Productivity – Emily Brickel Edelson

Articles Tagged with: Productivity

August 22, 2013

Pleasure vs. Success and dealing with Burn out

“If you go for success, pleasure is 50/50. If you go for pleasure, success is guaranteed.” Quoted the founder of Boom, Cindy Joseph.

I recently read this statement and it was quite interesting to hear.

“Pleasure is suspicious in our society but if you are honest with yourself and what you really want your only hope of happiness is going for what gives you immense pleasure” Cindy said.

People are judged pretty heavily based on their successes and their enjoyment of life. If you see a hard working person who is grunting and complaining of the pains in their life, but who appears to have it all, money, cars, a relationship, nice things, great job, etc. this person is most always regarded as successful even if they seem to not be enjoying the process. Sometimes these people even go as far as complaining on purpose to even the playing ground, to make others around more comfortable and downplay their actual happiness and successes.

On the flip side when a person is successful BECAUSE they are enjoying life, having fun and living their desires they are almost always regarded with a negative attitude (or perhaps jealousy) and even deemed to have “stumbled upon success”, to have been “handed it” or worse remarks that are so far from the truth.

Why does pleasure have to be guilty? If I want to have a mid afternoon chocolate break (instead of coffee) and also enjoy working out – what really is the problem? But we as a society really enjoy making pleasure seem guilty. After my chocolate break I am hard wired and programed (by society) to feel bad that I indulged. Why?

I honestly have no idea but it is absurd! What’s the point in living life if you truly can’t enjoy it!!!?!!?

Whoever heard of the saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it too!?” WHY WOULD YOU HAVE CAKE IF YOU CAN’T EAT IT TOO!?!?!? This is perplexing! I understand this proverb is about trade-offs in life but why does pleasure have to be a trade-off?

Why can’t we have it all?

Well. My answer to that is we can, actually, have it all. When following your heart’s desire you are on the path to success – headed towards living a life beyond your wildest dreams. So go for it, and keep on going for it. You will always be successful if you are following your passion.

Now, in terms of burn out: “You run long and hard, you get tired. That’s a fact. Marathoners don’t criticize themselves after a race for being exhausted. They rest.” – Danielle LaPorte.

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

When doing your Passion work, you are highly likely to face burn out at one point or anther. That’s ok. It’s normal. You should.

Danielle goes on to say:

-As the legend goes, when the Phoenix resurrects from the flames, she is even more beautiful than before.

-“Life balance” is an insidious myth. Picasso, Oprah, Steve Jobs, Einstein, Maria Callas – they weren’t aiming for balance, they were aiming to rock their genius, and they’ve all had periods of burn out.

-On the seventh day, even God rested.

-Take stock of all you’ve accomplished. You’ve come far, baby. And you’ve got the road rash and the muscle definition to prove it.

And lastly

Burn out is a natural part of shining. Naturally. I welcome it now.

Thanks Danielle.

And now I invite YOU to go find your biggest desires and make them come true. Do your Passion work, shine bright, burn out, rest, and do it all over again and then repeat. This is how you serve the world with your gift and keep on giving.

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

August 1, 2013

Paint your life.

Illustration of Christine Ryan of The Diva Dishes

Every now and again we get short hits of space in our projects, whether it be ending a previous project and starting a new or whether it be a summer vacation, a weekend get away or even just a bath and a night off where we can really clear our minds.

Having this space in our lives is crucial to paint the future. You are your own Monet, with a blank canvas to beautifully paint your life with watercolors.

Now that I have gotten myself in the habit of really liking to plan my schedules and goals months in advance, it always is such a fun time to create where I will be going, or where my clients will be going.

When you don’t plan it out – life gets stagnant and life starts to happen TO you instead of happening FOR you. It is so not fun to wander aimlessly through life when instead you could be the master of your destiny. Just some simple planning really makes a world of difference.

What is it that you really want to accomplish but have put off planning?

Start small – make some goals for the next month to three months. Figure out some really exciting things you want to do.

Get detailed – at the start of each new month, figure out exactly how you will accomplish your goals and write it out.

