Become A Lean, Mean, Creative Machine

{rain drops by lulu beaucoup}

Our first article in our new SIMPLIFY series is by contributor Allisa Jacobs. Today, Allisa  shares a few of her tips and thoughts to get us started on our journey to detox our businesses and become lean, mean, creative machines!

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After dozens of soy lattes, countless vegan ginger sparkle cookies, handfuls of pita chips loaded with roasted pepper dip, and grand finales of mint hot chocolate, I’m ready for a serious detox. But it’s not just my diet that needs a good purification…my business does too. In fact, I’d bet other creative businesses could stand a healthy purge. Let’s take a look at a few ways to start off the new year with a clear and sharp focus.

Eliminate clutter

Both literal and figurative, clutter zaps our productivity and can diminish creativity. Sure, there are some folks who produce lovely work amidst piles of “inspiration,” but I’d bet they too would benefit from a little decluttering too. We’re talking about getting rid of what’s filling up our spaces unnecessarily. The quote from William Morris provides some direction, “Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” I apply this to my studio…and my thinking as well.

Banish negative thoughts

As entrepreneurs we really know how to pile it on ourselves don’t we? Pressure, guilt, comparisons, uncertainty. This line of thinking is purely toxic and holds us back from appreciating what we’re creating and building. It’s time to let go of all this mess. Package it up and send it off.

Reframe your mindset

Making changes often involves adjusting our mindset. Sometimes a little tweak will do and other times we may need a whole new radical way of looking at things. Consider your current perspectives and try flipping them around. For example, instead of feeling stressed to complete projects, think of deadlines as an opportunity to thrive and shine.

Feed your creativity

Finding a renewed focus also includes adding things to your business life. Embrace what fuels you creatively and find new ways to spark your passion. Connect with other entrepreneurs, host a creative social, take a weekend “creative” vacation, photo-log your week tracking all the small bits of inspiration you encounter.

Add new healthy habits: With all the negative stuff tossed to the side, it’s time to add healthy business patterns. I like to think of replacing one negative habit with a positive one. When we think of ‘not doing something’ it feels like a chore, but if we think of ‘doing something else instead’ it becomes a whole lot more manageable. For example, we might say, “ In 2012 I’ll stop waiting until the last minute to complete projects.” Instead, try “This year, I will create a monthly plan to record my projects and deadlines to ensure they’ll be completed on time.”

Ahhh. I’m feeling better already. Ready to say farewell to old habits, clutter, and negative thoughts for a more focused and happy year ahead!

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Allisa is the dreamer and designer behind the Allisa Jacobs line of handbags and accessories. She delights in the process of making- sketch to finish. Allisa also enjoys sharing her entrepreneurial insights as a business coach, empowering others with their creative small businesses.

Allisa Jacobs