[CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED] Doing What's Important http://ezezine.com In this issue, learn tactics for focusing on and actually accomplishing your priorities. CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED! from Turning Point Strategies and Lyle T. Lachmuth I have a small sign posted on the top of my computer monitor. It says, "The secret of success for an ENFP is to 'Prioritize, Focus, and Follow Through'". I copied this piece of advice from the book, "Do What You Are." I 'd encourage you to check the book out for its advice for your type. That advice works really, really well. And, for me, is one of the most difficult things I to do. I've found the same is true for many of my clients. The thing we most need to do in order to succeed is also the most difficult. After reading the last issue, did you set at least one priority? If not, I'd encourage you to stop reading this issue. Reread the last issue. Do the exercises. Define your priorities. So, you've got some priorities defined. But, how do you ensure you are... ======================================================================= HOT LINKS Read the last issue of CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED here: https://member.ezezine.com/home/72/72-2005.05.08.13.26.archive.txt Read more about DOING WHAT'S IMPORTANT at my Blog: http://lyletlachmuth.typepad.com/turningpoints/ View information about and/or buy the book "Do What You Are" -- http://www.personalitytype.com/dwya/ Discover your Enneagram Type here at my coach's site: http://enneagramcentral.com/testa.htm ======================================================================= DOING WHAT'S IMPORTANT What's preventing you from getting the 'important stuff' done? Here's 2 of the most frequent reasons for NOT doing what's important: #1 MY 'REAL' JOB GETS IN THE WAY Many of my clients -- writers, coaches, designers, shamanic professionals, consultants, and the like -- have struggled with balancing the demands of a full-time 'job' with doing what they love. And, with creating a full-time career focused on doing what they love. Is your 'job' getting in the way of your 'career'? This has been my own struggle on and off for years. Here's what I've learned from my own experience and the wisdom of my clients. 1) Accept What Is We have only so much energy to go around. And, I mean physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual energy. To be successful as an Artistic-type you need as much of each of these 4 kinds of energy as you can muster. Stop wasting your energy b-tching, complaining, and whining about how rotten your real job is. Or, about how much time it takes. How little energy you have. And, so on. I know, from personal experience, that it ain't easy to stop belly aching. Sometimes your situation really sucks. It's painful. And, you can't see a way out. Life just feels rotten. And, you need to 'talk about it". Okay, do that. But, make a contract with yourself. If you can't stop cold turkey. Limit yourself to say 30 minutes, once a day of complaining. Then spend that time ranting, raving, writing, wailing, whatever gets the poison out. Pouching a pillow, ala Gestalt therapy, is a really great way. Accepting WHAT IS and restricted venting frees up energy you can put to productive use DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. 2) Read my Blog for the next week for other ideas for dealing with your job getting in the way of your career aspirations. ======================================================================= QUOTES "Put first things first!" -- Stephen Covey, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" "If you want to make god laugh, tell him your plans" -- Carolyn Myss, "Spiritual Madness" "I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything.. at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything." -- Dan Millman, author "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" ======================================================================= DOING WHAT'S IMPORTANT - continued #2 MY FAMILY GETS IN THE WAY My writing and coaching life was so much easier when I was single, living by myself. No question families make demands of us. It's more challenging with a life partner and in spite of the fact that my children are older and independent. Relationships are important for the joy and support they provide. But, they do bring demands. But, do we have to let those demands run our life? No! Now, the advice I'm about to give won't be easy for some of you. Why? Because you're hard wired to respond to the demands of your family -- first and foremost. How does hard wiring happen? And, who does it happen to? There are at least three kinds of people who are hard wired to put their own interests second and their families first? They are women (mothers), first-borns, and givers. Whether you believe in evolution or not, you know that women, and especially mothers, are programmed to think first about what's best for their kids and their families. If you're the first born in your family, you know the messages you got from your parents: you're responsible for your siblings; you must properly represent the family in the community; you must do well in school; and so on. Family first, first born last. Family systems also shape, sometimes warp, our personality and approach to life. The Enneagram is a wonderful tool for understanding how our family and the events we experienced as a child shape our responses to life, including our view of responsibility. For example, some of us learn early on that the road to survival in our family is to become a Giver or Helper. That's the unconscious role I choose. The folks who have a real challenge are those who fall in more than one of these categories Okay, suppose you've been programmed in one or more of these ways. What can you do to overcome that programming? A) Become aware of your programmed responses. Change starts with awareness. Pay attention to the programmed ways you respond to others. What happens when hubby interrupts your writing? Do you habitually stop and help out? What about the kids? B) See what triggers your programmed response What triggers you to drop what's important to you and invest that time and energy in something else? Is it a particular tone of voice? That familiar plaintive whine of the kids that you FEAR is only going to get worse if you don't respond. Knowing the triggers can allow us to take a different action ======================================================================= WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE? What's your excuse for not doing what you love? My giveaway is still in effect! Send me your answer to this question: "What are the 1 or 2 biggest barriers to your living the life of your dreams?" I'll send you a complimentary Special Report and I'll publish my answer(s) to your question in a future edition of this ezine. CLICK HERE mailto:LyleTLachmuth@gmail.com?subject=MyExcuse ======================================================================= DOING WHAT'S IMPORTANT - continued C) Devise a different response You know what triggers you. In advance, plan a different response. If you can, brainstorm several possible different responses. Then pick one that you think will have the best chance of getting the outcome you want. That is, to not be interrupted. To have time for yourself. Whatever it is that YOU want and need. For example, you might decide that instead of automatically responding to that whiny voice, you'll pop on a set of head phones and turn on the music. Or, just maybe, you could tackle the problem head on, in advance. Tell the kids, and hubby, mom's writing from 4 - 6 (or whatever time). Do not disturb me unless the house is burning down!" Then close the door of your 'office'. Put a sign that says, "Writer at work! DO NOT DISTURB on pain of death! D) Stick to your new plan When you change they will change. Eventually. So, when they knock on the door (and THEY WILL) ignore the little buggers (and the big one too!). Over time they'll adapt. NEXT ISSUE: Doing What's Important, Part Two See you May 22nd, Lyle Lachmuth MSOD,CDP,CRT(Hons) The Unsticking Coach (TM) Helping Creative Professionals Live Their Dreams Turning Point Strategies Box 72140 RPO Glenmore Landing | Calgary, AB CANADA T2V 5H9 T: 403-390-4768 | E: :LyleTLachmuth [at] Gmail.com =================================================================== ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER Join or leave this list here: http://home.ezezine.com/72/ Past issues here: http://home.ezezine.com/72 PRIVACY POLICY: I collect your name and contact information solely to enable me to send you this newsletter and other information on a periodic basis. I will not rent, trade, or sell your name and contact information to anyone, at any time, for any reason! CAVEAT: CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED and its publisher, are not engaged in providing therapy. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety only, including copyright, legal, and contact information. Copyright 2005 Turning Point Strategies and Lyle T. Lachmuth