Check in – go back to your goal sheet and check in with yourself though out the year and on a monthly basis. This will hold you accountable and help you remember what you wanted to complete.

When you are starting out you don’t even have to have specific dates (unless you want to). Sometimes having specific dates sets you up for failure. Instead have more flexible goals like completing a task by the end of every month.

Whatever you plan, have fun with it and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t meet all of your goals. There’s always next month to try it again. Painting your life is a process that takes time, practice and flexibility. Sometimes the universe just has bigger plans for you, and your goals get derailed. Sometimes you meet your goals way earlier than you expected and have no idea what to do next.

Just take it day by day and enjoy the process.

If you need help with any goal setting, figuring out where to start or how to keep going in your business – I’m here to help.

I have been doing Fashion and Business Consulting for new and growing businesses for the last 3 years now with many successes (aside from my other businesses!). All of my clients have been word of mouth thus far but in the Fall I will be launching a new website that focuses on these services so that it is easier to find then stumbling upon it on my current websites www.EmilyBrickel.com and www.EmilyBrickelIllustration.com.

If you are interested in Fashion or Business consulting please email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

Thanks and cheers to the future!!!

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

July 25, 2013

Step it up!

THIS WEEK is officially my 54^th Illustrated blog (not counting client work)… do you know what that means? I’ve kept my word and reached my goal of doing a new illustrated blog EVERY week for one year!!!! It feels SOo amazing to accomplish this and I am so excited!!!! – And, I’m going to keep it going! I LOVE doing this blog every week – it is something I look forward to so much and it always makes me happy to hear back from you about how my blog was “exactly what you needed to hear” and if it helped you in anyway! THANKS for the responses! It means a lot!

But it wasn’t always this easy…

I have been a master goal maker my whole life but only now in the last few years have I really figured out how to get serious and make strategic plans to follow through. Although I’ve always had the best intentions and pure desire, sometimes that is not enough. When I was younger I didn’t really know how to carry it out and what moves to make. Not that I have all the answers now, but I’ve definitely picked up a few steps along the way.

I have BIG DREAMS, I mean HUGE, and I know it is my life’s purpose to fulfill these dreams – and inspire others along the way to live their dreams!!!

Sure it can get a little disheartening when you have a goal and seem to be making no visible progress after such a long time chipping away at it but my Mom always says “all overnight successes were 10 years in the making”. So hard to swallow when I first heard that (since I was on year 1 at the time) but so TRUE!

1. You really have to trust the Universe. Quirky and abstract as it may seem, it really is so strengthening to believe in something greater than yourself that has a master plan. When you don’t – and I’ve been there – you feel totally lost and alone. When you think about all the people who have come before you and will come after you, you have to realize that things can be done that you may not have any evidence of. These are things you can only know from trusting. There are so many people routing for you whether you know it or not, whether you’ve met them or not and whether they are with you right now in physical form or not.

2. Figure out how you want to feel. Maybe you don’t know exactly what it is you want to DO, but you know how you want to feel. List it out. Is it happy, successful, healthy, strong, beautiful, loved, supported, etc. Whatever it is, really think about it and then decide WHAT would make you feel that way. For example: If you want to feel strong, start lifting weights. If you want to feel successful, decide what would make you feel that way. This is different for everyone so it’s important to decide what would make YOU feel this, not what society thinks it means.

3. Decide exactly what you want to do. Once you know how you want to feel, what is the big picture of whatever you want to accomplish? What do you need to do to make this happen? Break it down into phases, tasks and mini steps. This will help it seem less daunting and more likely for you to take the first step.

4. Choose something that you feel is SUPER FUN to do. If it’s not, you won’t do it. You should be excited to do this task every time you have allocated it in your calendar. If it’s something like doing your taxes early (not fun) make it fun by realizing that you are becoming an expertise and will know so much more about your personal finance situation.

5. Plan it out. Figure out when you want to have this goal done and then work backwards. Divide the days or months you have until your due date and assign the smaller chunks of your goals into deadlines. Be specific. How many times a month or week will you need to do this to accomplish your goal? By having an exact time frame and day in mind you will be able to stay accountable for it.

