Understanding Your Creative Brain: Finding Focus to Finally Finish What You Started

As a lifelong creative generalist, I've always had a million ideas claiming space in my head, all pulling at me and whispering to me to get me to do something about them. Rushes of inspiration fuel my imagination on the daily, igniting a spark within me to embark on countless projects. I know I'm not alone in this.

Many creatives and entrepreneurs (especially creative generalists) deal with this. It's particularly tricky when we're in our most innovative and passionate mode, the flow and excitement we achieve when we're at the beginning of a new project. This is often when we feel we have massive creative energy - enough to spare some for other projects while building this bright and beautiful new thing. And it is all great for a while. Until we find ourselves overwhelmed by a growing pile of half-finished exciting ideas we couldn't wait to get started on. For the longest time, this was true for me. I would get excited about something, start developing the idea, then slowly lose interest and eventually stop before I'd created anything worthwhile. 

The truth is: the challenge with our creative brains is not how to generate ideas (we have those all the time!) but how to maintain the focus required to see them through. 

If you can relate to this struggle, read on! In this article, I will share tips and strategies to help you navigate the labyrinth that is your creative brain and empower you to conquer the misery of unfinished projects once and for all.

Embracing your creative (and multi-passionate) brain.

When clients come to me for help with seeing their projects through, they often have a lot of negative things to say about their creative brains. I don't blame them; I used to feel the same way. I would get frustrated and ask myself why I wasn't able to stick to anything or why it was so easy for me to start projects and so hard for me to finish them. 

Today, I feel differently about how my brain is wired. I'm proud of my creative generalist nature and the many ideas and interests that I enjoy. So the first step in getting good at getting things done is acknowledging the value of creative thinking: creative ideas are the building blocks of innovation and personal growth. It's essential to recognize the incredible power that creative ideas hold.

Another critical element in befriending your unique creative brain is understanding the importance of embracing your imagination. Instead of wishing you could stick to one idea, cultivate a mindset that encourages and celebrates imaginative thinking. Allow yourself to explore new ideas without judgment or limitations. 

Finally, embracing your creative brain means embracing the process of iteration and experimentation. Creativity is never a linear path; it's a cycle of trial and error, refinement, and revision. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them. Not every project you start will need to be finished (see below for more on this crucial point!). Understand that not every idea will be a masterpiece, but each contributes to your growth as a creative human.

Sometimes quitting simply means you're done.

Before we dive into the truth that, yes, (multi-passionate) creatives and entrepreneurs start more projects than they finish and can indeed lack focus sometimes, an important side note must be made. For creative generalists, quitting something simply means we're done. Because of our hunger for knowledge, we can dive deep into a subject until we've explored it, satisfied our curiosity, and gained a comprehensive understanding. When that happens, we usually quit. 

The problem is our finish line is often different from the finish line of society. When we get what we came for is precisely when other people tell us we should stick to it or even "turn it into a business." But that's not what generalists do because our true passion lies in exploring and pursuing new knowledge and ideas. We thrive on the thrill of discovery and the joy of learning, and once we have mastered a subject or dived into a project enough, according to our understanding, our attention naturally shifts to the next exciting idea that captures our imagination. So for us, quitting is not always a sign of failure or lack of commitment; it indicates that we have accomplished what we set out to do. 

However, this is not always the case. We have been known (ahem) to start new projects we wanted to see through and leave those halfway accomplished too. What is going on when that happens?

Understanding your lack of focus.

There are many reasons why our initial focus can dissolve and turn into procrastination, overthinking, or even starting another project (I know). Still, one of the most important reasons for creatives and entrepreneurs is the curse of shiny object syndrome.  

We must be willing to recognize the attractiveness of new ideas and our tendency to chase after the next exciting project without completing the current ones. Yes, we love new things, and they always seem so shiny and bright, especially when the thing we're working on is a bit harder than expected, a bit boring at times, or not going as planned. When that happens - which is NORMAL in any project - the allure of novelty and engaging with another idea is hard to withstand. 

One of the most striking ways I see clients go through this is when their sales or marketing plans aren't working as they should. Instead of pushing through and keeping a focused approach to their marketing and sales activities, many clients will cancel the plan and try something else. The problem is: if you do this each time selling your product or service gets hard, you'll probably never sell anything because you're not giving the seeds you're planting enough time to take root and grow. 

