The Business of Art and Finding Your Flow State
Living In The Zone Podcast Welcomes Sheryl Srivastava
This week on Living in the Zone, we were thrilled to host Sheryl Srivastava, a powerhouse in the world of fine art, business of art, and personal balance. Sheryl, the proud owner of Acquisitions of Fine Art, runs two incredible galleries, located in Hinsdale, Illinois, and West Palm Beach, Florida. She is an authority in the world of fine art, trusted by her clients for her discerning eye, expertise in acquisitions, and her ability to guide collectors through the intricate process of buying and selling valuable artworks, including original paintings, sculptures, etchings, and glass art.
But Sheryl’s story isn’t just about art; it’s about the discipline, balance, and attention to detail required to manage multiple facets of life—motherhood, marriage, and a thriving business. Her journey is a testament to how self-discipline and focus, two key components of the S.C.O.R.E.® System, can lead to not just success, but fulfillment in every area of life.
The Art of Self-Discipline
Sheryl’s story of running Acquisitions of Fine Art is a masterclass in the power of self-discipline. As she discussed during the podcast, managing two gallery locations is no easy feat. It requires an extraordinary level of organization, focus, and an unwavering commitment to detail. Whether she’s dealing with the logistical challenges of running two locations or curating collections that inspire and elevate her clients’ spaces, Sheryl’s discipline allows her to thrive.
In the world of art, where creativity reigns supreme, it might seem that discipline takes a back seat. However, Sheryl demonstrated that the opposite is true. Creativity and discipline are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement each other. Sheryl’s ability to remain focused on her long-term goals, maintain a structured business approach, and stay true to her vision is what has propelled her gallery to the forefront of the art world.
Discipline is a core marker in the S.C.O.R.E.® System, the very system that helps top performers attract the Zone mindset. It’s the ability to stay committed to a goal, to push through distractions, and to organize life in such a way that nothing falls through the cracks. Sheryl embodies this, not only as a business owner but as a mother and wife.
“Running two galleries, being a mom and a wife, it takes a lot of discipline,” Sheryl shared. “I have to be organized, and I have to stay focused on my priorities. I’m always asking myself, ‘What’s most important right now?’ And then I make sure that I’m giving my best energy to that.”
This mindset echoes the self-discipline marker in the S.C.O.R.E.® System—remaining clear on priorities and ensuring that the right tasks receive the right amount of focus at the right time.
The Balance Between Work and Personal Life
One of the most compelling aspects of Sheryl’s journey is how she’s managed to balance her personal life with the demands of owning a successful business. Sheryl is not just a gallery owner—she’s also a mother and wife, and she’s found a way to excel in all of these roles simultaneously.
What’s her secret? According to Sheryl, it’s all about setting boundaries and being fully present in each of her life arenas. “When I’m at work, I’m fully at work. When I’m at home, I’m fully present with my family,” Sheryl said. “It’s about creating that balance and understanding that you can give your best to all areas of your life if you’re disciplined and organized.”
This approach is in perfect alignment with the S.C.O.R.E.® principle of balance. In the S.C.O.R.E.® System, maintaining equilibrium across all life arenas—work, home, personal well-being—is essential to living in the Zone. Sheryl’s ability to be fully present in each arena and excel in all of them serves as a powerful example of how this balance can be achieved.
Attention to Detail: The Art of Precision
Art, by its very nature, is about precision, and Sheryl’s keen attention to detail has been one of the key drivers of her success. In her gallery, every piece is carefully selected, and every client is given personalized attention. This level of detail extends beyond the artwork itself; it’s woven into the fabric of how she runs her business.
Sheryl mentioned how her galleries are carefully curated, with each piece chosen not just for its aesthetic value, but for its ability to resonate with clients on a personal level. This requires not only an expert eye but also the discipline to maintain high standards, ensuring that every aspect of the gallery experience—from the artwork to customer interactions—is impeccable.
This kind of precision mirrors the concentration aspect of the S.C.O.R.E.® System, another key factor in attracting the Zone mindset. Concentration is the ability to focus intently on a task, blocking out distractions, and dedicating yourself fully to the moment. Sheryl has mastered this ability, allowing her to run her business at the highest level while still dedicating herself to her personal life.
Living in the Zone: Applying the S.C.O.R.E.® System to Art and Life
Sheryl’s success story is an inspiring reminder of the power of the S.C.O.R.E.® System in action. By applying the principles of Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment, she has crafted a life that is both successful and balanced.
One of the key takeaways from Sheryl’s interview is the importance of mindset in achieving and maintaining this balance. Sheryl has developed a mindset that allows her to embrace the challenges of running a business, raising a family, and nurturing a marriage without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of seeing these roles as competing for her attention, she views them as interconnected parts of her life, each contributing to her overall sense of fulfillment.
This holistic view is crucial for anyone looking to live in the Zone. As Jim Fannin often emphasizes, the Zone isn’t just about performing well in one area of life—it’s about excelling in all areas, whether it’s your career, your relationships, or your personal well-being. Sheryl’s ability to live in the Zone by applying the S.C.O.R.E.® principles is a testament to the power of this system.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Self-Discipline
Sheryl Srivastava’s story is one of dedication, focus, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her journey as an art gallery owner, mother, and wife is proof that with the right mindset and tools, it’s possible to succeed in all areas of life. Self-discipline is at the heart of her success, and it’s a powerful reminder that when we stay focused, organized, and clear on our priorities, we can achieve great things.
If you’re looking to find balance in your own life, take a page from Sheryl’s book and apply the S.C.O.R.E.® principles of self-discipline and concentration. Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or pursuing your passions, these tools can help you stay on track and live a life that is both successful and fulfilling.