do what you love Page 20 of 81

#MakingTime Day 30

Written by

mt day 30

Just one more day to go so make the most of creating space and time for things that make you feel alive!

Your #MakingTime Day 30 challenge:

For 30 minutes… turn off all the technology in the house and do something alone or as a family.

“We’ve started stopping thoughts half-way down their track. We’ll be thinking something, and then ‘beep beep’ or ‘ping’ and off we go, our almost-formed thought left discarded. Thoughts – and discussions – need to go to one place, then the next place, then the next… and finally on to an idea. It isn’t an express route. Sometimes it takes a lot of turnings to get there.”
– Frances Booth in ‘The Distraction Trap’

Technology can be incredibly distracting. TVs, mobiles, laptops, ipads… everywhere we look there’s some electrical device vying for our attention. If we’re not careful it can dominate our lives, interrupt all our conversations, and stop us connecting properly to those we care about. It also stands in the way of allowing our ideas to fully evolve.

Today turn off the technology and tune into yourself, or if you have a family, the kids. Go for a walk and have a picnic in the woods, make a time capsule, go swimming, cook a three course dinner, create self-portraits – or draw each other, have a board game and jigsaw day, get outdoors and do some gardening – the possibilities are endless!

It needn’t cost a thing and we guarantee you’ll go to bed happier for having a truly amazing, action-packed day of fun. And your brain? Rested and protected from digital distractions, it might just give you some of your best ideas yet…

PS Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for more thought-provoking inspiration

New to Making Time? Start at the beginning anytime here.

Making time for your passions – a shared story

Written by

DWYL_BLOG_SHAREDSTORIES_650X250PX_LR

Paula Joerling is a freelance illustrator from Atlanta, Georgia, whose designs are primarily used for the gift and tabletop industry. Paula works primarily in watercolor and collage and often incorporates fabric, stitched paper and any beautiful objects she find into her art. Here she explains why she loves working for herself and shares the secret of making time…

Joerling-Head-Shot

The desire to work for myself probably started in grad school. I hated that I had to be there between certain hours and on certain days, I didn’t mind the work, it was the schedule that got to me. Sub-consciously I knew that a life of regulation wasn’t for me and I better figure out how to keep my freedom. Fortunately I was creative and recognized that this was a possible outlet.

It’s difficult to put into words what it means to get up in the morning, walk the 10 steps to my studio, and create all day. Although there are deadlines and I work pretty much seven days a week, I am in charge of my schedule. There’s no time clock, no office politics, no cubicle and no one telling me that I can’t sing out loud. It is pure heaven, it really is; just typing these words puts a smile on my face.

Coming from a long line of creative types, I come by my abilities naturally. My grandfather taught me to paint and my grandmother taught me to sew and knit. When a holiday rolled around my sister and I were commandeered by my mother to make a plethora of decorations, cards and gifts, some of which I still have.

I don’t think it ever occurred to be in anything but a creative field of some sort and although I have always freelanced in creative jobs; I got started rather late in life as an illustrator. Sometime around my college years I began to suffer from anxiety and had a horrible lack of confidence. Thinking back on this always saddens me and I wonder if things would have happened a little faster had this not been the case. If I could go back in time and give myself a gift it would be a big basket of confidence. Confidence and faith in yourself are really the two most important things that a person needs in this field. I am happy to report that I now possess these two gifts in abundance (perhaps at some point I did time travel).

Joerling-Calendar-Cover

The most difficult part of being a freelance artist is financial. You are never quite sure when or how much money will be coming in so you have to be pretty frugal (my husband is also an artist so neither of us has an unvarying income). Nevertheless I would choose this creative lifestyle over financial stability any day.Making time for everything now I run my own business can be challenging. Here are five things that help me make best use of my time so I stay focussed and on track…

1. Set intentions

At the start of each week I make a list of everything I’d like to accomplish in the week ahead. I don’t beat myself up if it doesn’t all happen but I try to stick to it as best I can. I find it helps to set goals and give myself deadlines.

2. Make a plan 

I always have a plan to help me achieve my goals for the week ahead. Some people might call this a “schedule” but I don’t like that word! As I blog, have an online shop and use social media for promotions, I have a time slot to do these things in so that I’m consistent.