Another way lack of focus shows up is the fear of failure, often disguised as perfectionism. Perfectionism leads to self-doubt, over-analysis, and getting stuck. When you're struggling with completing projects, it's important to remember that the struggle is part of the process. Nobody delivers something new without at least a dash of doubt and uncertainty. Nobody delivers a new project perfectly. Embracing the struggle and accepting the imperfections as part of the creative process will allow you to reach the finish line more often. 

How to finish what you start? Here are three tips that might help you:

1. Set micro-goals: I'm sure you've heard this before, but it works! Break down your project or goal into smaller, achievable tasks or milestones. On your to-do list, make sure only to list the smaller tasks (that you can do in one sitting) and not goals (this happens a lot, believe me, "finish my website" is a goal, not a task). Instead of focusing on the result, set specific and manageable task goals (my number is three daily tasks) for each day or week. This approach lets me make consistent progress while I maintain motivation along the way. By celebrating reaching my daily number every day, these small successes boost my confidence and help me keep going.

2. Practice strategic rest: While it's important to stay committed and focused, giving yourself the rest you need is equally vital! Don't push yourself to the edges of exhaustion; plan for strategic rest periods into your work days. Listen to your body and mind, and don't postpone taking breaks to recharge when needed. Engage in play and fun activities that relax and inspire you, such as walking in nature, practicing mindfulness, or your favorite hobby. I consider these breaks part of my work because they improve my productivity and prevent burnout, ultimately helping me to stay on track and focused.

3. Play a game with yourself: Turn your project into a fun and engaging game. I invite my clients to see their work as play and reward themselves for tasks they complete or milestones they achieve. Making work fun is excellent for maintaining motivation and increasing productivity. Create challenges, set milestones, and reward yourself for completing certain tasks or reaching specific checkpoints. For example, set a timer and challenge yourself to complete a task within a specific timeframe. Give yourself some points or a small reward once you've finished it. 

Gamifying your work and projects adds an element of excitement. It can make the process more enjoyable - and thus more sustainable, especially when things don't go as planned (which they never do). It helps shift your mindset from watching Netflix to a playful and engaging way of tackling a task, increasing your chances of finishing what you start.

I hope these tips are helpful. I'd love to know how they work for you, so let me know! As you embark on a new creative project, remember that the path to success is not linear or even paved with only groundbreaking ideas. Success requires focus, discipline, and tenacity. 

By embracing your creative mind and understanding how you're wired, you can become better at finishing what you start. So many of my clients and I are living proof of it. You, too, have the power to master your creative brain and finish what you start!

Tired of never finishing what you started?

Are you tired of starting projects, only to abandon them halfway through? Do you find yourself stuck in a cycle of unfinished goals, leaving you frustrated and unfulfilled? If so, it's time to get unstuck and achieve your true potential.

I understand the challenges you face (I’ve been there myself), and I’m here to help. Don't let unfinished projects keep weighing you down. Sign up for your free coaching session now. Together, let's turn your dreams into successes!

Schedule your free session!

The Complicated Life of a Creative: Why It's Okay to Want More Out of Life

Are you feeling stuck in your life or work, even though it looks great on the outside? Do you feel like everything is fine and you should feel blessed, but you're still unhappy?

You're not alone. Last week, a client shared how he felt unfulfilled at work even though he has a "dream job" and asked, "why can't I just be happy with what I have?" The truth is: it's not because, on the outside, it looks like you're successful that you feel that way on the inside.

Creatives, in particular, need to understand how their brains are wired and what they need to do to be happy. You tend not to like boredom or continuous repetition of similar tasks. You crave variety and something creative that makes you want to get up in the morning. You will inevitably become bored and unfulfilled if you don't have this in your day-to-day activities.

It's okay to want more out of life - we all deserve our dreams

It's important to acknowledge that needing more is okay - we should feel no shame for wanting more out of life! But it's also essential to know when not to quit and push through even if things start feeling too routine or monotonous. Otherwise, you might miss out on opportunities that could bring you joy and fulfillment.

It's important to remember that feeling stuck is normal and doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It's a sign that it's time to reassess your goals and develop strategies to approach them differently or be creative in finding new solutions. The key is to find a balance between pushing through when needed and knowing when it's time for a change.

Creativity is an essential part of our lives, and boredom can be a real issue for creative types. If you need more variety in your life or work to keep you interested, it's easy to become unfulfilled. It's essential to recognize what you need so that you can make positive changes in your life. Here are a few things that can help:

#1 Understand your creative brain.

If you're feeling stuck in life or work, take time for self-reflection and use this as an opportunity to learn more about how your creative brain works. Psycho-education is one of the most freeing things you can do for yourself as a creative. It will help you to understand your needs better and make better decisions.

