Note from Stacey: Last week in her guest post Jennifer Lee explored what it’s like to be a creative business person trying to balance a plethora of passions. I was in awe of how this concept of creative business really struck a chord with so many of you. Isn’t it nice to know we’re not alone in our multitude of creative impulses? This week I am delighted that she is willing to share more of her great insights and suggestions. You can read more about Jennifer below.
Like a lot of us, a client of mine was juggling several passions, interests, and responsibilities while also struggling to find a way to make it all fit and not lose herself in the process. One of her favorite pastimes was cooking, so naturally we whipped up a metaphor of pots of soup bubbling (or sometimes boiling over!) on a stove.
We got out a large piece of paper, Post-it Notes, and markers to sketch her six-burner stovetop. Her pots might’ve looked something like the following with each category representing a different, delicious soup:
* Creative business
* Family/home life
* Self-care
* Volunteer project for kids
* Blogging
* New creative hobby
Next we looked at each pot of soup and asked things like “What temperature is this pot at now? Is it on high and ready to boil over? Or is it at a steady simmer? What temperature do you want it to be? And what do you need to adjust to make that happen? Which pots do you need to bring to the forefront and which can be on the backburner? Are there any new pots and, if so, which of the other pots needs to come off the stove for now?”
Her imaginary six-burner stove was a helpful visual to see all of the important aspects of her work and life in a manageable and meaningful way. It no longer felt like a chaotic kitchen with food and utensils whizzing about. Instead, she was able to focus on and prioritize her important “pots” in a way that nourished her.
What’s a metaphor that could help you with juggling all of your passions? Perhaps the pots-on-a-stove idea whets your appetite. Or what about getting inspired by the wishstudio necklace project? Imagine wearing a beautiful necklace with various charms representing all of your passions. What are the different charms? Which charm is the centerpiece right now? How can you keep each lovely charm sparkling?
Whatever metaphor you choose to play with, have fun. Use it to help you map out your 2010 and assess your progress along the way. Please share what you’ve got cookin’ for the new year!
Bon appétit!
Jennifer Lee is a coach/artist/writer/speaker/yogini/musepreneur/slasher/scanner. She is the founder of Artizen Coaching and the creator of the Right-Brain Business Plan. She loves yoga, painting, reading and hanging out with her husband and dog. She blogs at Life Unfolds.
