Are You Ready For My 5 Biggest Takeaways?

I’ve been diving head first into all things business for the past 12 months. I’ve taken courses, listened to amazing podcasts, read powerful books, and discovered some truly impactful takeaways that I would love to share with you! Let’s get started…

1. Annual Planning. This is my number one takeaway for a reason. Simply put - it’s powerful. The problem I struggled with most was overwhelm. I had a ton of goals and things I wanted to accomplish, but no idea how or where to start. That all changed thanks to a podcast episode. Who knew free content could be so life changing? Do yourself a favor and listen to this episode. It’s from Bonnie Christine’s Professional Creative Podcast - episode 14 featuring the queen of planning, Lisa Jacobs. Lisa details the OCN Method and it is GOLD! She explains how she uses a digital Trello board to organize and prioritize her to-do list. It was daunting to see all of my ideas listed out (one of the first steps), but once I started organizing and prioritizing, I gained so much clarity and everything seemed totally doable! Since I have implemented this approach, I have checked 76 items off my goal checklist - 76! These were not easy tasks either… things like “create a website” and “finish three pattern collections”. I’m talking BIG TICKET ITEMS. My overwhelm is gone and I owe it all to this episode. Not affiliated at all, just a grateful fan. Bonnie’s podcast is one of my favorites and is filled with SO MUCH WISDOM for creative professionals. Someone once told me to stay in Bonnie’s orbit and I would absolutely suggest the same to you.

2. Figuring out my why. You’ve probably heard this phrase a thousand times and if you’re anything like me, it annoyed you every time. Why do I need a reason to do what I’m doing? What’s the point? I’m trying to make money with my art. Isn’t that what we all want to do? BUT it’s bigger than that. I dove deep into this topic thanks to the Surface Pattern Design Summit (another free resource!) and one of my favorite speakers, Shirlee Fisher of The Tillage Podcast (one of my absolute favorite podcasts and if you are not listening, you are truly missing out). Shirlee explained that our why is a compass to guide us. It’s essential for not falling into shiny object syndrome - you know the one: another course, an improved workspace, reading more books, etc. Proactive procrastination. Things that actually keep us from doing the deep work we know we should be doing to move the needle forward. If you know your why, it will help you stay true to yourself and the goals for your business and lifestyle. Soak up all of Shirlee’s FREE WISDOM by tuning in to her podcast. Once again, not affiliated - just a huge fan. I’m going to reveal my why to you now: “To make a successful creative living doing the things that light me up”. That last part is key, which leads me to my third takeaway…

3. What lights me up. I owe this one to the very wise and inspiring, Nicholas Wilton of The Art2Life podcast. Nick often talks about “finding the juice” and “doing what lights you up”. What’s he talking about? Figuring out what you love to do, what excites you, what gets you out of bed in the morning, and what keeps you up at night (in a good way). THESE are the things you should be doing in your work or at least in parts of your life where you can. Doing things that are new and exciting make us feel ALIVE. And that my friends, is what it’s all about. Hearing this was a light-bulb moment for me. My typical workday can be quite monotonous. Printing and shipping orders. Where’s the juice? I’m actively making time to dive deeper into the things that light me up and bring me joy. Right now, that means mixed media art and getting messy with paint in whatever way I can. Get a glimpse into Nick’s inspiring world via his podcast.

4. The 80/20 rule. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of this, as it’s spoken of quite a bit, but in case you are unfamiliar, I will explain. The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, asserts that 80% of outputs result from 20% of inputs for any given event. Wait, in English this time. Let’s say I spend 80% of my work time fulfilling orders… printing, shipping, answering emails, the daily grind. It’s the other 20% of my time that actually produces 80% of my income. Taking the time to create new art, designing a new product, writing an e-book, etc. When we can really focus our energy during that 20% to do the DEEP WORK that will actually move the needle in our businesses, we can see tremendous results. For me, there’s no getting around that 80% daily grind work - it has to be done. But I’m now aware of that other 20% and I am actively spending that time on tasks I feel will truly grow my business. And it’s all on my Trello board being tackled one goal at a time :)

What’s really interesting about this principle is that’s it’s not just related to business. It’s true for many aspects in our lives. With our children, for example. They are not going to cherish the fact that you made their lunch every day or drove them to soccer practice for eight years. What’s going to make that 80% impact is the things we do only 20% of the time - the truly special memorable moments. That time you had a dance party on the trampoline with your kids, the time you made ice cream sundaes and had a family game night, the time you picked your kid up from school early and took him to his favorite arcade for no reason at all. Those are the moments that make the most impact. And we only do them 20% of the time.

5. Gratitude. I’ve been feeling stuck in the rat race for a while now. Our society has a very hustle and grind culture and I always feel like I should doing more, more, MORE. The problem is, I already work a lot. I’m doing a lot. And last year, I did a crazy amount of things in addition to running my full-time business. Did it bring me joy? I have to be honest. There were some joyful moments, but at the end of the day when I look back and reflect, the answer is no. I didn't allow myself any time to do the things I truly love, the things that light me up. I didn’t paint, hardly exercised, rarely went outside, and my all time favorite pastime of relaxing with a magazine in hand - well, you know how that went. And what was it all for? I did turn 40 last year and had a bit of a mid-life crisis moment, so I believe I was looking for some answers, seeking “more”. When what I really needed to do was simply be grateful. I am a full-time working artist, which is an amazing thing. I know it’s not perfect, but what is? I am my own boss. Now, I’m hard on myself for sure. Days off? Forget it. Sick and can’t work? Too bad. When in actuality, I could absolutely take a day off. I could organize my work flow better and make the time to do those juicy things… reading a magazine outside in the sun, having lunch with a friend, going for a bike ride with my husband, painting and using mixed media. I don’t have to be caught up in the rat race and hustle culture. I can simply be grateful for what I already have and take some time to enjoy my life. It’s short, people. Now’s the time.

There you have it! My five biggest takeaways. I hope this has brought you some clarity in your own life and business. If nothing else, please dive into the world of free content offered by some of the smartest, most successful people I’ve had the pleasure of discovering: Bonnie Christine, Lisa Jacobs, Shirlee Fisher, and Nicholas Wilton. I love me some Laura Horn and Mel Robbins too! :)

Best wishes always and take care of yourself,

Tess