Title quoted from Danny Choo, one of my motivational role models…

Back at the end of October 2008, I “launched” a new domain called danceofheart.com. For all intents and purposes of what that launch was meant to signify, there were none. All I did was announce the existence of that URL into this void of a blog that consisted of a digital illustration dictating a message that meant absolutely nothing to no one. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking by doing that or what purpose that was going to serve other than to coincide with a deadline. Hype maybe? There was nothing to hype up other than my own ego. In a word: fruitless.

I exploit my foolishness as a segue into what I have done to kill the unintentional ego, and handle my goals more effectively. During my blogging silence, I have accomplished a few things while taking risks, and pondered, yet again, how I should handle producing content for this blog. Let me start with what I have accomplished…

• Established the creative/doujin group, EtherFuture, in January. – With the knowledge of my first failed experience selling a product behind me, I decided to take on the risk of forming EtherFuture (EF) with my best friend, Murat. Though this is meant to be an amateur endeavor similar to Japan’s doujin circles, I have established a business plan draft of how to potentially grow this group over time and build a reputable reputation that stands out at anime conventions. We just returned from our debut at AnimeNEXT last weekend – not selling much, but learning much more about our audience.
• Launched EtherFuture site – Though still in development, I was able to reinforce my risk and bring this domain and website to public knowledge in time for our debut at AnimeNEXT 2009. Having designed and coded it myself, albeit putting up a fight, this is the first website I have begun that has not been for someone else. When completed, I believe it will stand to be one of the key reasons people choose to support EtherFuture’s endeavors, separating us from the cookie-cutter sites that others have.
• Legitimate launch of Dance of Heart site – As EtherFuture’s second show of our capabilities – the first being our ANEXT debut of our illustrative talent – Dance of Heart (DoH) is moving forward as EF’s first on-going project. The layout is pre-made, but I saw no reason for this project to be delayed further because we are using a temporary layout. As with any web[comic/manga], we’re taking a risk in our own confidence since no one else will. EF’s name will hopefully only heighten that in time.
• Established written short & long-term goals – As the Founder & Graphic Designer of EF, Writer, Director, & Editor of DoH, webmaster & copywriter of both, and motivator of everything else my life consists of, it’s very easy to turn into a train-wreck of stress and fear to take action. Making a visible list of my goals just this past Wed. has helped me maintain my sanity and take small steps towards each one. I also now make up a daily To Do list to ensure that I have been productive each day in some way.

Which leads me to my blog, IsShouKenMei.

I have set a long-term goal for this blog that I will attempt to succeed in where I have failed in the past. This blog is full of failure, to be completely candid, but it is also filled with hope, motivation, and reality that has helped a few people make the next move.

‘There are no miracles in this world. There are only the unexpected, the inevitable things, and human-made causes.’ – Yuu Himura | ef ~a tale of melodies~

That is why there is no try. Trying reflects a sense of doubt. Only we, ourselves, can create miracles in this world. Even if they seem too lofty for us to take hold of, our dreams are what make us human. There are no miracles if we do not dream in faith. There can be no faith if there is no isshoukenmei.

Will you believe it…?