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The Importance of Exercise for Your Business

By on February 22, 2012 in Creative Business Development, Productivity

Chaotic. Stressed. Tired. Excited. Motivated.

That’s what I’m feeling this morning.

My husband and I are moving from one home to another, and anybody who’s moved knows that it’s not the easiest process. At this moment, I have paint splattered on my glasses, arms, sweatpants, and sneakers from waking up at 6am to paint the hallway before getting my work day started. We’re painting every room in the house and trying to get it done by Friday, because that’s when we’re installing hardwood floors into practically the entire house.

Whenever we move, we get really ambitious about what we can accomplish, because it’s so much easier to paint and do things like put in hardwood floors when the house is still empty. But, that usually entails lots of early mornings and late evenings.

That brings me to today’s video.

This is the perfect week for me to say, “Screw it. I don’t have time to exercise. I have to paint all the rooms in our new home while keeping up with my business.” That’s the exact opposite of what I should do. Taking short workout breaks throughout the day will keep me energized, so I can focus on writing blog posts, working with the lovely ladies in my Six Weeks to a Creative Business ecourse, and preparing for my next ecourse. It’ll also help me stay energized, so I have the stamina to paint this evening.

It’s easy to put off things like exercise when you’re having a super busy, stress-filled week, but exercising will actually help you deal with that stress. Watch today’s video for more {and to see the beautiful snowy backdrop!}.

Video posts mentioned in this week’s video: No Time to Work Out? Try This via Marie Forleo and My Happy Magic Pill Revealed via Mayi Carles.

Do you have ways that you sneak exercising into your busy days and weeks? Share them in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this week’s video, please share it:

The Importance of Exercise for Your Business http://bit.ly/A6uRfv New on @blacksburgbelle {click to tweet}

Comments { 32 }

Are You Keeping Up With Your New Year’s Resolutions?

By on January 19, 2012 in ARTrepreneur, Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity

{Personal Image}

We’re nearing the end of the third week in January.

This is the point where I notice less people at the gym, because they’re starting to give up on their goals—their New Year’s resolutions.

They’re starting to realize that the goals they set weren’t realistic, they didn’t realize how tough it would be to make the change, or they don’t care enough about losing 15 pounds before bathing suit season to wake up an hour earlier.

This is also the point where I notice people not following through on their business plans. They started out the New Year strong and have tapered off.

I have a few suggestions on how you can deal with this, so you’re not one of those people who end up saying, “How did 2012 go by so fast? There was so much I wanted to do and change, and it didn’t happen.”

1. Don’t give up when you slip.

Making changes isn’t easy. That’s just the truth. So, when you decide that you’re going to work on your business for an hour after dinner at least three nights a week, you might realize that it isn’t as easy as just making that decision. Stuff comes up.

Scientists disagree on how long it takes to form a habit, but it usually takes at least 30 days. Once you’ve done something for a month, it becomes easier to keep doing it, because you start to do it more on autopilot. Before this time, most of us have slip ups. These slip ups determine whose going to make it and who won’t. The people who make big changes learn from their slip ups, they understand that making mistakes along the way is part of the process, and they keep moving forward.

2. Get to know your triggers and plan for them.

We all have triggers that keep us from our goals. I just started learning some new knitting techniques, and I’m really excited about them. I also have some episodes of Grey’s Anatomy sitting in the queue of my Tivo. I love to watch/listen to Grey’s Anatomy and knit. I don’t feel as bad about watching television when I do something else along with it—like knitting.

This is a trigger for me. I could be knitting and watching Grey’s instead of working and writing this post. I have to plan for that trigger. I have a rule about it. I’m not allowed to watch and knit until at least 5:45 pm. My husband usually doesn’t get home from work until 6:30 pm, so that gives me time to watch one episode and knit while fast forwarding through the commercials. I don’t get to do it every day, but having that rule in place keeps me from playing couch potato girl.

3. Tell other people about your goals and the changes you want to make.

Today, I spent an hour talking with Mayi Carles from heartmade. We were catching up, talking about our recent launches, and making plans for 2012. That hour inspired me, gave me new ideas, and will help me hold myself accountable. If I tell someone I’m going to do something, I’m more likely to do it. When I feel inspired because I’m around like-minded people, I’m more likely to stay motivated.

