Career & Business Coaching Blog.
Inspiration and tips for multi-passionate creatives & entrepreneurs.
5 Tips on What to Focus on When You Don’t Know What to Focus on
Do you often feel like you have too many ideas? Are you finding it hard to find your focus? If this sounds like you, don't worry, you're not alone. Many creatives and entrepreneurs struggle with this issue. I know I do, and so do my clients.
Knowing which project(s) to focus on can be challenging when everything seems like a good idea. And it can be particularly daunting to choose when choosing feels like losing. In this article, I'll discuss five tips to help you focus on the right projects without making you feel like you're missing out. Because, hey, let's be honest, wouldn't that be awesome?
#1 What's most important to you?
Having a creative mind is a blessing but can also be a curse. Too often, we have so many options that we don't know what to do first. From starting that vegan protein bar company to promoting STEM careers to teens to developing an app that helps busy moms manage their time, it's hard to know where to focus your energy. This can make us feel scattered, unfocused, and not doing anything at all.
When you're struggling to focus, probably the most critical question to ask yourself is what your goals are and what you want to achieve, aka what's important to you. A lot of people try to figure out what they really want. Unfortunately, that's probably also what they're struggling with the most. By clarifying what's most important to them - which doesn't need to be the same thing as what they think they want - it becomes much easier to choose what to do.
Some questions that often help:
What are you most excited about in life? What are you passionate about?
What do you want to achieve, personally and professionally?
Who do you want to help, and what difference do you want to make?
What problems do you want to solve? What is important to you?
What does success look like for you?
These questions will help clarify your goals and give you a better idea of which projects are most important to you. Once you have a good understanding of what your goals are, it will be much easier to focus on the projects that will help you achieve them.
#2 What's your time frame?
In addition to considering what’s most important to you, it's also essential to think about your time frame. How much time do you have to devote to each project? Are you working on a tight deadline? Do you have specific milestones you want to achieve in your life?
Your time frame will likely be different for each project. For example, if you're working on a new product you want to launch in the next six months, you'll need to focus on that project and not get sidetracked by other ideas. On the other hand, if you're working on a long-term goal, like writing a book, you might have more flexibility in how you spend your time.
Knowing your project's time frame will help you prioritize and focus on the most critical tasks. It can also be helpful to break down your projects into smaller goals achievable within a set timeframe. This will help you to stay focused and motivated as you work towards your larger goals.
#3 You don't have to choose, but you can't do everything at once either
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to focus is thinking they must do everything at once out of fear of missing out or having to choose. This is particularly true for multi-passionate creatives or creative generalists for whom choosing is like kryptonite (hello, there, I see you!).
The truth is: you can't do everything at once, and you shouldn't try to. Trying to do too many things simultaneously leads to feeling scattered, frustrated, and overwhelmed. That doesn't mean you have to choose and let go of what you want to do forever, but it's important to limit your focus to a few things and let the other ideas waiting for their turn.
It can be helpful to think about your projects in terms of seasons. What can you focus on right now, and what can you put on the back burner for later? For example, if you're working on a new product, you might want to wait to launch your blog until after the product is released. Just remember that choice is not equal to losing; you're not killing an idea, you're just putting it on hold for a while.
#4 Identify your core values
In addition to setting goals, another great way to find focus your attention is by identifying your core values. The question from tip one is related to this, but identifying your values goes even deeper. What is important to you? What do you believe in? When do you feel most fulfilled?
Your values will guide you as you decide which projects to work on and how to spend your time. For example, if one of your values is making a difference in the world, you might want to focus on projects with a social or environmental impact. Or, if you value creativity and innovation, you might want to focus on creative or challenging projects.
Identifying your core values will help you to stay focused on the things that are most important to you. Thinking about your values can be a great way to get back on track when you're feeling lost or uncertain.
#5 Make a list of all the ideas that you have
I purposefully added this tip as the last one and not the first because when you've gone through the first four tips, you should have a much better understanding of what is and isn't important to you. You'll especially know what you're truly passionate about (#1) and what your core values are (#4). So now, when you make your list of ideas, it will be easier to narrow down which ones are most important to you.
To do this, ask yourself which ideas are the most aligned with your values AND your passions; in other words, which ideas will help you achieve your goals. For example, if your core values are creativity and adventure, and you're passionate about writing, you might want to focus on ideas that involve travel or creative writing; or if you're passionate about fashion and your core values are simplicity and sustainability, you might want to focus on ideas related to sustainable fashion.
