5 Tips from a Creativity Expert on Focusing and Energizing Your Routine   

While I was waiting for a cab recently, a woman approached me to rave over my choice of handbag. As she walked away, she noted that I seemed the kind of woman who has her life together.  In full disclosure, I was rocking a Kate Spade tote with the words “Eat cake for breakfast” stamped across the front of it. Depending on how strongly you feel about dessert, you may disagree with her assessment of me. But her compliment made me wonder: What does a woman who has her life together look like, anyway? If you’re anything like me, as you try to become the best version of yourself, your personal definition of a twenty-first century, formidable woman shifts all the time.

Right now, here’s the kind of woman I would like to be: One who is unapologetic; asks for what she deserves; reads more book pages than tweets; always makes her yoga classes; and applies winged eyeliner like she’s Adele. That woman? She has her life together. If only achieving goals were as simple as making them, though. Life has other ideas, and distractions, obstacles and insecurities pop up every day. (Also, Adele has the major advantage of having her own makeup artist.)

Given this, how do you find it in yourself to focus? Recently, at SXSW, Becky Simpson, an illustrator and designer, shared how she pushes herself. An Adobe Creative Resident, she has created two books and an online shop, Chipper Things, using the following tips and tricks to maximize creativity, energy, and focus.

Pick One Thing
Did you know for the first 500 years, the word “priority” existed only as a singular noun? Simpson explained that often the problem with focusing is not a lack of time, but our need to do too many things with the time we do have. So figure out your version of “priority.” What’s your one thing? Figure out what’s most important to you, and focus on that priority. After all, we get things done by getting one thing done. I know I’m guilty of skipping my yoga class if I’m going to be a few minutes late, but Simpson reminded me not to let my circumstances dictate my habits. Starting somewhere now is better than starting somewhere later.

Give Yourself a Time Limit
Starting something new can be intimidating. Your goal will feel even more out of reach if there’s no finish line, though. So, note: choose a timeframe for your goal, and begin working toward it. When Simpson made the decision to create a new piece of art daily, she did so for one hundred days. She admitted that not every piece of art was incredible, but that was fine. At the end of the day, regardless of how her art turned out, she spent time creating. That was what mattered. That was her goal. She measured her success by her own progress: her timeframe. By focusing on this, she didn’t get caught up in the cycle of comparing herself to other people.

Do Your Thing First
We all have daily meetings, appointments and other obligations locked into our calendars, but have you ever scheduled time for yourself? It may sound a little silly, but setting aside time specifically to work toward your goal will help you reach it. Are you a morning person? Do your thing over coffee before you focus on anything else. Or maybe you feel more focused later in the day. If so, make your goal part of your nightly routine. The point is, pick a time of day when you’re at your best, and stick to it. You will never regret making time for what truly matters to you.

Accountability Works
Expressing your goal makes your commitment real. Share it with a significant other, friend or colleague who can help keep you accountable. Better yet, find someone with a similar goal and work toward it together. When Simpson set her goal, she enlisted the help of a friend who created art with her. You will have rough days that cause you to struggle and lose motivation, so having a partner who can keep you positive about your progress is important.

Follow your Enthusiasms
Remember why you’re doing this. A goal should be something you are passionate about, so reflect upon its importance in your life. Focusing on the why will make the how a little easier. As you build upon this excitement, don’t forget to applaud yourself along the way. One of Simpson’s best pieces of advice: If it’s not fun, you’re doing it wrong. I wholeheartedly agree.

What are you waiting for? Start now!