Tag Archives: productivity

Making Energy Move

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If you’re wondering how to have more energy and how to get creative, I can tell you that I have more energy now than I have in a long time. You want to know my secret? I haven’t been sleeping more or drinking more coffee (in fact, I’ve been sleeping less and drinking less coffee). I have brought more energy into my life by clearing away the things in my life. This week, I have cleaned out my spice rack, pantry, refrigerator, medicine cabinets, freezer, RSS reader, and both of my email inboxes. I have also packed away about 15 boxes of things to be moved and thrown out 5 trash bags worth of things. I have put together a couple of bags of clothing for donations and thrown out old make-up. This spring cleaning has made me feel so full of energy that I don’t know what to do with myself except keep going, cleaning out unnecessary things in my life and inviting in only those which bring me joy, motivation, and happiness.

There are a few keys to doing this:

  1. Don’t Delay: Do it right now. If you have an hour or only five minutes, take some time to tackle one thing and just do it. Something you’ve been putting off forever because it seems too daunting or undesirable or something you just don’t want to deal with – like the basket by the front door or the coat closet. You’ll be surprised how great you feel after just five minutes of straightening things up.
  2. Tackle Something You Loathe: I HATE doing dishes. It’s probably my least favorite chore, even though it doesn’t take very long to do. But, if I get in the habit of doing it after each meal instead of just once each day, they don’t pile up, it takes less time and I feel great when the dishes are all clean in the rack or put away in the cupboards where they’re supposed to be.
  3. A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place: There’s a reason this is an adage. It’s because it works. If you don’t have a place for something or don’t know where to put it, let it go. Either find a place to put it and make room for it in your life, or don’t. It’s that simple. (And make sure that it goes back to this place when you’re done using it, of course.)
  4. If It Doesn’t Serve a Purpose, Lose It: If it doesn’t serve an immediate purpose, why hang on to it? Clothes that don’t fit? Worn out shoes? CD jewel cases? I got rid of them all and I feel great, like a giant weight’s been lifted off my shoulders.
  5. If It Doesn’t Have Good Energy, Why Hang On? If you got the object from an old boyfriend or girlfriend or you’re hanging onto it just because you think your mom or grandmother or grandfather would want you to have it, give it to someone else who will love it and use it. That piece of heirloom jewelry in the back of your box isn’t going to wear itself, so unless you’re going to put it on sometime soon, why not give it away? If you’ve got art supplies from an art class you never finished, donate them to a charity or a classroom that needs supplies.
  6. Inbox Zero! Do you know how awesome it feels to have ZERO unread emails? When was the last time you went through and cleaned up your entire inbox? Go through and delete anything that’s not important (important = essential to your life, livelihood, relationships or finances). Don’t bother to read unimportant emails, just delete. Once you’ve done this, look at the important emails and decide what is urgent – answer those right away. Yes, right now, even if it’s just to say “I will get you that project as soon as I’ve finished.” Now, the important, but not urgent emails, answer those. Everything that needs archiving should go into folders and anything else should be deleted.

Follow these few simple steps and you will feel the energy around you and within you start to build. It’s a great way to get rid of anything negative and invite positive change into your life. Make sure to declutter and cleanse your life often. It’s not a one-time thing, but a project that you must continue again and again. Each time you do, you’ll feel better, so do it as often as possible.

Less is More

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Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of posts coming from some particular blogs and email lists. The oversaturation in media isn’t helping my creativity blossom, rather it’s hindering me from hearing my own thoughts. It’s not because I’m subscribed to too many feeds or because I’m taking in things from too many channels, but because I am getting so much from particular sources. The sources are ones I used to feel gave me wisdom, but now I have the distinct feeling of wading through muck.

Recently, I read a great post on Quora from Lucretia M. Pruitt entitled Welcome to Quora. Do Yourself a Favor and Slow Down. A post from Lauren Vargas at the Root Report soon followed, where she stated that There Is No Such Thing as the Status Quo. In her blog post, Lauren says, “Instead of thinking of how many social channels can I participate in, think about how should you be participating in those communities…if you should be there at all. Take this much needed breather to assess how you respond and why.”

What a perfect response! I urge you all to take that into consideration when creating your own communities, blogs, and Twitter accounts. How many do you really need? How many do you want? Is more always better? I think not.