3. Know what is distracting and use it as a motivator

Most creative people are easily distracted and I am no exception. I tell myself that only once I’ve accomplished x, y and z can I look at Facebook or Pintrest, or check my emails or do anything else that I know will distract me.

4. Know when to take five

If I’m getting frustrated because something isn’t going right, I stop and do something to clear my head. I have a swing in my studio so I’ll often jump on that to relax. Laying on the floor and staring up at the ceiling works well too.

5. Just get going

Sometimes starting a new project – drawing, painting, writing, whatever it is – can be daunting. Especially if fear creeps and we start to doubt ourselves . The way I beat this is by starting to research or drawing out ideas. I keep in mind that I can always start over. Works every time.

Top tip! 

I can’t live without the sticky notes app on my computer. I have notes that remind me what needs to get accomplished daily, weekly and longer term. There’s nothing more satisfying then deleting notes as I complete tasks.

Everyday I learn more and get better at my craft. I hope that I can keep doing this on my own terms and that my best days lie ahead of me. My hope is that I can find a way to inspire others to take a deep breath, move beyond the fear and do what they love doing.

[Images courtesy of Paula Joerling. To find out more about Paula visit her website here]

#MakingTime Day 29

Written by

mt day 29

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn” – Gore Vidal

Your Day 29 Making Time challenge: For 29 minutes… get a haircut, paint your nails or do something else to change your appearance

Sometimes changing the way we look can alter our outlook on life and shake up our perception of ourselves. Small changes can have a big impact when it comes to updating our appearance. Try one or more of these simple makeover tricks (some of them are more for the girls, but there are some for the guys too!) …

– See a new you! Fashion glasses will make for a fun new work look.

– Electrify your eyes: Swap your usual brown/black eyeliner for bright liners
and eye shadows to make the your natural eye colour stand out, or try coloured contact lenses.

– Lashtastic: apply a couple of individual long lashes to the outer corners of your eyes to create a bold, confident, everyday look.

– Do your hair differently: try a new style, change the side you wear your parting, swap the hairspray for a headband or invest in some big Velcro rollers to give it extra oomph! Or for the guys, try some product in it!

– Be bold: take a walk on the wild side and use a bold red, coral, or pink lip colour to glam up your look.

– Unveil new nails: Instead of oval-shaped tips painted in pale-pink polish file your nails straight across and then round off the corners and paint in a colour you love.

– Accessorise: Invest in a new pair of gloves and a matching scarf, a new belt for that little black dress. A few small updates can have a big impact on how you look.

– Top it off: A stylish hat can instantly change your attitude – try a fab fedora or printed bucket hat to add instant chic sentiment.

– Try a new perfume or aftershave: Switch up your scents to mimick your moods and try perfumed lotions or mists for more variation.

– Add colour: Ban yourself from wearing black for a day and see what difference it makes.

Ask yourself: How do you feel? Has anyone commented on your new look? Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror?

PS Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for more thought-provoking inspiration

New to Making Time? Start at the beginning anytime here.

#MakingTime Day 28

Written by

mt day 28

“Keeping my eye on today is all I’m capable of. And today I think I’ll go for a run.” – John Bingham

Your Day 28 Making Time challenge:

For 28 minutes… Go for a run*

Running is a fantastic metaphor for life because you get out what you put in.

Six reasons to make time to get out there and start running today…

1. Feel slim in your skinny jeans… every mile you run burns approximately 100 calories.

2. Save cash: no expensive gym membership required.

3. Happy hormones: running endorphins give you a natural high.

4. Memory boost: exercise keeps your mind sharp, help reduce symptoms ofdementia and protects against Alzheimers.

5. Improved self-esteem: running makes you feel positive, boosts your energy levels and gets your skin glowing.

6. Sleep better: running results in better sleep.

*If you can’t run for some reason, why not use today’s prompt to get you doing 28 minutes of other exercise? The important thing is to move!

PS Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for more thought-provoking inspiration

New to Making Time? Start at the beginning anytime here.

October’s Happy List is here!

Written by

Window display

On my happy list this month… a beautiful shop display in London which has inspired me to get outside and make the most of my garden. 