Understanding that a lot of the things you think are flaws and negative about yourself (seemingly not being able to stick to things, always wanting something new, scattered focus, and so on) is part of your creative wiring will enable you to harness the power of your creative abilities and make better decisions.

#2 Give yourself permission to try different things.

It's okay not to know what you want or what direction you're going in. Try something new and explore your options. This doesn't mean you have to quit your job right away or that it's an all-or-nothing thing (a trap many creatives, entrepreneurs, and generalists fall into) - it might just mean trying something new on the side or experimenting with other creative outlets.

When you give yourself permission to try different things, you open up the possibilities and learn more about what makes you happy and fulfilled. You'll be able to take back control over your life and find a way to make things work for you - even if it's not exactly how you initially expected them to.

#3 Take a break from the routine.

When you feel the itch telling you something is boring or has become too easy or repetitive, sometimes, getting away for a short time is all that's needed to reset and recharge. Whether it's taking a weekend off or just taking a walk around the block, take some time for yourself so that you can come back feeling refreshed and inspired again!

The complicated life of a creative can be frustrating at times, but knowing that it's okay to feel stuck and not knowing precisely what you want to do doesn't have to be anxiety-inducing. By allowing yourself to explore different paths, and taking regular breaks away from the routine, you can make positive changes in your life and find fulfillment.

#4 Feed your creative spark.

There's nothing worse for a creative than a life without a creative spark, where there seems to be no freedom to explore, learn new things, or express yourself. Feeding your creative spark is vital for feeling fulfilled and inspired, so be sure to find ways to stoke the fire in your life.

One of the best ways to break out of a rut and find your creative spark again is to do something completely different. Not only will this spark creativity and help get your juices flowing again (literally!), but it can also open up possibilities that you never thought were available. This might mean making time for a passion project, learning something new, or taking on an exciting challenge. It could also mean taking regular breaks away from work and doing things that will refresh your mind and refuel your creativity.

#5 Surround yourself with supportive people.

Finally, remember that plenty of creatives and entrepreneurs feel your pain and go through it themselves. It's helpful to surround yourself with like-minded people who are interested in the same struggles and successes that you are. Whether it's a friend, a mentor, or a coach - having someone to turn to for encouragement can be invaluable when feeling stuck.

By understanding your creative tendencies, giving yourself permission to explore different paths, and taking regular breaks away from the routine - as well as feeding your creative spark and surrounding yourself with supportive people - you too can find a sense of fulfillment and joy in your life. So don't let yourself be stuck - go out and make something great!

No matter how successful your life appears on the outside, it's okay to feel stuck. It doesn't make you a failure or someone who doesn't know what you want. We all need variety in our lives to stay inspired and motivated. Remembering this can help us take steps toward our goals while still accepting where we are in the present moment. With patience and perseverance, you can make the changes in your life that will bring about more satisfaction and joy.

Being honest with yourself about what you need is the first step toward making positive changes. So if you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled, don't be afraid to admit it and seek some support or guidance. Good luck!

Feeling bored and unfulfilled? You're not alone.

There must be more to life than this. Why can't I be happy with what I have?

Private coaching can help you figure out what you want in life and how to get there. With the help of a coach, you can finally start living the life you've always wanted. Coaching is an investment in yourself - one that will pay off for years to come.

Schedule your free session!

Boredom Versus Resistance: How to Know When to Quit?

Creative generalists (multi-passionate creatives) are a rare breed. We have more than one passion, and we don't want to choose just one path in life. But when boredom starts creeping in, it can be challenging to keep up the momentum of being creative or pursuing one or more of our interests. Resistance is often mistaken for boredom, but there's a difference between the two that you should know about if you're multi-passionate like many of my clients and me! In this article, I'll explore boredom versus resistance so you know when to quit on something and when it's time to push through and stay motivated.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Like all your efforts pointless? You're not alone! This feeling is known as boredom. It's when we no longer find a project or passion interesting enough to continue with. Often, we've reached what we came for in that project, job, or interest (usually some form of skill or new knowledge). We got what we wanted from it, so why would we want to keep going?

A new definition of done

We immerse ourselves into playing the guitar diligently every day for two years and then one day put the instrument to the side to not pick it up again for years. Or we decide we want to know everything there is to know about YouTube marketing, create the channel, buy all the courses, post a ton of videos, and suddenly decide to move on to something else.