This is not a new discussion. It’s been had over and over and over again and, with regard to information, there is such a thing as pushing too much on your followers and friends. If you have something important to say, by all means, SAY IT. But think long and hard about the push of information over this web space and ask yourself if your post is necessary; if it is not necessary, is it helpful, wanted, craved? Because, if it’s just chatter, why not benefit your audience better by giving them something they really want.

I’m stepping back myself. I’m thinking, processing, dreaming, and creating. And when there’s something really good to share, I’ll share it. Until then, my friends, may the muses bless you with important, compelling blog posts.

Creative Stumbling Blocks: How to Hurdle Them

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This is a guest post from contributor Sarah Whinnem. Sarah and I met on Twitter and have maintained a relationship online for quite some time. She is an inspiration as a visual artist, active social media participant, and good friend.

Creative Stumbling Blocks: How to Hurdle Them

No matter what aspect of the creative world you work in, I’m sure you’ve had the experience of hitting a metaphorical creativity wall. It happens more often for some, but trust me, it happens to everyone. Personally, I find myself in the situation for mainly one of two reasons: First, I have been concentrating on something so long that I can’t see the forest for the trees. I’m too close up to whatever I’m working on to have a fresh perspective. Second, I am working on something I’m not totally invested in. It’s usually a project where I either don’t have clear direction, or I’m not quite happy with the direction it’s taken. These situations seem to get me stuck pretty easily. But in analyzing what my personal stumbling blocks are, I’ve  come up with a few good strategies to get past them. Some are more productive than others, and I have taught myself how to recharge my creative batteries while staying on track.


The Obvious: Take a Break
This trick ALWAYS works. Walk away from the desk, the laptop, the paper, and leave it alone momentarily. This is often a solution to the first stumbling block. By giving your mind a break from the project youÕre working on, you can come back to it with fresh eyes. Sometimes your brain just needs to change gears to get back up to speed. Einstein allegedly worked a job in the patent office to keep his brain distracted while not concentrating on physics.

The Trap: Procrastinating
The key to this trick is that it’s very easy to get distracted into doing something else altogether, and get sidetracked from whatever you were working on. This isn’t exactly the point of getting a mental break, so you have to be careful not to let yourself get carried away!

The Better Solution: Alternative Work
I have found that I work better by simply putting one project aside and switching to another type of work. This seems to be more suited to non-thinking-intensive work, such as data housekeeping, billing or filing, or even some types of coding. These types of things aren’t that fun, but all need to be done on a regular basis, and I’ve found that they’re the perfect diversion when I’m stuck and getting them done still allows me to be productive.


The Inspiring: Creativity by Osmosis
Another really good way to get your “Ah-ha!” muscles moving is to be inspired by the creativity of others. Today, there are thousands of millions of galleries, articles, and conversations by and among those infinitely more creative than I am. It often doesn’t take long to be inspired when viewing someone else’s work. Now I don’t mean copying here, I mean letting someone else’s creative solution to a problem inspire you to come up with your own creative solution.

The Trap: Idle Browsing
It’s very easy to wander off on a tangent while you’re searching around for inspiration. A gallery of photography easily leads into a list of photographers on Twitter and before you know it, you’re catching up on all the latest Sockington news. Or reading reviews of the newest camera to be released. I have found that I need to be very disciplined when opening up my feed reader so I stick to my Design category and avoid ICanHasCheezburger when I am supposed to be working.

The Better Solution: Boundaries
I am easily distracted with this, so I have two solutions. One, set a time or content limit for the diversion. I give myself a small amount of time, or if I have found something interesting, I’ll finish reading it. Two, a great alternative is to pick up an actual book. I love flipping through an art or design book to see what the masters have done. Even poetry is inspiring- there are tons of fresh ideas in creative fields outside my particular area.


The Collaborative: Brainstorm with Others
Two heads are better than one, right? A productive way to get inspired for a project is to get feedback from others. This solution works especially well for projects you’re stuck on for the second reason- ambiguity. Another set of eyes can help you see something you may have missed, or may be able to suggest a solution you haven’t thought of. I’m especially lucky in that I work with several other talented designers I can collaborate with, but communities such as Twitter, ConceptFeedback, or Dribbble are all ways for freelance and independent designers to work together. This tactic also mentally switches your brain from design mode into conversation mode, which is often enough to power through a tough spot.

The Trap: Getting Social
Again along the distraction lines, collaborating with others quickly can progress into chatting. You just need to be aware of that and stay focused. I actually don’t have too much of a problem staying on topic when I’m discussing work with a colleague. This seems to be the most helpful tactic for me.

