Anyone got the time?

mr-jones-average-dayIn our busyness, we deceive ourselves into believing that we have no time for the activities we enjoy, the goals we dream about — for creativity, for rest … for just plain fun! ;-)

However, slow and steady wins the race! Especially for those of us who periodically run w-a-y too fast in various directions! Despite my own periodic randomness, my focus has been to overcome this malady; I am. Albeit, ever-so slow-ly.

Tools that have assisted me in {finding time}.

Read: Tools that reduce the time spent looking for miscellaneous pieces of paper, project notes, etc.

Read more »

Overwhelm? Creative Solutions

red window

Overwhelm {for me} is like a window. Why? Because windows offer various utilities such as protection and inspiration {and are often a visual for opportunity}.

  1. I can look through it and see what is on the other side.
  2. I can close the blinds over it and savor rest in the still of darkness.
  3. I can open it and allow the breeze of inspiration and light.
  4. I can escape through it, literally, or merely via daydreams.
  5. I can shatter it … Something I have yet to do in real-life! ;-)

But we all know that overwhelm tends to bring creativity to an abrupt, screeching halt. So where are the choices? The opportunities? More …

Lessons Learned

right brain planner lessons

Most of the time we learn lessons and we have no idea what they were. We adopt practices — habits of the day — without notice. Unless we keep notations … ;-)

Lessons Learned updated!

Moving through (when our minds are scattered), managing our days (when we are distracted), pressing on in the direction of our dreams (when we are weary) — we all talk about.

9. Practice gratitude …

Even when you just want to have a pity party … I have been in the midst of these {impossible} moments — and I can attest to the liberty of pursuing gratitude: [link]

10. No excuses.

Push past what you claim is in the way. If you want a particular goal:

  • Be willing to let go of what you believe prevents you from attaining said goal
  • Get to the particulars of attaining what you claim you want
  • Need a boost? Watch Chris Brogan’s Overnight Success 3 – No Excuses [link]

A Creative Sabbatical

This is an intriguing practice. Particularly since I recently realized that — instead of adding three letters  to the end of my name via higher education — said practice during the past year yielded a much more {practical} learning experience. A learning experience that has equipped me to continue in the direction of dreams. ;-)

Discovery and decisions regarding my “big picture” remain in-process. However, I encourage you to consider the value of disengaging from your routine for a period of time. If only for days or weeks …

Journal Every Day

journalThere can be no courage unless you’re scared.

~Eddie Rickenbacker

Being a creative, you must realize about the only two things I do on a daily basis is sleep and eat! 8-)

However, my intention is to journal every day — at least in some form. I have a pop-up reminder on my Google Calendar each day at 9:15 a.m. — {visual journal}.

When my mind is wandering, I just write in longhand — or type my runaway thoughts; print; cut and paste in my journal. Some days I tear words or images from the pile of mail that lives on the counter near my desk. This usually sparks some sort of creative process that leads to a collage or journal prompt.

But what about when {overwhelm} or just plain ‘ol real-life roars at us? 8-O And inspiration is no where to be found? Read more »

Tactile Plan of Attack

tactile planning
All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible. ~ Orison Swett Marden

Perhaps the change of seasons … or the weather … or mere routine replacing scenic travel and being away from home. Whatever it is, I seemed locked in funk-mode. My desk is a pile of misplaced mail, To-Do lists and miscellany … :-(

So … what to do? Read more »

Comments

comment

Funny sometimes how simple the answer is when ya’ simply ask the question …

I am blessed with a inspiring friend {who also is my faithful accountability partner!} — who keeps my mental train running on track. This week I talked with her about the lack of comments on this blog.

Not due to some vain aspiration, but because I frequently receive e-mails from my right-brain friends and readers — but they don’t leave comments here. (I learn so much from their input as well as being inspired to view planning with fresh eyes!)

But still, I wondered why they didn’t post here …

So, my smart and savvy friend {aka faithful accountability partner!} discovered why: I didn’t have comment-friendly settings! :mrgreen:

Said problem is now corrected … So, now … A from-the-heart invite to you, dear reader: Read more »

Time Management — Block by Block

Every day we are faced with a rollercoaster of ideas, activities and interruptions that takes us for a wild ride in our attempt to manage our time effectively. Being the creAtive I am … I have employed a wide variety of tools and methods to keep myself {on-task}. Well, as much as possible — on task … ;-)

One such tool is to view my priorities in a matrix — one box at a time!

time management matrixImage Credit

Read more »

Fine Tune Your Brain, Declutter and Time Management

striking oil

Ya’ know some days you simply strike oil! ;-) This morning I am busily managing the tasks of leaving on vacation … But totally enjoyed the following articles! So, I just had to share ‘em with you!

  • How to Stay Organized With Google Calendar

“If you’re disorganized, you’re bound to lose paperwork, miss appointments, and just waste time; that’s why having a smart calendar program is essential.” (Uh, lost paperwork, missed appointments … sound familiar? ::raising my hand::) More …

  • 5 Simple Steps to Clearing the Clutter (painlessly)

“Do you ever feel that life is getting on top of you? Do you get overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done? Do you waste hours searching frantically for important documents, lost keys, mobile phone chargers and other essential items?” (Oh! Yay! I am so-o not alone!) More …

  • 11 Solid Ways to Improve Your Time Management Skills

“Your best bet is to try a variety of different approaches until something clicks in your brain and sticks in your routine.” (Concentrating on one thing is my latest mode of magic!) More …

  • 47 Ways to Fine Tune Your Brain

“In this article we’ll look at dozens of tactics that will help you maintain your brain into old age and help to increase your mental agility and cognitive development.” (I have been utilizing Brain Age! And it is fabulous!) More …

Hope your days include unexpected blessings and spectacular surprises! Need a little inspiration? Crank up some music and dance it up! I just did — and it worked! ;-)

What is your “press and play” way to better day planning? to inspiration?? Let me know!

Creative Overwhelm

race car blur Ford RacingPhoto Credit

The most common “fade to black” moment I experience in a day? Creative overwhelm.

Ideas and plans race around my mind like screaming vehicles in the final lap of a Nascar race! Some wipe out, crashing at the curves; others finish only to get flat tires.

So … How to “keep my ducks in a row” … Er, my race cars?

Read more »