a braindump of creative goalsThe past few weeks have been a flurry of creative ideas, opportunities, to-dos and micro-actions, followed by a few micro-crashes. I'm not sure how to deal with it all, but until I figure out a system (or accept that I won't) I've been working through it as follows:
- I write everything down: ideas, to-dos, what-ifs, questions, references, blog addresses, book titles, etc. Better have it clutter my desk than having it clutter my mind.
- I write micro-actions on my whiteboard and erase them when they're done. Satisfaction ensues. (I seem to enjoy the soothing white space left on the board when I erase them vs. the increased clutter of lines when I cross them off.)
- I set loose weekly and monthly goals. They may not always be realistic, in fact, they may be overly optimistic, but they give me a sense of focus and help me practice discernment and patience. Not all things need to be done immediately, some things can indeed wait.
- I run with momentum when it's there. If I'm on a roll and the energy's high I go with it knowing that it most likely won't last. I accept the flow.
- But I try to get to bed at a decent hour and allow myself time to unwind with a novel or some deep breathing to stop the creative monkey mind from taking over. I get excited about my creative projects and when the adrenalin's pumping could easily work on them late into the night - and sometimes I do - but it will catch up with me. I need to be aware of that.
- I listen to my body and mind. If I'm feeling tired or struggling to focus or concentrate I stop and rest, knowing that the energy will come back. I remember my Basics and recharge. I accept the ebb.
How do you deal with an influx of creative ideas, possibility and to-dos?
HI Steph,
ReplyDeletethanks for popping over to my blog today. And your post is a great reminder for me. I, too, have that monkey mind that won't stop (I've been awake since 3:30 am this morning) and this ecourse is only making it worse. I am going to try some of your tips to help get all this out of my head! And YES, I just try to roll with it when the creative ideas keep coming and write it all down so that you don't lose any of it. I really enjoy going back over my notes from those times and picking out the better ideas I want to flesh out a bit more..
Have a great day,
kellyT
You are a very wise woman:)) I need to take your advice on getting a full night's sleep.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get an influx of ideas I jump in if I can on whatever seems to be calling out to me the most. I jot down the other ideas on a list for later. I am a believer in percolating -- I think the heart and mind are constantly engaged in a creative process of some sort, even when we are not trying. An idea we have one day may completely morph into something better or different by the next.
Isn't it a wild ride?:)
I write down this down everywhere in my place as a lesson to myself, "Amy, do one thing at a time."
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comment on Flying Lesson's ecourse with Kelly Rae Roberts.