Hau’ula Loop Trail (c) KC Saling, 2013
You’ve all probably experienced it before. You’re out for a run, you’re working around the house, you’re sitting on a beach reading or watching people play volleyball, you’re doing something that’s totally on the other side of the world from work or a project you’re playing with or anything resembling a problem you’re dealing with, and WHAM! That great idea hits! Why the heck does that happen when you’re just trying to relax?
That shouldn’t be the question. The question SHOULD be…are you ready to seize that bit of creative inspiration when it shows itself? Better yet, are you ready to cultivate the kind of environment that great ideas are grown in?
Here’s the blessed truth, people. Sometimes you need to get out of your box. Get out of the office, be it at work or at home. Get out of the house. Get away from your whiteboards and inspiration boards and Pinterest boards and everything else you’ve been using to try to force an idea to happen, and just GET OUT.
Hau’ula Beach Park (c) KC Saling, 2013
Get out in nature.
Waikiki (c) KC Saling, 2013
Get out in the fresh air.
The intrepid hiking club (c) KC Saling, 2013
Get out among friends.
Get OUT.
It’s almost as if, when you finally get OUT, that the pressure you didn’t even know you were creating with your lists and boards and tasks and brainstorming sessions, things that were meant to create ideas but after a while just force the issue, finally lifts. That’s when you’re mind truly opens up, and the good ideas come in.
So if you’ve got that wonderful time today, do me three favors.
Let’s start by focusing on the right priorities.
So put away your smart-phone. Seriously. Your email can wait {and so can the not work stuff like LOL cats and Miley commentary}. Put your work and your projects in the back of your mind…but not out of your mind.
Hawaii Dawn (c) KC Saling, 2013
Sometimes you need to look at things from a different perspective.
That’s the second favor. Keep your projects and your work in the back of your mind, not out of your mind. Let them linger and marinate in the joy of your experiences as you enjoy the day and spend some quality time with those who deserve your time. Your work needs a human touch. The richness of your life will give it that. Your work needs creativity. By relaxing, that will come to you.
Hanama’ulu Beach Park, Kauai (c) KC Saling, 2008
The best ideas are often born outside of the office.
That brings us to favor three. Put some post-it notes or little notepads around your house or carry one in your purse or pocket. Those are for when the idea strikes. Let’s say you have that great creative idea. Jot it down on a paper. If it wants to grow, let it grow, keep scribbling. If it’s done, if it’s just an idea, tuck it away for more thought later. If nothing else, you have that little note saved for another time.
This Week…
My Focus Points
Out of my goals for last week, I successfully tackled everything but the closet. I decided that was going to wait until Scott and I could tackle it together. I did {somewhat compulsively} rearrange and sort everything in it, though, and I rearranged the whole office while I was at it.
Here are my goals for this week:
- Mindset Goal: get myself mentally ready to have the house reoccupied by the husband and two cats. While I’m excited for them to be back, it’s always an adjustment having to share your space!
- Work Goal: I’m firing off those application packets, and I’m working on getting a professional project management certification – my goal this week is to complete the application for that certification.
- Home Goal: take measurements and sketch plans for the closet and bathroom remodels.
- Fitness Goal: incorporate more upper body fitness into my workouts. We have kettle bells sitting right by the door. Not for use, but because I don’t have decorative Restoration Hardware fishing weights I use these instead. I should use them for, you know, actually working out.
- Life Goal: Don’t worry. Be happy. Simple enough?
How about you?
Do you have any significant goals to set this week? Anything you’re going to focus on? Comment below or post a link – I’d love to hear what you’re up to and how you’re taking on our challenges!
If you’re looking for more ideas on little things to tackle to improve your life, check out the Weekly Wishes link-up at The Nectar Collective! And if you’re looking for more information on discovering your personality, check out the Blogtember link-up at Jenni’s Story of My Life!