The Better Solution: Meetings
As bad a connotation as that word has, it’s useful for brainstorming. It’s a simple as setting a time limit for a quick session where you can talk about the project, and come up with a solution together. It’s helpful if you’re direct and concise about the conundrum you’re having and what problems you need solved.

All in all, the main idea here is to force your brain to switch gears, and to know what motivates yourself. It’s relieving that when I get stuck in a rut, I know myself well enough to realize what works and what doesn’t. Staying inspired and productive is really about knowing yourself and finding out what stimulates your creativity.

Sarah is a graphic designer, Mac geek, and mean margarita-maker. Check out her site* and be sure to follow this brilliant beauty on Twitter @madysondesigns. *Note: Sarah’s site is currently under construction, but should be back up and running soon. Make sure to check back and experience her brilliance first-hand.

Wired for Success in 2010

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I wrote this post back in January, but considering it’s been almost 6 months since then (oh, MY GOODNESS it’s flown by!), I thought I should post it again as both a reminder to myself what I want to accomplish and a means of checking in on my progress.

The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Invest.

Learn

study

  • Goal word: LEARN
  • Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
  • Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
  • Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
  • Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
  • Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
  • The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
  • What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

paintbrush

  • Goal word: CREATE
  • Path 1 to the goal: build own website
  • Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
  • Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
  • Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
  • Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
  • The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
  • What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label, periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

piggy bank

  • Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
  • Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
  • Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
  • Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
  • Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
  • Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
  • The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
  • What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

Analysis on my progress with these goals coming soon. In the meantime, I’d love to know what challenges and goals you set out for yourself in 2010. How are you doing with them?

A Meditation: Just Breathe

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meditation

(image credit: C. Mariani)

Take a minute to turn off your computer screen, take off your headphones, stop whatever it is you are doing.


Breathe in and concentrate on what you want out of today;

Breathe out and concentrate on how you will accomplish this.


Don’t you feel better already?

Wired for Success in 2010

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The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Smart.

Learn

study

  • Goal word: LEARN
  • Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
  • Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
  • Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
  • Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
  • Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
  • The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
  • What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

paintbrush

  • Goal word: CREATE
  • Path 1 to the goal: build own website
  • Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
  • Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
  • Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
  • Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
  • The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
  • What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label,  periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

piggy bank

  • Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
  • Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
  • Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
  • Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
  • Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
  • Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
  • The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
  • What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

Auspicious Beginnings

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♥ The New Year started on the night of a Blue Moon. That has to be a good omen, right?! I’m excited.

♥ Who loves Edward Gorey? I know you all do… so head over to the Blah, Blah Blahg and get yourself the Edward Gorey font!

♥ If I had a million dollars, one of the things I’d buy would be this amazing Ellen Von Unwerth photography book. Is anyone else drooling as much as I am?

♥ I’m totally obsessed with Marc Jacobs’ new perfume Lola. It’s sweet, it’s spicy. Everything a feisty femme like myself could want in a perfume. Not to mention the bottle’s gorgeous, too. Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets. ;)

♥ Iranian men cross-dress for women’s rights. As Alex DeBranco says, “Hey American guys — won’t you dress in drag to support women’s rights, too? ‘Cause every girl’s crazy for a sharp-dressed man.”

♥ My friend from college, Zia, just started blogging a new creative venture. He’s a very talented musician and a very intelligent guy. His first post is called Why You Should Create Something in the Next 24 Hours. And why shouldn’t you? Stop making excuses and DO IT.

♥ Are you driven by passion? How does that work for you at work? Lauren Fernandez writes about the benefits of using your passion to fuel your career. Great discussion in the comments, too!

♥ No matter how bad it seems, believe in yourself and you will come through.

♥ Can’t wait for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland to come out in March? Me, either. Well, while you’re waiting, why not check out the Alice in Waterland collection at Elena Kalis Photography (Thanks, Kate, for the link!)

♥ Check out this luscious ruffled coat that Franki found. It’s by Lia Lintern and I can’t wait to see what new things come up in upcoming season collections.

♥ What better way to recycle cardboard tissue paper rolls than by building a forest with them? Yuken Teruya made this Corner Forest. And I happen to think it’s absolutely the bomb. Check out the amazing shadows created with the cut-outs and relief. Love love love! (via Lushlee)

♥ If you have not already become obsessed with Florence + the Machine, you’re missing something. I’d give my left arm, or maybe my left lung to see her in concert.

 

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