6. Announce it to the world (or at least your friends and family). This will REALLY make you feel accountable. There is no turning back at this point and you will feel SO good when you get the job done!

Ok now, it’s time to really step it up world! You have to take a bite when the fruit is RIPE. You wouldn’t keep saving those strawberries in the fridge for next week, you need to eat them now before the opportunity ceases (and they get moldy – gross). Carpe the hell out of that Diem!

Now go get um!

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

July 18, 2013

Stop Procrastinating

We all procrastinate from time to time, but is your procrastination actually holding you back from much greater things.

Here is the ultimate procrastination guide for those times when you really can’t get moving and what it says about your project and state of mind.

1) Think about the reason why you are procrastinating?

Are you overwhelmed, scared of the outcome, dreading more responsibility if you succeed, fearful of what others will think of you and, or the project once it is completed? Or does it put more pressure on you? Etc., etc. etc.
2) Determine what’s going on for you in the moment when you put something off and try to pinpoint the exact reason and how you are feeling about it. This will help you identify how to proceed.

Usually when you are procrastinating, what you are putting off is either something:

A) really important to you.

B) really important to someone else.

C) Something you really WANT to do but are afraid to do.

D) Or something you really DON’T want to do because of a deeper reason.

When we procrastinate it usually involves something of a polarizing nature. Generally things that are blasé are easy for us to prioritize and check off our list.

Procrastination is another way of holding us back, a not-so-helpful defense mechanism if you will. Our “fear mind” is telling us that it’s way too scary to proceed since we are going to be out of our comfort zone, however being out of our comfort zone is how we grow. When we surpass the limits we have previously set for ourselves of course it will scare the ISH out of us but hey, would you rather stay stagnant? No.

3) Figure out the worst-case scenario. What if you attempt this supposed “cataclysmic project”? What will actually happen if you succeed: Will your peers or close relationships hate on you? Perhaps, but haters gon’ hate (that’s what they say in those rap vids right?) and most of the time, that means you’re doing something right. Never dim your light just because it’s shining in someone’s eyes!

What will happen if you fail? Will you die? Not likely. Will you be completely ostracized? Probably not. Will you get right back up again? Yes, you will (at least eventually) – and – if you feel like you can’t then take the time you need, lick your wounds and get your strength back. Everyone fails at some point or another. The only people who fail A LOT are the people who are successful (because they never gave up)! And just to bring the point home: the only people that NEVER fail are the people that NEVER tried!!!!!

It took a long time for me to learn this lesson, and I still have to remind myself of it sometimes but it is so incredibly important!

Most of the time the worst-case scenario is not as bad as we originally thought and we really are our own worst enemies.

4) Now figure out what will happen if you DON’T complete (or start) this project you have been putting off?

That right there will probably be enough to light a fire under your tuchus.

Whomever the work is for (you, a boss, friend or peer), they will be mad at you and sometimes that is worse than your figment worst-case scenario.

5) The fastest way to stop procrastinating is to… STOP procrastinating!!!! Get on that desk, put pen to paper (or whatever the situation calls for), say a little prayer and just start.

6) If you are really having trouble, tell yourself you will only start this for 15 minutes. Then stop if you feel called to, or keep going. Whatever feels good to you. Take a short break if you need to but knowing that you already started will make it much easier for you to get back on it after your break.

The worst regrets in life are not the things you accomplished but could have done better; they are the things you NEVER EVEN STARTED to begin with.

Hope that inspires you, now go on and get on it!

Xoxo

Emily

April 11, 2013

How to Zap Stress

So last week I had been incredibly stressed.

I had been dealing with an unusual work situation and one that was causing major havoc in the moment. My stomach has been in knots, and it has caused a migraine, backache, major stomach ache and definitely sleep loss.

How do you come back from a stint like that? Remember that you need to get back on your game and get back to work.

