The Background
Jane* is an artist and deeply committed wife and mother. She is a reflective and creative spirit who was craving more organization and structure that would help focus her time and energy.
Jane wanted to feel like she was moving forward in all areas of life each day. And while she was devoted to her family and volunteer activities these responsibilities left her with little time for her own creative pursuits.
Her artwork came last because Jane wanted to take care of everyone else first.
What we discovered right away was that Jane’s head was FULL! She had so many art projects, volunteer duties, ideas for her home and family, and general things-to-do crammed into her mind that she was having a very hard time focusing on any one thing.
Jane's Experiments
Over the course of several months Jane built a few structures that would support her home and work life without feeling too rigid.
She created an “Everything List” that housed her long and short-term projects. From here she was able to clarify what she needed to focus on each week. Her mind was becoming more and more free of all she was trying to keep track of. This boosted her focus and energy.
Jane’s “Everything List” also changed the way she used her weekly planner. Rather than being a catch-all, this became the area that only her weekly and daily priorities were stored.
We then tackled her schedule and mapped out – in a fluid and flexible way – how she wanted her week to flow. The pieces began coming together: how to track what she needed to do AND when she was going to get them done.
The Results
Over time Jane noticed that she was starting to say, “no” more often to requests that were going to take too much of her time. She also began saying, “yes” more frequently to the creative pursuits that filled her spirit with so much inspiration and energy.
She installed a regular practice of creating art. She signed up for a new art class that allowed her to utilize equipment that had been dormant for years.
And while Jane is enjoying the benefits of her new systems, the truth is that life doesn’t always flow the way you desire.
There will always be ups and downs and unplanned events that throw you off course.
Which is why it is so critical to have that foundation of structure – and trust in yourself – to guide you back on track.
Jane’s progress came from her deep commitment to develop systems that actually fit her creative spirit while still providing the structure she needed to keep all of the pieces of her life together.
Are you ready to create these shifts in your world?
*Name changed at the request of my client.
Image courtesy of Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
PO Box 1957 Middleburg, VA 20118 703-517-2449 Julie @ profound-impact.com
Julie Gray says
I love that your goal can include both personal and professional writing. That feels so supportive of yourself!
Tiffany Lynn Lepp says
Julie, I am so glad I committed to writing on a daily basis. Sometimes I write for a purpose (blog, future book, online articles), but sometimes I just write. I write what is on my mind with no specific purpose in mind. I just focus on the creative process. Sometimes I use what I wrote, sometimes I don’t and it’s just for my personal growth. Either way, I make sure I create the time each day to write and then see what happens. :-)
Julie Gray says
What a huge shift for you Tiffany! Isn’t that commitment of time and energy so powerful? I am sure your writing has shifted as a result of it too! Where are you writing? I want in! :) Thank you for your comments and support!!
Tiffany Lynn Lepp says
Julie, I can totally relate to Jane’s story.
I really love to write, but never gave myself permission to write because there was always SO much else to do. Finally one day I decided that enough was enough and I had to MAKE the time. Now it’s one of the first things I do every morning and it is a non-negotiable in my life.
I also love how your coaching with Jane prompted her to say “no” more often. That one word has changed my life. Best of luck with your program. I know it will be nothing short of FABULOUS.