Why do we do this? For most, finishing means an external endpoint, not for creative generalists. It's more an internal feeling of being done (bored) with something than anything else, often when, to the outside world, we don't seem done at all.

On the other hand, resistance shows up when something is important to us, when we're hitting on what matters most or makes us come alive. It's an inner feeling of not wanting to do something, even though we know deep down we want to or we should, often disguised as stress, anxiety, or fear.

Is it boredom or resistance?

For creative generalists, boredom is the internal feeling of not wanting to do something anymore because it feels like a chore when we've reached what we want from that project, job, or interest and feel no need to push through anymore.

On the other hand, resistance is a biological and evolutionary response to things that are important to us. It's a protection mechanism that is rooted in our fight-or-flight response. What resistance wants is for everything to stay the way it is. So although boredom and resistance can feel pretty much the same, they're each other's opposites! Boredom is a gentle nudge that you need change; resistance is a - often much harder - blow that you want things to stay the same, precisely when you should be moving forward!

Resistance is when we should push through boredom or whatever else we're feeling - fear, lack of self-confidence, doubt, self-loathing, procrastination - and continue with what we're doing for some other, more profound reason. It's that feeling of "I don't want to do this, but I just know it's the right thing for me" because it matters more than anything else in your life right now.

How to know the difference between boredom and resistance?

Knowing the difference between boredom and resistance can help you understand when to quit something and when to push through. Boredom means it's time for a change, while resistance is the only way we can get back in touch with what matters most right now.

If you're not sure whether you're experiencing boredom or resistance, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is my goal with this project, job, or interest?

• Have I reached that goal?

• Do I still find this project, position, or interest interesting?

• Why do I want to quit?

• What would happen if I did leave?

• Would I regret quitting later?

Answering these questions can help you determine whether you're experiencing boredom or resistance. If you're bored, it might be time to move on to something new. But if you're feeling resistance, it's probably because there's something vital that you need to do! Instead of quitting, take stock of what's going on emotionally. How are you feeling? What is that telling you about what you're trying to resist?

When to quit?

There's no shame in admitting that you're bored of something or ready for something new. It doesn't mean that you're a quitter or not good at it. It means that you've reached a point where you no longer want to continue with that project, job, or interest. And that's perfectly okay!

In summary, here's how to know when to quit:

• The critical difference between boredom and resistance is that boredom feels like the project or job has become too easy. You've learned everything you wanted or needed to know from it, so the boredom feeling is our body telling us to move on and try something new.

• Resistance happens when we're doing something important to us, or that needs our attention for other reasons. It feels like, "I don't want to do this, but I have to because it matters more than anything else."

• If you're not sure whether you're experiencing boredom or resistance, refer to the questions above to find more clarity.

The most important thing to remember about being ready to move on to something else like a (multi-passionate) creative or entrepreneur is that your cut-off point, when you're "ready" with something, will often be different from that of other, more specialist people. So it's useless to mirror your actions to what they would do. They don't have your multi-passionate brain, and they're not you. How could you then know what you need or what is suitable for you?

So if you're feeling bored, it might be time to move on. But if you're feeling resistance, it's probably because there's something important that you need to do! Push through and see what happens!

Feeling stuck in your career or business?

You're not alone. Many people find themselves at a crossroads, not sure what to do next. That's where I come in - I'm a career and business coach with almost ten years of experience helping people figure out their next steps.

Quit your job? Start your own business? There are many options, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's where I come in – I can help you figure out what to do next and put together a plan to help you achieve your goals.

Schedule your free session!

Are You Too Creative For the Corporate World or Too Corporate For The Creative World?

This is a question that many creative generalists (multi-passionate creatives) ask themselves, and it can be challenging to determine which side you are on. This article will look briefly at the struggles of left-brain people in the corporate world and right-brain people in the creative world. We then move on to the question: What happens if you fall somewhere in the middle? In what category do you fit? Let's find out!

Neither here nor there

Left-brained people in the corporate world often feel stifled by the rigid rules and lack of creativity at these workplaces. They may feel like they're not able to express their true selves or be creative in the ways that they want to be. 

On the other hand, right-brained people in the creative world often struggle with the constant need to be creative and come up with new ideas. They may feel like they cannot relax or take a break from their work because they have this persistent need to think about new projects or ideas constantly.

So, what happens if you fall somewhere in the middle? In what category do you fit? 