1. First address the Giant.

You have to learn to face confrontation head on and stand up for what you believe in a way that is authentic and true to how you are feeling. Get it off your chest, but always play fair. Remember karma is a bigger b*tch then you or I could ever be! Let the flow of energy run its course. Do what you can to clean up your side of the street. When you have done all you can do and the ball is not in your court, give it up to the universe. Try to relax and trust that everything will work out. If you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry; instead pray for it to be resolved for the highest good of both parties involved (as my mentor Gabrielle Bernstein would say).

Now that you did what you could…

2. Warm it up.

The best thing to do to reduce stress; as soon as you feel it coming on is to get warm. Go put on a cozy sweater, take a walk over to the heater in the winter or go outside for a stroll in the sun. Warming up your body will get that frigid chill of your back, release muscle tension, and calm your anxiety levels.

3. Eat your cravings.

I know it sounds counter productive and a surefire way to gain weight if you emotionally eat every time you are stressed, so DON’T. However, sometimes if you are REALLY stressed and you eat SMART cravings you can actually reduce the levels of chemicals in your body that are in freak-out mode and increase the one’s with calming effects.

Your body intuitively knows what foods you need and if you are craving chocolate – there’s usually a scientific reason why.

Dark chocolate reduces the levels of stress hormone cortisol as well as the “fight-or-flight” hormones called catecholamines. Coco is also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids which are linked to numerous health benefits.

Peanut butter is high in tryptophan, a chemical that helps the body relax and the brain produce “mood improving chemicals”. Nuts are full of vitamin B, the vitamins that help stress. Almond butter is especially high in these vitamins so reach for that healthy alternative if you crave peanut butter frequently and down want the high glycemic rush.

Bananas are rich in calcium and potassium, which helps to relieve anxiety, stress and lower blood pressure.

So when you’re stressed make a lethal anxiety killer on a plate – Bananas topped with peanut butter and chocolate. Oh what a torturous Rx indeed! (Sarcasm)

4. Meditate.

Now that your body feels nourished, time to relax your soul. Sit for 5-10 minutes in meditation or listen to some zen-ed out music. My favorite meditation choice right now is Oprah & Deepak’s 21 day meditation challenge. The free Challenge just ended but you can purchase the meditations here. They. are. AWESOME.

5. Write it out.

Now to calm our mind. Now that you have given your body and soul a chance to get back in balance, take pen to paper (or hand to keyboard) and vent it out. It’s not likely other people will relish in your stressed out angry venting so don’t rub that energy off on them. Write it out to clear your mind, write what you are feeling and what you are going through. If you need to do this before and after you meditate, the meditation will surely give you a clearer perspective on things and the ability to forgive your foes so you can get back to better things, like being happy!

Just remember, when you are stressed on a work day its hard to step away and calm yourself. However – if you don’t you will be carrying those stressful vibes with you on everything you do. Imagine this: Your work project will get some fiery comments, perhaps some errors and any phone calls or in-person meetings you may have – the person on the receiving side may get the brunt end of the stick. You could lose a deal, a client or just blow your lid in front of an important decision maker. Not a cute look!

Warning: Don’t let this happen to you!

Step away from the situation and take some time out to regroup. It could be 10 minutes or it could be an hour but you will leave that stress at the door and be able to get back in the groove in no time! Everyone will appreciate it.

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

March 20, 2013

Soak it up

Illustration of a pregnant Jennifer Stano David.

Spring is HERE and now’s the time to absorb all that good energy, all the good vibes, the green nutrients and all of the rays (with some UV protection of course) to get in the spirit to welcome this new season.

We’ve all been hibernating and most definitely have caught Spring Fever. I know I have! The ice has melted and warmer days are upon us.

I plan to rev up my fitness routine, drench my mitochondria in good-for-me vitamins and get out for a walk. You should too! As much as we nurture our spiritual and mental sides, we must also nourish our body with nutrient dense food. We need this to replenish the building blocks we crave and to make sure we are getting the exercise we need to keep our system functioning like a well-oiled machine. Remember, you are the vehicle by which you can accomplish your dreams. Read this past article here for more on my “fountain theory”.