Bonus tip: choose your three most important ideas
After eight years of supporting creatives and entrepreneurs to get unstuck, I've come to believe that there's a sweet spot for the number of things we can focus on simultaneously. For most (except some powerhouse creative generalists), anything between 3 and 5 projects is doable at any given time. So my bonus tip for you is to choose the three most important ideas from your list and focus on those.
There you have it – five tips to help you focus if you don't know what to focus on! I hope these tips will be helpful for you as you work on bringing your projects and goals to life.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The best way to find what works for you is to experiment and be patient. Focus on one (or a few) things for a while and see what happens and how it makes you feel.
One last thing I want to add is to give yourself permission to change your focus - and your mind. Our goals and values can change over time, just like we do as people, so it's ok to be flexible in how we focus our attention. If your focus no longer aligns with your goals or values, don't be afraid to adjust accordingly.
It's your life, you decide.
Feeling overwhelmed with all of the options out there and don't know where to start?
You're not alone. Many people feel this way because it's hard to know the best option for you. That's where private coaching comes in - I can help you figure out what you should be focusing on to make progress and achieve your goals.
I'll work with you one-on-one to help you create a plan that works for you and your unique situation. You'll be able to achieve anything you put your mind to! I'll support you set goals, stay motivated, and overcome any obstacles that get in your way.
10 Alternatives to Feeling Guilt and Shame on Zero-Progress Days
It's a zero-progress day. There's a ton on your plate, your to-do list is screaming at you, but you have no inspiration and even less motivation to do anything. You're procrastinating, you didn't get anything done, and now you feel guilty and ashamed for it.
We all have unproductive days from time to time, but feeling guilt or shame about them only makes the problem worse. In this article, we'll discuss why doing nothing can be productive and ten alternatives to feeling bad about your lack of progress so that you can make the most out of your downtime!
When we get nothing done, we can feel guilty and shameful for doing nothing.
We all know that unproductive days are inevitable - you can't be at your best all the time, but the worst thing you can do on those days is beat yourself up. Especially as creatives and entrepreneurs, who always have so much going on in our businesses or lives, we can feel the pressure when it looks like we’re “losing” time.
As long as it's not a daily habit that keeps you stuck, doing nothing regularly is an essential part of being productive in a balanced way. You can't be 'on' all the time, and if you try to be, you're only setting yourself up for burnout.
So what should you do on those zero-progress days? Here are ten alternatives to feeling bad about your lack of progress:
Give yourself a break: One of the best things you can do on an unproductive day is give yourself a break. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, or take a nap - anything to get your mind off work.
Make a list of what you did: Rather than feeling guilty and ashamed about not getting anything done, make a list of everything you did manage to do. The list can include taking a walk, reading an article, or even checking your email.
Set some simple goals for tomorrow: If you're struggling to get started on anything, it might help set some simple goals for tomorrow. Plans don't need to be lofty or complicated; they can be as simple as "take a shower" or "make breakfast."
Do some easy tasks: Unproductive days can be frustrating because we feel like we're not accomplishing anything. To combat this, try to do some easy tasks to check off your list quickly. Doing this will help you feel more productive and motivated.
Unplug from technology: Although it may seem counterintuitive, one of the best things you can do on an unproductive day is disconnect from all forms of technology. This includes your phone, computer, television, and any other devices you use daily.
Get organised: One of the best ways to combat unproductive days is to get organised. Spend an hour or two organising your workspace, your to-do list, or your schedule. Doing this will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, and it's something many of us do when we procrastinate anyway :)
Learn something new: Take some time to learn something new. Read an article, listen to a podcast, or watch a tutorial. Learning something new can help jump-start your brain and give you some new ideas.
Connect with someone: When we're feeling unproductive, we can feel isolated and alone. Take some time to reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague. Check in on them, have a conversation, or exchange some funny memes.
Exercise: Exercise is a great way to jump-start your day and get your energy up. If you're not in the mood to work out, try going for a walk or doing some yoga.
Take a break from work: Finally, if all else fails, take a break from work. Sometimes it's just not possible to get anything done, and that's okay. Tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities.
Unproductive days are inevitable, but that doesn't mean you have to spend the whole day feeling guilty. There are plenty of things you can do to make the most out of your downtime. So next time you find yourself with an unproductive day, try one of these ten alternatives and see how you feel.
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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
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?
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!
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.
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?
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?
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.