we'll highlight here are the importance of your inner circle (the people you spend the most time with) and raising your inner game. Who you hang out with, your inner circle, is one of the most influential factors in where you will go in life. If you have the right people in your life, people who are where you want to be, you will stay on track no matter what it takes. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and people you can add value to and inspire as well. Nick reiterates this on the show because it was an important factor for him. He also touches on the topic of raising your inner game or emotional IQ. In the 5-6 years it took him to build his business Nick found that he had a lot of self-criticism and self-doubt he had to face. And it was only by becoming aware of his own thoughts that he could do so. Everyone, Nick included, who has been successful has had these same thoughts and limiting beliefs, they've simply faced them and pushed through them. It's a normal part of doing something outside of your comfort zone, but you can get through it. Nick also talks about what separates those who succeed from those who don't, how to find your why, your vision and turn your passion into profit. Special thanks to Nick for being here, and thanks to you as well. We'll see you next time on The Art of Charm. THANKS NICK ONKEN! If you enjoyed this session of The Art of Charm Podcast, let Nick know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout out on Twitter: Click here to thank Nick on Twitter! Resources from this episode: Nick Onken's web siteSHOPTalk, Nick's podcast Nick Onken on TwitterNick Onken on Instagram The Art of Charm bootcamps You'll also like: -The Art of Charm Toolbox-Best of The Art of Charm Podcast Wanna leave a comment? Too bad! Email me instead (we read everything)! HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dug this episode, please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there. FEEDBACK + PROMOTION Hit us up with your comments and guest suggestions. We read EVERYTHING. Download the FREE AoC app for iPhone Email [email protected] Give us a call at 888.413.7177 Stay Charming!