Tips: Break out of the holidays and back into business

The holidays have kicked my creative tush.

I don’t know about you, but, as wonderful as the holidays are, they totally derail my daily business activities, not to mention creativity. And, let’s face it; I am in business – artist, writer, professional blogger and non-profit strategist.

But, gosh, isn’t it fun to escape from work and focus on the gifts, food and other people. So why does this make us dread returning to work responsibilities? In a word…”Guilt.” We know exactly what we haven’t been doing. Oh, yeah. We know. And we just don't want to face it.  It really is that simple. 

I admit it. The holidays blow my self-employed business momentum. If this happens to you as well, you might find the tips I have put together useful to get back into the creative zone…and the business of it.

Take stock and make a conscious decision about which day you will again “Hit the ground running.” Then, get up that day at a specific time and – hit it.  The key here is to decide on a date and time in advance...and honor it. Take your coffee into your studio/office – it helps.

Avoid being reactive – this means focusing on your immediate responsibilities/tasks instead of reading and answering your backlog of emails and social media. If you go there, you will be doing it all day. Or, better yet, set a time period during the later part of the morning that you will respond.

Make a list and stick to it. This time-honored, time management tool works. It doesn’t allow for distractions and your mind can’t wander if your “To Do” list is right in front of you.  To help you refocus and get back into a business rhythm -- try making a list of the most critical tasks you need to accomplish. Kinda ease into it.

Devote energy to “Looking ahead”. This is easy – make plans and schedule stuff for the future. Flip through your calendar for the new year and start filling in important dates. Pencil in meetings you want to schedule; relationships you want to build; deadlines you want to meet. Dream, plan a little, write it down. It can be inspiring…and before you even realize it, you are “back into the business of business.”

Happy New Year,

DCR

Weekends are forever...oh, really, I thought they were.

Play a little bit all week long



Today's Truth

Ah, the weekend is virtually here.  It is Friday and the countdown to freedom has begun.

Yep, we all feel that way...bosses, owners, managers, employees, volunteers...we all think "TGIF".  Why is that?

As a self-employed worker wearing all the hats mentioned above, I do have some flexibility in my work week.  I don't cram my work schedule into 60-70 hour weeks anymore.  Thank you, oh, thank you!  if I want to juggle my schedule and go to a golf game, I can, and answer only to myself about it.  Wouldn't you think that would make the weekend less important to me?  As we speak I am sitting at my computer drinking coffee and eating cookies...in my sweats, mind you.  So why, really... why, is the weekend still as important to me as it was when I was working all those long hours? 

I have thought about this for awhile. Here is a question (and it's not a bad one)...could it be because we give ourselves permission to be happy, relaxed and focused on our real lives on the weekend?  Do we just let our hair down and and think, "Boy-oh-boy, I can sleep in; wear no make-up; live in comfy clothes; spend more time with the kids; cook; read; veg; watch television - movies; get outside; nap; stay inside; paint; write; decorate; repair; shop...do you see where I am going with this?

Hey, I am right there with ya, buddy!  I am peddling that work wheel all week too! (say that three times very quickly-- sounds like... would a woodchuck chuck...).  Yeah, we do chuck wood. All week.  It doesn't matter if we love our job or not.  We are still, each and every one of us, not starting our day with our own agenda.  Man, who gets to do that?  The very, very wealthy?  

We are not alone.  A recent study of more than 50,000 employees from a variety of manufacturing and service organizations found that two out of every five are dissatisfied with the balance between their work and their personal lives. 

How do you get a more balanced work and personal life so the weekend isn't the only freedom you have? Here are some tips that might work for you...

• Negotiate and change your hours at work -- can you flex or go part-time?
• Get a new job -- some jobs are more stressful than others and suck the life right out of you.
• Take a good hard look at consulting or free-lancing.  Can you make it work financially?
• Schedule fewer meetings...really, and schedule more time in between them.  Talk to your team and see how you can eliminate some meetings.  They will cheer!
• Slow down and do not plan stuff every evening and weekend.  You are in charge of that, aren't you?
• Take time out for you.  No one will faint if the dishes aren't done or the lawn doesn't get mowed.  Hire a baby sitter, dog sitter, housekeeper, gardener, if you can afford one or all.  Or, ask your friends or family for a favor -- it's allowed.  Escape for a few hours during the week.  You will be amazed!
• Just say no.  Really,  politely, say no.  No, I can't go shopping, or take on the project or host the holiday feast or plan the company picnic or chair that special fundraiser for the school.
• Take a "mental health" day away from work. We used to call that playing hooky.  It's OK, I give you permission.
• Oh, I hate to say it...Make a list, set priorities and accomplish them.  Putting off tasks adds to stress.  Getting it done at work and at home, will simplify your life and take some of the guilt off your mind.
• Live in the moment and not in the future or past.  You can't get it all done and make your whole world right, at this minute, can you?  Probably not, so take a deep breath, don't beat yourself up and do what you can with each day -- just make sure you include in it some of the things YOU want.  And, reach for the happy.  I promise you will lose some frustration...a little resentment and feel recharged throughout the week and weekend.

With respect,

DCR

Blahs? Where is the inspiration?

