Getting Warmer: Using Intuition and Data to Navigate Your Career
Why the childhood game of "Hot and Cold" is actually a great framework for year-end business planning.
You probably remember playing “Hot and Cold” as a kid. For us, this activity was a staple in both verbal and physical games. We would hide an object and direct friends by shouting “Colder!” when they drifted away, and “Warmer!” as they closed in on the prize.
As silly as this seems, I have been thinking about this game lately as we wrap up the year. It is exactly the game we play with the universe, and ourselves, when getting clear on our desires.
Like me, you are probably reflecting on the activities, projects, successes, and failures of this past season. It is easy to spiral into anxiety when deciding the next steps for your art business or career. So, instead of overcomplicating it, let’s play the game.
The Intuitive Signal: Somatic Markers
Let’s start with the emotional and intuitive portion.
Colder. Personally, my intuition signals my body physically when I am getting further away from my true desire. I typically experience crankiness, anxiety, pressure, and frustration.
As someone who dabbles with Human Design, I know my type is a Manifesting Generator. In that system, the “Not-Self” theme is the sign that I am out of alignment. It is defined specifically as frustration. This manifests in pushing certain projects, saying “yes” when I really want to say “no,” and taking on too many things that distract me from what I really want to do (aka painting and writing).
While this feels spiritual, there is science to back it up. Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio formulated the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, suggesting that emotional processes guide behavior, particularly decision-making. Our “gut feelings” are actually visceral signals, or somatic markers, that the body sends to the brain based on past experiences and rewards. When we feel that physical “coldness” or dread, it is our biology trying to save us from an inefficient path.
Warmer. When I am on the right track, I feel lit up. I feel relaxed and peaceful, even in the midst of challenges.
This state is what positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi famously defined as Flow. In his research, he describes this state as being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away, and time flies.
For me, this occurs when I am painting, writing, or attending events that motivate me with people who push me to be my best self. When it comes to art-making, “Warmer” means I want to make multiples of a subject or theme. It means rushing home after running errands because a new podcast idea just hit me. “Warmer” is light, fast, inspired, and does not involve the word should.
The Logic: Data as a Compass
Now that we have done the obvious emotional side, let’s figure out how math and statistics can guide us toward “Warmer” rather than “Colder.”
We often resist looking at the numbers as artists, but in business, they can be our most honest guide. However, we must interpret them carefully. Just because a sector is profitable does not mean it is your path. I could perhaps make a great living in investment banking, but I have no desire to do so. That would be a profitable “Cold.”
However, data provides clues and is a literal part of the equation.
Engagement: If a specific work of art receives high engagement, analyze the variables. Was it the color? The subject? The process? You don’t have to become a robot and replicate it mindlessly, but use the data to understand what drew people in.
Financials: Are specific prints, courses, or merch designs selling better than others? Sales patterns like these give us objective clues to help us focus.
This brings us to the Pareto Principle, commonly known as the 80/20 Rule. Originally observed by economist Vilfredo Pareto, this principle suggests that roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes.
In your art business, it is likely that 80% of your revenue, or joy, comes from 20% of your activities. The “Hot and Cold” game is about identifying that 20% and doing more of it. If you’re new to the game, it may take a few years to figure it out. Conduct a seasonal audit that examines both your emotional alignment and your financial reality.
Pruning and The Science of Signs
Sometimes, the game reveals itself through signs. My business now has so many moving parts accumulated over 10 years, including podcasts, articles, and magazines. Each season, it is my job to do an audit and see if some of this needs to be pruned (check out my article on pruning.
Some projects may be profitable, but if they feel draining, it is time to revisit if they should retire.
Other times, I will get a pitch from a podcast on a topic that is exactly what I have been thinking about. I believe the universe gives us signs on how to move in a specific direction if we listen.
While I view this spiritually, there is also a neurological explanation: the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The RAS is a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that filters out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through. Because our subconscious mind filters information, we will notice what is on our heart first.
An obvious example is if I tell you to look for the color red. You will suddenly notice more red than ever before. Similarly, we will pay attention when something in our life points to what we are already thinking or dreaming about.
Your Turn to Play
As we head into the new year, I invite you to play the Hot and Cold game.
Journal Prompts:
Warmer: What brings me joy? If anything was possible and I was honest with myself, how would I earn my living?
Colder: What is draining me? What am I afraid to let go of that is distracting me from my actual dream?
Alignment: Where do my “good numbers” (profit/engagement) overlap with my “good feelings” (flow)?
No judgment. See what comes up and let me know in the comments if you enjoy the hot/cold game too.
Ekaterina Popova is an artist and the founder of Create! Magazine. She also hosts the The Create! Podcast. If you believe in the importance of independent art publishing, please consider subscribing to support our platform and keep these resources thriving.
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Such a good reminder to follow our joy FIRST!