If you identify as a creative generalist (or multi-passionate creative), you may find that you have a unique perspective that can be beneficial in both the corporate and creative world. You're likely to have the ability to see things from different angles and come up with innovative solutions to problems. You may also find that you're able to balance out the left-brain and right-brain aspects of your personality, helping you manage your work and personal life.

When our idea of creativity keeps us trapped

It often seems easier to make it as a creative generalist in a creative job rather than trying to pursue a corporate career. But what do you do if you think you're not quite creative enough for the creative world?

A world you'd love to belong to, but one that you're not cut out for because you don't feel like a "real" creative, as so many of us creative generalists do. 

What if you think you only look creative from the outside, but you feel like a fake deep down? 

What if you think you're not creative at all - but still, you seem to be the only one who brings different and daring ideas to the corporate table?

Many multi-passionate creatives like being creative, but most believe they're not really creative, or at least not enough. The problem is that when we think about creativity, most of us don't see past paintbrushes and modeling clay. Many creative generalists also believe that being creative not only equals being "artistic" but also that you must excel at your art. 

But this false belief of what a real creative must be like limits us, like all other false beliefs do: by speaking to us through our inner voice, by making its way into our conversations with others, and ultimately, by influencing our actions. 

It makes us believe there's only one way to be creative, one way to express our creativity, and we're often not even aware of it because we think of it as a fact. Not a belief. 

Ultimately, it keeps us trapped. 

We come up with excuses for not trying, not playing, not exploring, for not creating. We drag our feet, don't complete projects, or fail to try something new. It weakens our beliefs about who we are and what we're capable of. It holds us back from pursuing hobbies, passions, and crafts from getting outside our box. 

When we don't even start trying, we lose the opportunity to exercise creativity, stuck in a self-perpetuating process.

The good news: You can bust this false belief. 

Think about who makes up the "creative enough" rules. Who gets to be that decision-maker, whether you're creative enough or not? Who is qualified to award you that title? Assign you that label?

That's right, the answer is you - and only you.

That means you have the power to skirt that rule of "enough," and you get to break that rule entirely. Drop "enough." You can start thinking of ways and alternatives. (That is being creative!) Be the exception to the rule. Or find the exception to the rule. Because there are plenty of others out there, who are being creative their way. And that IS enough. 

A label can help us make sense of our world. But it can also limit us if we let it. 

Neither here nor there: Not a bad place to be 

Once you get out of your own way to claim the "I'm creative" title, you might still wonder whether the corporate or creative world is best suited for you. Here are a few questions that might help you to decide what career path to follow (or create your own, why don't you?):

• When you're in creative flow, do you feel more alive, or do you prefer to have structure and systems filling up your days?

• Do you feel like you need to constantly create something new, or are you happy working on both creative and non-creative projects?

• Do you feel energized by interacting with people, or do you prefer to spend more time alone?

• Do you feel like you need to be in a specific place or environment to create (e.g., do you only write when you're at home, or can you write anywhere)?

• Do you prefer to work on one project at a time or juggle multiple projects simultaneously?

Accepting that you are creative enough and answering the questions above honestly will help clarify whether the corporate or the creative world is a better fit for you! And if you find that you don't neatly fit into either category, like so many other multi-passionate creatives, that's fine, too! You always have the option to create your own path and build a career that's tailored specifically to your strengths and interests!

If you're unsure of which path to take, the best advice would be to experiment, to try different things.

What feels right for you? What do you naturally feel drawn to?  

You don't need to force yourself into a specific box or category - go with the flow and be open about where it takes you. You may find that you enjoy elements of both the corporate and creative world, and that's perfectly okay! 

Just follow your heart and intuition; they usually know the way.

This article was a collaboration between myself and Winnie Tang. Click here to learn more about Winnie and to discover her work.

Feeling lost in your career?

You're not alone. A lot of people feel like they don't fit into the corporate or creative world. That's where private coaching comes in - to help you find your place and thrive.

You'll get clarity on what you want in a career, learn how to mary your many interests and talents effectively, and find out what skills you need to succeed. Most importantly, you'll have someone who believes in you every step of the way. Coaching can help take your career from stuck to soaring.

Schedule your free session!

10 Advantages of Being a Creative Generalist in a Specialist World

In general, people are encouraged to specialize. In a world where everything is specialized and compartmentalized, generalists often feel like the odd ones out. As a multi-passionate creative myself, I've lived through the agony and pressure of a world that wanted me to 'find one thing and stick to it.' It took me a long time to figure out I could never live up to the specialist expectation because that's not who I am.