But I digress…

The ancient art of Ayurveda medicine is the science of life. It is a 5,000-year-old science of natural healing originating in the Vedic culture of India. Many ancient cultures have followed suit and now more than ever it is prevalent in American culture. It is the very integration of mind, body, spirit and our environment that we all talk about.

Incorporating Ayurveda into our life, it is said can lead to perfect and constant health when Ayurveda’s practices are perfectly balanced.

In regard to the basic principals of this ancient science Deepak Chopa says “The most positive message we can send our bodies every day is to be aligned with balance in all things. Taking time to enter the stillness each day (meditate) and getting adequate rest, but we also need to move – both mentally and physically. Exercise is one way to ward off physical inertia. Taking a passionate interest in life keeps mental inertia at bay…These are all deep forms of healing and when you pursue them you are truly experiencing perfect health.”

So go on, make sure that fitness routine is on par and if something is lacking in the balance department – take to the scales.

Plan a trip or more time with friends outdoors and get ready to beat those winter blues. Stock up on some fruit from the local market and make sure to get loads of vitamin C.

Break out one of your most beautiful bowls and fill it with your new succulent fruits. It will make you happy just to see the vibrant colors and if stored on a kitchen counter it will be a great thing to grab for instead of junk food!

For even more ways to spruce up your life, check out my Desk Zen article and use the art of feng shui on all areas of your home. Move around some furniture, crack open some windows and get ready to have some major spring in your step.

Spring is HERE people! We have been patient!

As always, Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

February 21, 2013

Desk Zen

The art of a clean desk – organizing for energy.

Yep, you’ve done it, I’ve done it. We work so hard, so much and so consistently that the space we work on becomes a dumping ground for the projects we are working on, the papers we are sorting through and the tools we need to make it happen. Somewhere along the line, it becomes a wasteland of to do lists on sticky notes, outdated post-its, inkless pens, piles of magazines and things stacked and labled “to file” or “to read”.

Don’t you think this effects your work energy?!

So I have been staring at my computer screen for hours and hours doing work, working on illustrations, projects and more but I have been abandoning my desk. I notice it but I rationalize, I have to finish this project first or I’ll do that later.

It kind of got to the point that it was making me sick just looking at it and draining my energy.

The pile of magazines and paperwork piled on my floor next to my desk has become (gulp) literally knee high. “Oh how I hate paperwork, and why can’t everything be electronic,” my mind ponders.

So, notably it became time to clean my desk off (which I end up doing probably about every three months), but now it is also time to do a massive pre-spring cleaning on my draws and office space in general.

Two desk “S.O.S. cleanings” ago I discovered feng shui for my desk. It worked so incredibly well to rebalance my energy that I had to share it with you. I also use this to place a few items on my desk that inspires me when I look at them because this is my “sacred” creative space.

So if you are in need – here is the how on attaining the ultimate desk zen.

See illustration above! *If you don’t have a big enough desk, consider using the surrounding space, under desk area on the sides, and the walls to house these elements. You can also use colors and anything that gives meaning to you to the section theme to represent each area.

Start by clearing of EVERY single thing from your desk, clean everything thoroughly and then clean the top of your desk.

