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Category: Blog

Ins and Outs for a New Year

As one year ends and another begins, take inventory of what needs to stay in 2022 and what you’d like to carry with you into the new year. From creative pursuits to relationship goals, make a list of the “ins” that can serve as guideposts as you take on new projects and decide how to spend your time. For creatives, the ability to commit to making art, regardless of the end result, is particularly important. Make art, make bad art, and block anyone who stops you from sharing it. Seek pleasure and imperfection and look for ways to welcome more wonder and magic into your days.

Scarcity mindsets can be left behind, as well as people-pleasing and comparisons. Throw away pressure to publish “content” into the bin, along with tendencies to edit and overedit your work. Writer’s block is a definite out, and the compulsion to shrink and second-guess intuitive decisions can, too, be shoved into a bag and taken outside.

You deserve all that supports you in creating and growing and thriving. Any other rubbish belongs in its rightful place: in the trash.

Happy New Year, my friends.

Give yourself permission

Artists and creators have a real knack for distraction. Seems there’s always another task competing for our attention, or the minute we sit down to work the phone rings.

What if we looked to set ourselves up for success with containers that support our creative process? Do you need to schedule time to create? Set an alarm? Go for a walk?

Anticipate the demands on your attention and energy. What do you need to feel freer to create?

The secret to getting better at anything

Become an observer.

Notice what draws you in, where your attention holds, and what keeps you engaged.

Want to become a better marketer? Take note of the ads that call to you. What makes them meaningful?

Want to become a better writer? Think about the pieces you take time to read. Why are they magnetic?

Want to become a better listener? Consider how others respond in conversations. Notice how you feel when someone listens to you. What are they doing? What are they not doing?

Want to become a better speaker? Analyze the lectures that made an impact on you. What do you remember and why?

Want to build a better brand? Pay attention to brands that have committed followings. How do they communicate to their audiences?

Of course, practice helps. But without awareness, actions can easily and quickly become unfocused. You need awareness — of both self and of the world around you — to become better.

Start noticing. Make a plan. Then align your actions accordingly.

Avoiding burnout

This is an important question. These six considerations can help:

  1. You can’t be everything to everyone, and that is okay.

2. Sometimes you will be recognized for your work. Sometimes no one will notice. Surround yourself with like-minded people — people who have your back and respect what you do.

3. Take time away. Say no. Know what you need to do your work and remain focused on creating art.

4. “Straight As” are overrated. Show up, earn that “C,” and be on your way. This is perfectly acceptable.

5. Cultivate a toolkit of music, art, dance, sports, writing, meditation, yoga, cooking, and friends. Regularly return to what brings you joy.

6. Remember: Take care of yourself. The world needs you.