Like other creative generalists, I need variety, a sense of purpose, a mix of interests and passions to keep me going. I have to be able to learn something new (almost) all the time, and my attention does move from one thing to another faster than I can take a breath sometimes. For the most significant part of my life, I thought this was a problem. Until I realized it was my strength.

In this article, we'll discuss the advantages of being a generalist or multi-passionate creative in an increasingly specialist world and how what might look like weaknesses on the surface are your superpowers.

It's a great time to be a creative generalist

“If you're creative generalist, it's a great time to be alive.” - David Epstein.

In his book Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein documents how generalists are more necessary than before today, in an era that demands more and more specialization. Creatives who have mastered multiple skills can now leverage these abilities in ways like never before, generating new opportunities for themselves and their clients. It's a brave new world for creative generalists - but we've never had it so good!

To add some weight to this point, here are 10 advantages of being a creative generalist in a specialized world today:

• #1 Innovation
  Creative generalists can be more innovative and creative than their specialized peers because they have a more comprehensive range of interests and skills to bring together. They are great at connecting seemingly wholly different pieces of information and pull from a wide variety of life and career experiences.
  

• #2 Curiosity and adventure
  Creative generalists are often more curious and adventurous than other types of people because they're used to exploring uncharted territory, with thicker skin for failure and a capacity to be a beginner over and over again. This gives them (us) a competitive advantage in many technological and business fields today that require finding new ways to approach problems or the market.
  

• #3 Employability
  Multi-passionate creatives (aka creative generalists) can work in multiple fields thanks to their incredible hunger for knowledge and wide range of interests, translating into broader employment opportunities. The term "creative generalist" has even become a category on job sites now. Companies are looking for you at this very moment!
  

• #4 Leadership
  Creative generalists make better leaders because they can see things from multiple angles. Because of their natural curiosity, they have an easier time stepping into someone else's shoes and understanding all stakeholders' needs involved in a project or team.
  

• #5 Building bridges
  Creative generalists can work across disciplines and have a general understanding of the workings of different industries because they're interested in so many things. As a result, they're great bridge builders who bring together people and ideas who would probably never meet if it wasn't for them.
  

• #6 Problem solving
  Multi-passionate creatives can draw from past experiences when solving problems or facing challenges in new circumstances. Because they have such an active, dot-connecting mind, they love challenges, which makes them my favorite type of natural problem solvers. They're more challenge seekers than problem solvers. To them, everything is possible, they need to figure out how to do it, and that's what drives them.
  

• #7 Diplomacy
  Creative generalists may be more adept at navigating ambiguous situations than specialists because they're used to seeing things through many lenses. With a natural inclination to try and understand people, conditions, and contexts, creative generalists tend to find some truth in pretty much everything. It might not be the best position when you need to take a firm stance on something, but it sure makes you a hell of a diplomat at the dinner table or in the meeting room.
  

• #8 Adaptability to change
  Creative generalists are more easily adaptable to change than specialists and have a bigger capacity for resilience. Because they're used to juggling multiple jobs or interests simultaneously, switching between things doesn't require as much effort to them as to someone who's only focused on one thing. That's not to say that all creative generalists bend like leaves in the wind, but we do tend to adapt quickly to new environments, ideas, and people.
  

• #9 Fast learners
  Creative generalists might not go in-depth into one specific area, but that might just be the advantage they need to be better able to see the long game, which can help their career prospects in a world that changes rapidly. Research shows that creative generalists learn faster and remember things longer because they switch between interests and return to them more often, instead of focusing on one thing for too long.
  

• #10 A badge of honor
  Creative generalism is not a dirty word anymore - in fact, it's seen as more of an asset than ever before. Be proud to wear it!

There are many other advantages to being a creative generalist, and in an increasingly specialist world, they outweigh any drawbacks that may exist more and more. If you have multiple interests or passions but feel like your options are limited - don't despair.

Every day there are more ways (and reasons) creative generalists can thrive in a specialist world. Whether you're generalizing for your professional life or personal hobbies, there is a world of opportunities waiting for you out there - so get creative!

Do you feel like your interests are all over the place?

You're not alone. Many people have a hard time figuring out how to make their many interests work together. It can be frustrating and confusing. I help creative generalists figure out what they want to do with their lives and then get them on the path towards making it happen.

If you're ready for a change but don't know where to start, I can help you find clarity so that you can move forward confidently and successfully toward your goals. Let me guide you through my unique 5-step process so that you can create the career or business of your dreams!

Schedule your free session!

Ambitious and creative? Entrepreneurship might be a good fit for you.

