Getting & Keeping My Creative Juices Flowing

Getting and Keeping My Creative Juices Flowing

I am the first to say that I think everyone’s creative process is different.  But, there are some basic elements that are pretty universal.  Here are my go to’s to get it cranking…

Atmosphere….

For me, this is  the biggest component.  In fact, I dare say that all of the other things that I will list are going to fall into this category.

  1.  A Clean and Organized Space is A Must for Me.  Why?  Because I am easily, easily distracted.  A Messy Space for me means that I must clean it up.  Oh and organize it, before I can start on whatever task is at hand.  This is why it really is better for me to keep my space clean or nothing is getting done.  It’s a Cluster… You know the rest.
  2.  Coffee, Coffee, Coffee and More Coffee.  I do love coffee and it tends to focus me.  But, I am trying my best to cut down.  So I try to keep it under 2 cups a day and most days I succeed.  Of course with fall coming, I tend to consume much more.
  3.  A Plan.  I know here I go, list, list list.  I love a list, but I may love a plan more.  Having a plan in place the night before means that I have a measurable task list.  I have finally accepted that I don’t have but so much time in every day and week.  So making more manageable daily and weekly goals is paramount to my success. {Enter My Planner Addiction]
  4.  Music.  IS E-V-E-R-Y-THANG?  It makes the most mundane task seems less mundane, by making it a desk dance party.  And, for the more thought provoking work or things that I need to focus my attention I choose more soothing types of music.  If you were to go through my iTunes playlist, I think you would be surprised to find everything from Classical to Heavy Metal.
  5.  Checks and Balances  Almost as important as a plan is having a way to make sure that the plan is working.    For me, with blogging and our Etsy Store, this is strictly a numbers game.   It is about making sure that what we put out in terms of an advertising and marketing budget is worth it and still allows us to garner a profit.  This is also part of the reason that our store is ever changing as the market is ever changing.
  6.  Time for Mindless Browsing.  Now, I don’t think it’s mindless browsing, but if you were to saunter by my desk, you may think so.  But, my favorite way to move pass being blocked and spark some creativity ranges from Pinterest and Instagram, to ZGallerie and Pier 1 Catalogs.  And, I can’t forget my favorite magazines, Real Simple and Domino Magazine.

How do you get your creative juices flowing? I’d love to hear what your tips are for getting productive and staying that way.

“THE BEST PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW IS DOING YOUR BEST TODAY.” H. JACKSON BROWN JR.

5 Simple Ways not let your quest for perfection become a “time suck”?

ANYTHING CAN BE A TIME SUCK.

5 Simple Ways Not to Let Your Quest for Perfection Become a Time Suck.

Your To Do List has gone from Line Items to Journal Entries.  There is so much to do and just not enough time, or at least that is how it seems.  Is your quest for perfection becoming a time suck and preventing you from being productive?  Check out these 5 Simple Steps to get it all under control.

Planing and Preparation:  It’s no secret that I love a list, and even more than that I love a good Planner.  But, as with anything else spending an hour planning to do something that never gets done, serves no real purpose. Simply nail down what has to be done and move on.

Time Blocking:  Now that you know what you have to do.  How much time can you realistically afford to spend on each of your tasks?   Separate your tasks into categories and then decide what the level of importance is.  Then block your time accordingly and stay committed to it.  Don’t let one task bleed over into the time you have allotted for something else.  (I personally, struggle with this one a lot.  Especially if I feel like I am on a role.  But, I know that their are only so many hours before the girls are home from school, and then all bets are off. For more information on Time Blocking or to Download a Free Printable that can help you with this.  Check out Hey Donna.com’s blog post Time Blocking 101.

Sample Time Blocking Sheet from Hey Donna.com

Photo Source: HeyDonna.com

Rest:  Even the most stimulating task starts to feel mundane after a while. It’s very easy to get caught up and let time pass you by.  This is especially true for those of us working from home. Get up. Rest Your Eyes.  Grab Lunch – Socialize A Bit. Even if it’s a particularly nice day outside and you would rather stay out and play or shop.  You will be surprised that you will return with a renewed spirit.

Return to your tasks:  This is possibly the most crucial step.  You have to finish what you started. Even if you can’t get it all done in one sitting, make finite and future plans to complete them.

Celebrate Your Success:  Your work day is over.  This is the time to enjoy simple pleasures that could otherwise get you off track. For me that would be my personal Facebook Page, Words with Friends or Sims Free Play, anything that will draw my focus and my time away from what is important.  Now, if you are Mommy, then it’s probably time to start your other full time job.  So, feel free to start off with a glass of wine, since more than likely dinner is your responsibility.  It’s ok. You’ve earned it.

What do you do to keep the wheels from falling off the bus??