Have you heard “Henry Ford’s quote “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.”?
We should not overlook the power our minds play in determining our future.
And this what this vlog is about?
I’m Dana, a Producer / Director of short form content, talking to you about the importance of a positive mindset and community when striving to achieve goals. Being a creative can be tough emotionally. So here’s some thoughts I have learnt from my mentors along the way.
If you want the reputation as someone who makes things happen, no matter what, if you want to build up a network of people to accomplish that ‘thing’ it starts with believing yourself.
WOW cheesy, I know.
Note, I didn’t say ‘it’s the only thing’ I said it’s the first thing.
So repeat the quote from Phil Cooke’s book “Jolt” after me.
“I am already standing on a mountain of value. My story is valuable, my experience is unique and I am worth my weight in gold.”
Science has proven that when you give people a label they tend to live up to it. It can effect behaviour in a very deep way.
So with that in mind, why would we continue to tell ourselves that we are rubbish?
Stop it.
Now that we have allowed ourselves the freedom to take a chance and to not let limitations in our lives limit our progress. To recognise our own fear inside of us and make a decision to not allow fear to steal our future. – I’m stealing the words from Erwin McManus now, but he’s right.
You take a risk, because it often comes with a great reward.
Before you start a creative process, put yourself in a positive mindset. Our emotional state has a big impact in our ability to think creatively, being in a happy mood makes you more productive.
You can do that by surrounding yourself with greenery, plants… its proven it reduces stress. Also stand up and walk around, let the oxygen flow to the brain, which produces … creativity.
While you are in that positive mind set, surrounded by plants, walking around, I want you to think about why you’re doing what you’re doing. What do you want to accomplish in the world?
Who are you serving?
You need to believe in it as much as yourself. We spend so many hours working, you want to make sure you’re doing something you love. The people who like what they do, are the ones making a bigger impact.
One person can make a difference in the world.
Also, believe that what you are working towards, is bigger than you and because of that, DeVon Franklin encourages us to always walk in discipline, commitment and integrity. I’ve said that before, but it’s worth repeating.
So let’s take responsibility for your dreams. Write it down. The most effective way to generate change is recording it. Simply by writing it down increases your chances for success. Ideas are the most fragile thing in the world. So if you don’t write them down, they could be lost forever.
Did you know that your subconscious mind helps us think creatively and is great with decision making? Our unconscious mind is goal ‘directed’.
So all those times you’ve been sleeping and have dreamed up a solution to a problem … write it down, it’s not as useless as you may think.
Also, take responsibility of your dreams by then scheduling in time to work towards them. Stop scheduling in lesser things to the top of your list. Easier said than done I know.
I have recognised that I do this all time. It’s something I struggle with. So being aware of my process will help me implement a changed behaviour.
So how do we avoid distraction?
It takes more than passion, talent, and determination. It takes walking in the path of non distraction. This is where writing things down comes in handy.
Also find your people. There are a bunch of likeminded individuals who share your drive for change. Joining up with people outside your industry gives you great exposure to unrelated information which gets creative juices flowing. New people triggers new thoughts and fresh ideas.
These people share your character values.
Your group doesn’t have to have the same idea, or industry, but by meeting up regular to share progress is a great way to help keep yourself accountable and give you a measure to track progress.
James Clear in his book ‘Atomic Habits’ suggests a “Decision journal” for all the major decision you make during the year to reflect on. Amazing idea!
To sum up
Be intentional about your goal, and be committed to live strategically and with purpose, believing in the bigger picture and collecting a group of like minded people to support and encourage you as you do them.
It may not always feel good, but embrace the suck (as Brene Brown says) with a smile and a positive attitude and reach out to your team when you need help.
Don’t allow distractions to kill your dream and stop you from achieving your purpose.
If you want more tips on how to produce more creative work I will happily share my motivational mentor list with you. Just PM me or send me an email.
dana@dananewell.com.au
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