Starting at the center of your desk, if this were a clock it would be 6:00. This is where your chair is and your computer should be since this is the career / business journey section. Here you will put your mission statement, communications and this is also your reception area. Having your computer here is the perfect solution. Color: Black, Element: Water
Next going clockwise at 7:30 on the bottom left hand corner is your blue area, and Earth Elements. This is the section titled knowledge and skill building. This is where you put your training material and business library. This is perfect since books are made of paper, which comes from trees, and this is where your earth element should be. I keep a book I am reading and my sketchbook there.
At the middle left section, where 9 o’clock would be is your green area represented by wood elements. This is the section of growth, teamwork and new beginnings. Things that represent business structure, leadership, teamwork and new projects belong here. I keep a mini stack of 2 new notebooks from Christian Lacroix Papier that my friend gave me for my birthday and a Papyrus notecard set for Thank You note writing.
Next at 10:30 on the clock is your Prosperity section. This is where purple reigns as the color and things that represent finances, cash flow and a sense of abundance should go here. Perhaps place a photo of how you make money here, a pyrite stone, which is looks like gold or some bedazzled, crystal encrusted item or costume jewelry for decoration. I keep a framed illustration and a costume diamond here.
In the top center, at 12 o’clock is the Fame and Reputation area. This area is represented in red. It is also the fire element. Here public relations-building items should go. Think about putting an award you won, your business cards here or something you are proud of that represents your business.
On the top right hand corner at 1:30 on the clock is your primary business (and personal) relationships zone. This is represented by a pink color. This is where you should put things relating to partnerships, contracts – also things relating to love and marriage. You may also choose to place things in groups of two in this area. If you are hoping for or focusing on supporting a romantic relationship, put two peacock feathers (like I have), two candles, two flowers or two similar trinkets etc. This is also a place to put beautiful things you love here.
At 3 o’clock is the center for productivity, creative expression and expansion. Here put things that help you get and stay creative, marketing materials that support your expansion or like I have, a pretty glass filled with pens, markers and colored sharpies. This section is represented by white but is where you should incorporate many beautiful bright colors that you love. Metal is the element here.
The bottom right corner (at 4:30 on the clock) is the section for travel and helpful people. It is a good place to put business cards of your most important contacts, your appointment book or a desk phone here. You can also put religious or spiritual items here that represent angels or your faith. The color is silver.
And the last section is directly in the middle of your desk where the “hands” of a clock would be mounted. This is the health section and is represented by yellow. Here is where you should have an item made from earth materials like ceramics, flowers, essential oils, things that remind you to stay centered or even the color yellow. I keep a yellow highlighter next to my laptop in the center of my desk.

Another thing I recommend is arranging your desk so that you are in a “command” position. This is when you have a view of the room and the door with out being in a “direct line” of the door or walkway and your back is facing the wall when you are seated. It is a primal instinct of humans to want to “watch their back” and by setting up your desk this way, you will feel instinctually protected allowing you to be more at ease and productive.

The key here is also eliminating things that don’t serve you and that you don’t need to have out. Things that you do need that are not covered above you can file away in your drawers (neatly).

Try this out and believe me you will see an immediate difference.

Hope that inspires you!

Happy feng shui-ing!

Xoxo

Emily

November 1, 2011

Activating your “Red Zone”, the art of inspiration.

So I’m sure you may have noticed that the last two months my blog posts have been less frequent. A lot of mental shifts are occurring for me lately, and major work and career shifts that I am cultivating now have been taking up most of my time. The point of me mentioning this is significant because, like many creatives (and all people for that matter) – we tend to focus our energy on getting things done, knocking off the goal check list and assuming that time spent should primarily center around the tasks at hand. Not completely true. This post is about how to tap into your creativity.

The American culture, and especially our corporate culture denote that to be efficient and productive we must; Go, Go, go (for lack of a better term). As part of my ever-evolving studies on productivity (I am a self proclaimed process junkie always concerned with the how and with really successful individual’s daily routine) and the question I always ask myself “does studying productivity make you less productive?”, I inherently KNOW in my gut that maintaining your craft and analyzing how you do it, will, in effect essentially make you more productive as you get things down to a science.

One method I had been ensuing was the oh-so academic, basic and systematic technique of COLOR-CODING, yes color-coding my tasks. This is such an entertaining process for my creative mind, using different color sharpie pens to determine what is URGENT (any shade of fuchia, red or pink – in order of importance from darkest to lightest), FUTURE (bright green to signify how I can make money in the future), PROJECTS (orange, to alert me and help those stand out among my list), and MAINTANANCE (blue, teal or purple in order of importance and from darkest to lightest again) based tasks. Maintenance has sometimes fallen by the way side. Read on for how that can be detrimental to your success. Color-coding and hand writing not only activate your left and right brain simultaneously, it has also been proven that writing things down help support your short and long term memory – keeping your to do’s always in the back of your mind.) It works for me.

