for creatives : keep swimming

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in personal moments where I’m just about to feel like that picture right up there. You know, not quite at that point, but the time building up beforehand. Being that I work from home, my hours are often strange and projects sneak up on you when you’re managing everything yourself. I still haven’t perfected my own work method for working as a fulltime freelance creative, but I’m getting there. I can honestly say that I’m a whole lot more organized than I was last June! Phew.

With that said, when you do find yourself on the verge of a beautiful little explosion from work overload, just keep swimming in the best way you can. For some, that means taking an hour long break or going for a walk. For me, I try to become calm. If things start feeling like a lot unexpectedly, I always first turn to my to do lists. I’ve found that instead of thinking about everything all at once, narrow your focus. What needs to be done in this exact moment? You got it? Okay, now do it. You’ll drive yourself completely wacko if you don’t allow yourself to get into that focus and instead let the big picture scare you! These moments tend to fade once you punch through, you just need to figure out how to do so.

Another thing I’ve noticed as a freelancer is that timing is KEY. Working from home isn’t a 9-5 job … it’s actually quite sporadic, but that’s what I love about it. If I’m feeling most creative at midnight, I’ve learned to just go with it, because chances are I won’t feel that same sparkle the next morning. I used to beat myself up over creative blocks that would occur during a “normal” work day. But you know what, these things happen to all creatives. Follow your heart and move on.

Just some important things I’ve realized this past year that I thought I’d share!