Each month we share a free downloadable ‘Happy List’ as a place for you to capture the things – big and small – that have made you smile and feel inspired each day. Get yours here.

Have an awesome October,

Rachel


#MakingTime Day 27

Written by

mt day 27

Is your closet in a mess? Is it overflowing and yet you only wear a small percentage of the clothes you have? Do you have things that you know don’t fit, that aren’t your colour or that make you look or feel older? If so, it’s time for a cull! Get ready, get set, get organised! 

Your Day 27 Making Time challenge:

For 27 minutes… blitz your wardrobe

Having a good clear out means that you’ll be left with things you truly love and want to wear. And when you can actually see what you’ve got you may even find yourself mixing-and-matching more and creating outfits that look brand new. 

Psychologically, the satisfaction we get from getting rid of the old makes total sense. Things in excess, like clothes, are burdensome and stress us out. So if you’re into fashion and see it as a means of self-expression: having a closet filled with clothes that aren’t our style is literally restraining our ability to express ourselves. It’s fine if your closet is close to bursting, as long as everything in there reflects your style.

So today take 27 minutes and follow our three-point plan to making peace with your closet…

1. Pile up: sort your clothes into the following piles: 1) To keep – ask yourself: do I love it? Is it flattering? Is it the image I want to project? If it’s a “yes” to all three, then it’s a keeper.  2) Sentimental: if you wore it for a special occasion or it reminds you of a good time but you know you’ll never wear it again, ie your wedding dress, fold it in tissue paper and store it. 3) Needs altering: fix any holes, add buttons, sew up hems, etc 4) To go: Sell designer or branded items on eBay or Etsy, do a car boot sale, charity shop or recycle bank the rest: knowing that your clothes are going to help others is something to feel very good about.

2. Get organized: designate zones in your wardrobe so it’s easy to get to everything you need: sort by occasion (work clothes, weekend clothes, evening clothes) or by garment type (i.e. dress, suit, skirt, blouse). Within each section, arrange the clothes by colour. It looks neater and makes it easier to assemble outfits.

3. Create space:

  • Invest in wooden hangers, which don’t damage your clothes.
  • Hang clothes by item with small gaps between so dresses together, trousers together etc.
  • Within these categories, group by function: work, casual, evening.
  • Use a compartment garment hanging organiser in the wardrobe for underwear, socks, vests and T-shirts.
  • Fold scarves and pashminas over a hanger so you don’t forget about them.
  • Store jumpers and fitness wear on a top shelf or in a box chest to create more space.
  • Screw a key rack on the inside of the wardrobe door to hang necklaces.

PS Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for more thought-provoking inspiration

New to Making Time? Start at the beginning anytime here.

#MakingTime Day 26

Written by

mt day 26

“Mastering the art of slowing down doesn’t happen quickly. Learning the wisdom of slowing down, or truly living, is itself a journey. But it is also a prescription for better health.” – Arianna Huffington in Thrive

Just a few more days to go and to celebrate we have a real treat in store…

Your Day 26 Making Time challenge:

For 26 minutes… bake a cake

Who says baking is just for birthdays and Christmas? Today’s make time challenge is to bake yourself a cake, just because.

Did you know that an afternoon spent whipping up a sweet treat won’t just makeyour kitchen smell delicious, it can reduce stress, anger and even depression?Working through the steps of a recipe helps you to focus and you forget about everything else that’s been whirring through your mind. It’s a kind of creative meditation. Plus you get to lick the spoon and the bowl at the end!Today enjoy creating something from nothing and giving yourself, and the people you love, a home-cooked treat. Of course we’re not suggesting you make a five-tiered extravaganza Choccywoccydoodah style, we’re talking about something quick, easy and fun – a single layer cake, some cupcakes, chocolate brownies, a banana loaf, a fridge tray bake – whatever you fancy!

PS Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for more thought-provoking inspiration

New to Making Time? Start at the beginning anytime here.

The M word (= Talking about money)

Written by

In a recent survey of a group of our readers, we asked “What is stopping you from taking the first step toward a life of doing what you love?”  And the answer (from more than 900 of you) was resounding. More than two-thirds of you (67%) answered “worries about money”.