But anyway, I digress.

As equally important as the process is, what The99Percent deems your “Red Zone” is also one of the most effective ways of increasing your productivity and keeping you inspired.

This blog is about inspiration – and I have not been writing so frequently because I have not been so inspired! This is part of my job as a creative (and inspirational blogger of course). So how do I up the anti on this elusive, yet core feeling of being inspired.

This is how: “Activating your Red Zone” an article in The 99percent by Todd Henry (thank you Todd).

These topics fall into my maintenance category. I think we all tend to underestimate the importance of maintenance. In this Go, Go, go mindset – maintenance seems like an after thought. However, by treating maintenance as professional athletes, models, racecar drivers and even the winners of this Halloween’s annual largest pumpkin grow do – you are keeping your biggest asset (your mind, body, spirit and your creativity) in tiptop performance mode.

Just think about what would happen if a racecar driver failed to maintain their vehicle’s parts, if a model failed to maintain their physique and beauty rest, if an athlete failed to practice their game or if the pumpkin grower did not care for their crop. Their output; zilch, zero, find a new profession because your screwed!

Lets just watch this short video to illustrate my point. Continued maintenance will produce amazing results. Watch this fun video then read on to get the productivity-making tips.

You may be smiling from this creative marketing campaign, but let me go further to drive the point home.
Maintenance can be like pedaling that bicycle. Do you see the vibrant energy created from that small action of pedaling?
Just like how exercising your body stimulates energy and produces endorphins, creative maintenance produces GENIUS!

Creatives out there, entrepreneurs; hear my call. Maintain your creativity.

And now the juiciness taken right from the mastermind Todd Henry himself. (Click this link for complete article).

“1. Activities that increase your capacity to generate and make ideas happen, such as study, skill development, or research. When we stoke our curiosity by filling our mind with inspirational or challenging thoughts, or hone our craft by intentionally developing our skills, we gain a sturdy platform to build on. Unfortunately, these are often the first activities to get tossed out when we’re in crunch time, and by eliminating them we are borrowing a little bit of time now against the quality of our future work.

What are you doing to stretch your mind, seek inspiration, and fill your creative well? In other words, what are you doing today to increase your capacity to do great work tomorrow? Make sure that these activities find their way onto your calendar, even in busy seasons.

2. Activities that feed your creative soul, like spending time with friends who inspire you. When we get busy, it’s easy to default to engaging only in relationships of obligation or convenience. This means that we are missing out on a key source of creative inspiration. Setting aside time to connect with others, to discover what they’re working on, and to hear what’s inspiring them can expand our perspective and fuel our motivation to do better work. Who inspires you, and are you protecting time on your calendar for them, even during busy times?

3. Activities that provide creative traction, like clarifying objectives with your manager or client. Sometimes we are so anxious to jump into the work that we fail to clarify what’s really expected of us. Taking a small amount of time now to set objectives can save a lot of pain later as we try backpedal out of a mess. Set aside time on the calendar each day to re-align and ensure that you’re working on the right problems. Creatives and teams that regularly clarify their objectives are more productive and are less likely to experience the relational tensions that can kill workplace creativity.”

These may seem like simple no-brainers – yet I myself am guilty of thinking I must push forth and produce.

I did not say it! He did! My left-brain feels guilty just thinking about doing these things. My right brain is jumping for joy. Balance is KEY! As my spiritual guru and life coach Gabrielle Bernstein preaches, balance is essential to fulfill your dreams and goals. Take this advice. Seriously.

Today I will be lucky enough to visit one of my new clients BeWellWithArielle at her beautiful Manhattan apartment to do creative direction for a photo shoot for her Reiki infused jewelry. This lovely lady lives and breathes balance and she inspires me everyday! Her zest for life and creative soul will help us inspire each other to better both of our work, and then perhaps we will go to yoga! What will you do TODAY that will benefit your passion, service to the world and dreams tomorrow?!

I hope this inspires you!

Xoxo Emily

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