Admit it, you’re a passionate, life long learner person. You’re thorough, and a bit of a perfectionist at times. Now, what does that have to do with entrepreneurship?

You’re open to new experiences and you’re never bored learning something new. You’re conscientious too. After all, you want to read and review a report or email at least three times before sending (guilty :)), help others on different teams when you already have four projects on the go, or clean every nook in the house and run 5 errands in one day before calling it quits. You’re ambitious and creative.

But these qualities can work for you or against you. If you feel like you’re hitting a dead end where you are in your life and career right now, here’s something to ponder…

From my coaching experience, more often than not, my clients have a hidden itch and talent for entrepreneurship – actually most of them eventually follow that path. They work with me and uncover what their deepest dreams and goals are. Let’s see if that’s what you want to do also…

1. Was that child curiously leader-driven?

Revisit your younger self, when you were your most passionate and imaginative. What were you doing in unrestrained happiness? Check out the photo albums and speak with family and friends. Was that child hustling and trying to sell things to unsuspecting family members? (Guilty) Was that child in charge, curious and a little, okay, quite bossy? (Yep, that too!) Did you have a stronger feeling of wanting to problem solve or fix everything when you were younger? 

2. Do you have an idea?

You probably have an endless supply of ideas and hundreds of notes in your phone. (Hello multi-passionate mind!) Things you quash or forget easily because, well, you’re busy! Go back and review those notes. Go back to certain years in your life when you had an aha! moment. Go back to those conferences, events or people you learned from that left you in awe. What ideas are you brewing now?

3. What does your dream life look like?

You might keep a journal, a mood board, or a vision board on Pinterest of all you want to do in your life. If you have none of those, now’s the time to do so. Grab some magazines, or just put on your favorite playlist and meditate. Centre yourself on what you’ve been thinking about. 

If money and resources were not an issue, what would you do?

4. Who inspires you?

When getting to know your entrepreneurial spirit, listening is more important than speaking. Listen to yourself and to others. If you’re networking, pause and get to know everyone, and find out from the people around you, what entrepreneurship is like and what their favorite part is. Hey, maybe you’ll end up with a mentor! What entrepreneurs are you instantly feeling connected with? Are their success stories inspiring you to start your own thing?

5. What’s holding you back?

When was the last time you faced uncertainty, but you were in control? That’s kind of like considering being your own boss. You learn the skills as you go, yes (hello, Google), but you also have to get inspired by your inner child, ideas, dreams and professional desires. What types of problems or issues get your juices flowing? Is it fashion, accessories, education, injustice, animals, housing affordability – what’s a problem you face that you would love to fix?

Many preliminary and seemingly impossible daydreams have lead to a lot of creative – and successful businesses today.

Answering these questions got you excited, and inspired to start your own project but you feel stuck where you are, and not quite ready to take a leap (even to start with a little side hustle)? Self-doubt and fear might be holding you back from expressing your true entrepreneurial nature. As will the “stuff” you carry (we all do) that you keep pushing in front of you.

Reflect and review the activities above and get back to me to tell me all about what came up for you in your free coaching session.

It’s never too late to step into the entrepreneurial life.

Admitting you’re bored or uninspired is the first step! Get off the couch after work (and on the weekends), change out of your PJs and start getting inspired. If you journal and seize the moments outlined above you will soon uncover if entrepreneurship is for you and how. I promise!

Smart work habits for creatives and entrepreneurs

There’s a difference between doing things mindlessly and doing things consciously. Have you ever gone grocery shopping and realized once you got home that you bought *some* (ahem, a lot) of unhealthy options? And that you forgot the apples?!

This is only a small example of how we operate on autopilot most of the time. Now what does that look like for a multi-passionate creative trying to get work done? 

Habits and Productivity

With a multi-passionate, creative mind like yours I know you struggle with focusing – I’ve been there. You let distractions get the better of you, you tend to be indecisive about the fourteenth great idea you have, and you just feel like you’re too busy all the time! (Spoiler, you’re not truly being productive, you just look like you are…). So, how can you finally get to work so you can achieve all the things you want? 

Awareness is the idea that you’re mindful of your internal and external surroundings. We practice being aware through specific mindsets or behaviours, for example in the form of a new daily habit or ritual. This adds a layer of meaning and purpose to what you’re doing. What’s a ritual, or formal process (or ceremony) you can start tomorrow that’s small? This could be as simple as a five minute routine in the morning, an act of self-care, something you do when preparing a meal, journaling… The idea is to find something small that can help you shift into action. 