And that wasn’t all. Nearly half of you (43%) answered ‘lack of confidence’, showing that so many of you share the same fears and obstacles.

DWYL_Survey_PL#1_140924

The good news? There are ways to deal with each of them, bit-by-bit until the walls come down. This is a huge topic, which we deal with in detail in the Do What You Love e-course, which starts on October 13. For now we are going to tackle these two major obstacles and answer some of your burning questions to help you get closer to doing what you love, starting today.

On the journey towards doing what you love, one of the big obstacles is money, so let’s look at this first. Many of you are, understandably, concerned about the major impact a change of career or lifestyle would have on your family and your finances.

The reality is that most of us really do need to bring in some money from somewhere. However, sometimes we have a tendency to think in black and white: ‘In order to do what I love, I need to quit my job, but if I quit my job I’ll be broke, so I have to stick with it — but while I stick with it I don’t have the energy or headspace to think of something else to do, and I just end up getting more frustrated and less motivated, but if I quit I’ll be broke…’ etc., and on it goes.

We encourage you to take a step back and have a look at your attitude to money. Consider your money mindset and journal your answers to these questions:

  • What is your view of money and what kind of relationship do you have with it? Why do you think that is?
  • What does financial security mean to you? Are your beliefs about security really true? (i.e. Is your ‘safe’ career choice really as safe as you think? Is a salaried position safer than working for yourself for instance? You won’t make yourself redundant.)
  • Is money the primary factor in most decisions you make about how to spend your time? If so, why is that?

There are many ways to do what you love, with some of them meaning that you earn money from doing it, and others meaning that you use the money you earn to allow you to do it.

Whether doing what you love means starting your own company, quitting everything and leaving on an adventure, finding a new way to generate income or simply finding more balance in your current situation, the best way for a smooth transition is planning. Doing what you love is a project – something you have to think about and map out. Not only will planning help you focus on what you want to do and how, it will also increase your confidence that you really can do this.

Your top 3 questions answered

1. How do I find enough money to start a new project?

It sounds like you already have an idea for a new project, which is great. That’s a major step in itself. And if you don’t know exactly what to do, why not give yourself a ‘test project’ (like a new adventure, or a piece of equipment to help you progress with something you are good at). Finding the finance to start it can be daunting, but you can break it down into some simple, practical steps.

  •  What will the new project cost to set up?
  • What will it cost to run until you get a decent return from it?
  • How much do you actually need in the bank to be ‘enough’ to live on while you get it going? What is the magic figure?
  • What income would you have to forego in the short-term to get the project off the ground?

(These figures might be scary, but at least you have your eyes wide open)

Now think about your current situation:

  • What funds do you have access to right now?
  • What other funds could you get access to if you really had to?
  • What income are you likely to generate over the next few weeks/months? (Your timescale will depend on the scale of the project you have in mind)
  • What value can you place on your skills, that you could exchange for things to help you do what you love?
  • Where can you cut back on regular spending for the next few months, and how much would that free up towards your project?
  • Where can you cut back on planned/luxury spending for the next few months, and how much would that free up towards your project? (For example, would you be prepared not to go on holiday this year, in order to get your project off the ground?)

(Looking at the detail helps you get REALLY clear on whether or not you really want to do your project!)

While doing this, you will also have to think about what money means to you. Changing your attitude to money can make a huge difference in realizing how much you actually need, both practically and psychologically.

2. How do I transition from a well paid job to a life doing what I love?

There is an idea that the change will be radical, definitive and happen overnight. When this does happen, it is usually due to something out of your control (like being made redundant), or an extreme situation (like work getting absolutely unbearable). Usually this is preceded by a painful, stressful or worrying time. So why wait for that?

Take control, and plan your own escape. The more you plan your transition, the smoother it will be.

Firstly, get really clear on your current situation. What really makes you unhappy in your job? Is it about the job itself, or the people, or the commute? Are there any changes you could make right now to make more space for you and for doing things that you enjoy? Are there any ways you can use your job to get you closer to where you want to be (training, connections etc)? Can you put a transition plan together that would allow you to work on your next move while still being employed? Include clear milestones at 3, 6 and 12 months, so when you get there you don’t feel like you are ‘still stuck in your job’, but instead can see how much closer you are to where you want to be.