Today's Truth

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah...Man oh man...have I had a case of the Summer blahs.  Don't mistake me, I have been busy, really, doing something, all the time.  When I came to the realization that I was feeling like I wasn't doing everything "I was supposed to be doing," I knew it was time for reassessment and inspiration.  Great.  My self-questioning led to the bigger question of "where is the inspiration?"  But then, another question popped up, "for what?"  So now I had two questions...where is the inspiration and what would I do with it anyway.  Does any of this sound familiar to you?  Jeez! Or, as my good friend would say, "Cheesits."  I don't why, but that is so hilarious to me.

Assessment: 
I haven't written my blog in a few weeks and it is something I really like to do.  It is important to me to write it and share it and consistency is one of my strengths.  Hmmm.

I haven't really taken the time for friends and family that I usually do (sorry, Mom; sorry, Sis; sorry friends).  I love spending time and sharing ideas with friends and family and they usually end up enjoying the experience, too.  So, Hmmm.

I haven't been reading either -- and if there is one thing I enjoy most and put at the top of my list -- it's reading.  Hmmm.

So, "DCR," I ask myself, "what the heck have you been doing?  Do you see how assessment can lead to a downward spiral? Yeah.

I talked to my ambitious, ever-successful and amazingly resilient and beautiful sister, and as usual, she had the voice of reason and shared it with me.  She is really good like that -- we all need that kind of buddy -- you know, someone who sees it how it is, but somehow takes your side and makes you feel really good about yourself.  What would we do without the people who love us enough to do that?  Thanks, sweetie.

In our conversation she pointed out all the things I had been doing as positive, reasonable and worthwhile and put the best spin on it.  OMG, thank you.  I came to the realization when you have the deep-bend blahs (not so good) and are just wondering and wandering, you don't need a swift kick, you need positive re-enforcement.  She helped me see there was a reason I felt the way I did, (a valid reason, by the way) and I could putter around it or address it, settle it and get back in stride.  I needed to embrace a new course (of thought) and let the old one go and most importantly -- allow life to unfold on this new course.  Goodbye, old pattern.  Goodbye.

I am in that funny place, you know the place, when you are in transition and just waiting?   She helped me realize that it is an OK place to be -- just drive through it slowly and don't park.  We all have times when we look wherever we are looking and just don't see anything.  That is a big clue that it is time to catch your breath; revel in the down time and relax. Take it as it comes and embrace it, find the good in each day and know this stretch of time is temporary.  What you don't want to do is let the transition period get you in a twist. Please take my word for it -- stay positive and talk to people who love and support you.  It helps, it inspires and actually, it gets you out of the blahs and into the next step.  

So, what have I been doing?  I now realize I have had quality time with my grandchildren for the first summer, ever!  I reconnected with old friends I hadn't seen in quite awhile and made several new ones.  New art has been developed and I participated in a new business venture.  I have been swimming everyday and the exercise is great.  I completed several outdoor projects that have been hanging around too long.  I entertained -- it was a fabulous dinner and great conversation -- will be doing it again soon.  All of these are positive and very worthwhile.  

The other night, my husband and I were sitting outside looking at the stars.  I looked at him, and said, "You know, I love our life."   That one sentence, sums it up.  Days come and go, things, jobs and people come and go.  We have seasons to our lives and each one is valuable -- a little jewel. 

When the bad blahs hit and you begin to question yourself -- take it from me, talk to someone who inspires you -- not someone who will tell you what you need to do.  Talk to someone who loves you enough to be honest with you but still champions your viewpoint.  I hope you have someone like that in your life.

With respect and affection,
Diana           




 

What Is My Truth Today... 2/1/10...Inspiration Needed or My Muse is Missing

Today

We all get stuck…call it Writer’s Block…call it Lack of Motivation...call it whatever you want, but it is that big blank spot that happens when there is something you need to write or do or someone you need to contact and, well, you aren't.  The point is moving from not writing it, doing it or connecting to completion/conclusion/achievement.  Here are a few ideas that might help: 

Tips for inspiration...

• Move away from where you usually work.  Change your environment and often your thoughts will change.  Talk a walk around the block.  Go to the park.  Go to your local coffee house.  Go to the library.
• Talk with friends, colleagues, family, who are supportive and share your thoughts with them.  Ask for feedback and ideas.  You will be amazed how this will spark creativity.  The pros call them focus groups.  Form your own.
• Listen to music you love and let it unwind the snarls so your mind gets to that peaceful place.  Sometimes letting go gives you the freedom to concentrate.
• Use "top of mind awareness" -- in this case it means to have a pad or piece of paper in front of you and write down the first thing that comes to you.  It may work and it may not, but keep going.  You will make the connection.
• Keep a set of colored pencils and write your thoughts in different colors. 
• Chart your thoughts...Write one word that describes your goal/idea/need/.  Circle it and draw a line out from it.  Write the next thought next to that line and circle it.  Draw another line from the center circle. Write the next thought next to that line and circle it.   So on and so on.  You may be thunderstruck at what happens when you chart your thoughts this way. 
• Do something you don't normally do...try a new board game; go to a new restaurant; go on a one-day trip, etc.  It doesn't really matter what the new thing is that you do -- it will give you a new view and that often leads to new thoughts.

Shakespeare's Sonnet 38 invokes the Tenth Muse:

"How can my Muse want subject to invent,

While thou dost breathe, that pour'st into my verse

Thine own sweet argument?"

The point here...create your own Muse and have fun doing it.