Too many ideas? Journal them.
Don’t know how to start a business as a multi-passionate ambitious creative? Speak with a coach.
Feeling overwhelmed with your to-do list? Take a course on working smarter and not harder.

Trust me, I know because not only was I there (not knowing who I was and what my personal dreams were), but those are the exact clients I serve today (feel free to sign up for a free consult – no pressure!). 

What will help you do things differently from now on? 

Creating new, automatic actions that help you achieve your goals. I like to call them rituals, but you can call them something else. They can help shape or shift you, changing you on a deeper level. 

Daily rituals act like small but important ceremonies, where you’re consciously allowing things to take place rather than being overwhelmed, distracted or careless. That’s why they’re such an important part of the Smart Work™ that I teach. Adjusting your daily habits is something you can do with anything in your life – regardless of how big or small, whether it’s moving more slowly, eating nutritiously, or making decisions that will impact where your career takes you. But most importantly with purpose rather than just rushing it because everyone else is doing it. A ritual is personal and should fit you like a glove. 

Smart Work is also a free challenge I developed about these very issues my clients face over and over. It’s about more than just knowing what to do to achieve your goals, but embodying it so you don’t give up if it doesn’t go perfectly the first time. 

By inviting intentional rituals into your life you rewire your entire system. 

You’re addressing those habits that might get in your way, whether it’s distraction, fear, feeling like you’re not enough, or you might not deserve it. The stagnant and exhausted parts of your life need a breath of fresh air. 

Habits and rituals are important because they add your senses to your day-to-day life, so you’re not just centring life on what you produce. Life is not meant to be tedious work. If you’ve been busy this whole time and you still feel like the finish line keeps being pushed back it’s time for a different approach.

Knowing what the first step is – what helps align with who you want to be and how you want to feel – is important. 

You can’t create something new when there’s no space for it.

What is currently serving you? What isn’t serving you? Is stress and overwhelm a common denominator at every turn? Let’s focus on 6 specific habits around smart work.

Smart work habits for creatives and entrepreneurs

1. Banish Distractions: address distractions holding you back. Overwhelmed? What’s causing it? How do you stop them? Why are you doing what you’re doing and why *that* specific goal? What’s the relationship you have with yourself, and how can you get time to work for you and not against you?
   

2. Build Healthy Boundaries: what are safe and reasonable ways for how you expect yourself and others to behave? What do you require to understand your own needs, priorities – mentally and emotionally? How do you communicate? Do you know how to say “no”? Saying “no” and letting go of guilt, negative self-talk and boosting the positive chemicals in your brain are vital to be smart about your time!
   

3. Embrace Simplicity: let’s declutter (music to Marie Kondo’s ears!). Not just physical things, but digital, personal and emotional. If you want to be truly productive then you must be willing to move from chaos to calm and easy systems, (eliminate, automate and delegate), to let go and create space for things that truly matter. Are you still holding onto too much baggage? Then you’ll keep paying for the extra fee.
   

4. Find Balance: we hear this as “work-life balance,” but it’s more than that because you’re not just the work you produce, you’re so much more! Finding balance means getting focused, intentional and not running on autopilot. What does true success mean to you and not other people? Do you suffer from imposter syndrome? That constant feeling of inadequacy around what you can and can’t achieve? What if those thoughts were learned and inherited from other people? How can you truly find balance as a woman in today’s society?
   

5. Create Daily Rituals: working smarter and not harder requires attention and intention – you need to focus on your inner voice. What nourishes you, your habits, and your self-awareness and daily routines? What is the anatomy of an effective goal? Have your lessons in life been practical or short-lived? Do you still feel overwhelmed by chaos, or are you ready to turn new habits into inspiring and life-changing daily rituals?
   

6. Master Smart Work: There’s only so much growth you can do on your own, even for an overachieving perfectionist (hello there!). The truth is you must create a deep sense of awareness within yourself. How do you remain present? Accept the highs and lows? Transform the old into the new? How do you keep self-sabotage in check? You’re on a journey to uncover your unique recipe to success and that requires transforming your internal programming in the final step towards smart work.

How do you want to grow as a creative or entrepreneur? Ditch the old, and embrace the new (and not in a cheesy, new year’s resolutions again, kind of way). 

By addressing these key ingredients to Smart Work™ you might be closer to your dreams than you’ve ever been before. 

So what’s next for you? As we close off the past, I encourage you to slow down and realize that you’ve accomplished so much and only the best is yet to come.