How does a creative person manage to do the things that are most important? To follow your Bliss(es), rather than getting bogged down by other stuff?
One necessary tool is the ability to say no – not just to stuff you don’t want to do, but to good stuff too. That’s the hard part: you’ve got to learn to say no to the good, in favor of the great.
If you’re on my mailing list, watch for a little gift from me very soon, to help you clarify and pinpoint your Goods versus your Greats, and figure out what you can let go of to make way for what you really, really want. (And if you’re not on my mailing list, you can sign up to the right.)
PS – Did this video make you think of some “good-but-not-great” things you can let go of, to make more space for your Blis(es)? Let us know in the comments what you’re ready to give up to get more Great in your life!
Right on, good advice – I am often the first to leave nighttime social gatherings and events so I can make sure I go to bed early to be able to get up at five to paint. It works for me but took a while to get into the habit of it.
Good for you, Lisa! That has got to be one of the hardest things for me, as I seriously hate missing out. Hate. Missing. Out. But I’ve learned that I have to, if I’m going to get the juiciest stuff.
Take last week at Jazz Camp West. I hated missing out on the late-night jams, but the daytime classes were a higher priority, so off to bed I went. (Though I will note that my bedtimes creeped a bit later as the week went on, and I went whole hog the last night and was up til 3… And I will also note that I ended up with a migraine as a result on the last day. Meh. 😎
I used to have a friend who was a wonderful model of this — she was very good at saying no to stuff in order to take care of herself. She’s still my hero in that regard!
Great post Melissa! Any tips on those who are looking to gain clarity on what they love, so that they know what to put on the front burner? I’m seeking what my thing is and I’m always out there searching, taking classes (things I’m interested in), buying e-programs, etc., etc. What is my bliss? I’m sputtering around and unclear. Having a hard time differentiating between good & great, when my clarity is lacking. Thanks ; )
Thanks for your comment, Jill! Sounds like you’re on the right path, trying all kinds of things. You may discover that something that didn’t thrill you at first later grabs you by the throat. That’s what happened to me with calligraphy and music! I know how frustrating it can be when you don’t have that clear passion leading you around by the nose — I’ve been there too. For me, it seemed that once I finally latched onto something, other passions started to emerge out of the woodwork.
Follow your heart. It may lead you on what feels like a wild goose chase at first, but your heart never lies. 🙂
Thanks Melissa ; )
Learning to say no to others, and the shoulds, and instead YES to my heart of joy, has been my lifelong quest. I only recently crossed the bridge into this new territory. I swear the sky is bluer and the grass is greener! Thank you for your part in this journey.
Kudos to you, Dena! Learning to say no to others and to the shoulds is HUGE! And a lifelong quest indeed. I’m honored to be part of your journey. 🙂