Then be sure to share your plans with those who will be affected by them. Get your family on board by showing them how much you have thought it through, including the impact it will have on them, and help them understand why things will be better for everyone after the shift. Smaller changes that gradually build will seem less drastic and scary to both you and your family.

And remember, doing what you love does not necessarily mean you will earn less in the long run. When you are interested and enthused it may well surprise you what other opportunities arise and just what is financially possible.

3. How do I get my family onboard with me doing what I love when it might have a negative financial impact on them?

You are a family. That means you are a team. If you are going to be happy as a team then all the team members have to be happy. Communication is key. Sacrifices may have to be made but these should be short term ones with everyone understanding that they are made to serve your long term family happiness.

Involve them in your project. The chances are the people who are doubtful about your project have a rational mind. Involve them in the planning. Show them your calculations and talk to their left brain. Draw diagrams, show them your vision board. Let them see that you have a plan and are serious about it. Listen to their concerns and talk about the benefits for them. Make it fun – challenge everyone in your family to find ways to cut back to fund the bigger dream.  Make it exciting. You will find that people will love your energy and it will become contagious. Help them feel like it’s their dream and their success too!

 INVEST-IN-YOURSELF-550PX-LR

Don’t spend, invest

It’s really important that you invest in what you value, as well as what you need. If you’re a graphic designer, you need to invest in software. If you’re a marine biologist, you need decent diving gear. If you’re a makeup artist, you need makeup. These are the tools of your trade. And if you need to learn things in order to do the thing that brings in the money, then do it. Invest in it. Invest yourself in it. Then you’ll see the rewards.

Every time you use money to get closer to your dreams, remind yourself that you are not SPENDING it (Poooufff! Gone!). You are INVESTING it (sowing the seeds now to reap the harvest later!)

Whenever you make a choice – what to do this week end, where to go on holidays, what books to read, what volunteering groups to join – keep your end goal in mind and choose the things that will help you to do what you love. Everything you do now is an investment in your future life.

Combine things, it will allow you to save money and time. You’re an accountant and are passionate about travel? Find an accountant job in a travel agency and learn all about the industry you love while having an income. Or maybe your passion is for gardening but you don’t know how to create a website to start selling your services? Check out skill swap websites (see “Resources” below) and find a local web developer to help you in exchange for weeding their garden.

I’ll be back soon with thoughts on that other huge barrier – confidence. Sign up for our newsletter here if you want these straight into your inbox.

In the meantime, look around you, keep an open mind, get planning and keep going.

Beth

 

Some money resources we love:

The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist

Happy Money: The New Science of Smarter Spending

Service swap websites

Why you need a side hustle

Career paths that pay you to play games

And two extra resources kindly suggested by our survey respondents:

The Renaissance Soul : Life Design for people with too many passions

The Smiling Mind app (meditation)

 

#MakingTime Day 25

Written by

mt day 25
“Oftentimes we are on automatic pilot to the degree that we look back and have no recollection of the process of getting up and going out of the door. In this way we lose the moments that make up our life and once lost, they are gone forever. By paying attention to these regular activities, we can reclaim the lost minutes of our day, and by connecting with our experience during these activities, we can connect more deeply with our life.”

– Anna Black in ‘Living in the moment’

Your Day 25 Making Time challenge:

For 25 minutes… take a ride on a bus or a train to somewhere you have never been 

Exploration ignites excitement and curiosity in our souls. Sometimes we get so used to our daily routines and immediate surroundings that we forget there’s a whole world full of different people, places and cultures out there. That’s why taking a holiday abroad or having a weekend away is so fun and exciting; it broadens your horizons, helps you get unstuck and reminds you that you’re free to move in new directions.

Even taking time out to visit somewhere new in your local area can do wonders for your soul. It’s an opportunity to learn, expand your awareness and awaken that curious child inside you.

So today, you’re invited to take a break from your every day life and explore your surroundings. Hop on a bus or a train and spend 25 minutes finding your way to a nearby place you’ve never been to before.

PS Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for more thought-provoking inspiration

New to Making Time? Start at the beginning anytime here.