or the last few weeks, I’ve really been having a deep-dive session with the Clifton Strengths test. I’ve completed it, and it’s amazing, and slightly unnerving, how accurate the results were.
So because of those tests, I’ve been working hard in the background to see how I can implement those strengths and improve my creative business for the rest of the year, and for the foreseeable future.
Because of that, this blog post is focussing on, you’ve guessed it, the successes of the last six months, and the lessons learnt (remember, they’re not mistakes, they’re lessons).
What successes have I had since I went part time at the day job?
Production
I have launched my ebook cover designs for sale on my website and on Payhip.
I have established and designed a backlist of covers that I can release for sale.
I have set up social media platforms and scheduling tools to start promoting the covers.
Mental health
Mentally, I have reached a place where I’m less stressed and feeling less pressure on my days off to get all the housework done.
I used to feel guilty for not getting things done, and because I felt like I had so much to do, I got overwhelmed and went on a doom-scroll on social media, or the news. That’s changed.
I have developed more creative skills, not just for my business, but also as hobbies that I can use to unwind and relax, such as knitting and sewing
Mindset shifts
I have realised that it’s okay to not do all the things. It’s been said before, but it’s something I need to remember.
Our society says that if we’re not “busy” then we’re not doing anything useful, but that’s not always the case.
Sometimes it’s okay to sit and reflect and intellect over what I’ve been doing and what I can do to improve in the future.
Refilling the creative well has become more of a priority.
I think I was starting to get burnout at the old job before I left, and now I understand that when I get to the point of “why the hell am I doing this”, I can step back and realise how far I’ve come in the last three years.
Personal growth
I have plans for each day, but occasionally I do move away from those plans. However, all the tasks get done, even if they’re not in the order that I put them in!
I have read 14 books over the last quarter, which is still above the quarterly goal of 12 that I set myself.
What lessons have I learnt since I went part time at work?
Distraction
Suffice to say, I can get easily distracted by other tasks e.g. housework, that at the time seem important but take me away from the creative and business time.
Sometimes I use these as procrastination because I’m turning away from the harder tasks, or ones that I don’t find as interesting, like uploading and creating product pages.
More time and less structure
The flexibility of part time working means that I have been less strict on scheduling time and do move tasks around based on “how I’m feeling” at the time.
This means that the important tasks slip into the next day. This might not seem like an issue, but I do need to prioritise the tasks around “what drives my business forward” and “what can wait.”
Restructuring my planning
When planning, I did start using the morning to plan, which means I then focus on the “quick wins” rather than tackling the more difficult or larger tasks first.
Writing
This is a hard one for me. For years I’ve wanted to write, but it has slipped out of my normal schedule, mainly due to my new commuting times.
This shouldn’t be an excuse, and the “write every day” mentality that used to apply doesn’t anymore.
I must accept that this is okay, if I am creating and getting the work done then I don’t have to live by a rule that works for some and not others. Health should come first, mental, and physical.
Hobbies and distractions
I have picked up sewing over the last few months, and sometimes I use this as something that takes me away from the creative work.
I spend a whole day sewing, which is good for my mental health, but I started to get into a routine of doing that without thinking “what impact is this having on my business”.
Mindset shift
Before, I saw the two days off I had during the week as my “must get everything done” days, but now I have two and then four, I don’t see those days as “business days”.
I will change this going forward. Creativity fills me with joy, and I need to remember this. I have my life to create, and this is my top priority.
In summary
There’s a lot to unpack, I know, but to be honest, I’m fully aware the rest of the year is going to be a work in progress. It’s taken me a long time to realise some of the points above, but at least I got there.
It’s just taken a bit longer than I thought.
So, what about you? Have you had to change the way you think recently? Or are you working through a mindset shift you want to talk about? Is there something you want to change in your life you haven’t started tackling yet?
Let me know in the comments below, or give me a follow on Instagram.
See you soon!
Robyn