One way you can do this is by joining a community like ARTrepreneur {enrollment closes January 30th}. You’d be surrounded by people who want the same things you want, who are willing to tell you their secrets and failures, and who want to see you succeed. That’s one of the things that I love about it.

Tell me. Where you at with those New Year’s resolutions?

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Hitting a Post-Holiday Sales Slump? How to Use This Time Wisely

By on January 4, 2012 in Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity, Success

We all want sales, but downtime can be your friend if you use it wisely.

In between big projects, I always give myself more time to do fun stuff like baking vegan chocolate chip cookies, reading a new Jodi Picoult novel, and watching girls breakdown on The Bachelor. But, I also use the time to get ahead, plan out creative marketing ideas, and stock up on blog posts.

In this week’s video, I give you five ideas on how you can use time in between sales to your advantage. Check it out:

Wanna quick recap? Here are the five ideas on how to fill your downtime:

1. Make a marketing plan to get out of your feast or famine cycle.

2. Pitch a guest post or interview.

3. Stock up on your best-selling items.

4. Stock up on blog posts.

5. Take a class related to your craft or a business class that will help you move forward in your business.

Have you heard?

In a couple weeks, I’ll be launching a group coaching program for crafters, artists, and creatives who want to turn their passion into a business. It’s a simple, straight-forward course that will walk you through each step to setting up a successful creative biz. Want to know when it launches and get in on the special only for newsletter subscribers? Sign up below.

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3 Must-Read Books That’ll Increase Your Success in 2012

By on December 14, 2011 in Creative Business Development, Goals, Productivity, Success

I’m a book fanatic. I seriously think I have a problem, because I cannot go into a bookstore without buying at least one book–usually it’s more like eight, but who’s counting? I’ve probably read over 50 business-related books this past year. In today’s video, I picked three books that made a big impact on me and that I highly recommend.

And, here’s a quick recap of the 3 books:

1. Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

2. The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One by Margaret Lobenstine

3. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath

Before you go, I’d love for you leave a book recommendation in the comments below. Did you read a book this year that rocked your world? A book that helped you be more successful? A book that you left you in awe? Or, a book that really helped your business? Please feed my book addiction!

Comments { 53 }

How Is Your Work Being Affected By What You Eat?

By on November 30, 2011 in Productivity

Have you thought much about what you’re eating and how productive/creative you are?

Over the past couple months, a few incidents have come up that have made me think more and more about the foods that I eat and how it affects my work.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I’m vegan and gluten-free. In this week’s video, I’m NOT trying to convert any of you. I just want you to start thinking about the foods that you’re eating and how they’re affecting your work and energy. And, I urge you to eat healthier {whatever that means for you} in order to be more productive and energized throughout the day.

Check out the video below.

Before you leave, let me know in the comments below if you made those paper things I used for my background this week when you were in elementary school. My husband and I have a bet going.

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Last Day to Register for RoadMap

By on November 28, 2011 in Productivity

How are all my U.S. friends doing after a long weekend of food and family for Thanksgiving? My parents came to visit and we stuffed ourselves with lots of vegan food and indulged in some wine. Good times.

Today’s post is gonna be short and sweet.

I just want to remind you that today is the last day that you can register for RoadMap. Registration closes at 9pm EST.

If you struggle with productivity, goal setting, starting and finishing projects, and procrastination, check it out. See if it’s for you. No pressure. You’re the best judge of whether this course is right for you.

To everyone who is already signed up, I can’t wait to work with you. Here’s to 2012 being much different than 2011!

That’s all for today.

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Make Things More Enjoyable + Why I Almost Smashed My Video Camera

By on November 23, 2011 in Goals, Productivity, Success

Do you make videos for your website or blog? If not, you’re not allowed to judge.

If you do, don’t you hate it when something interrupts your taping over and over and over? This video took WAY too many takes, because:

1. A loud bird kept squawking in the background. It’s lucky I’m vegan and don’t hurt animals cause I had some not-so-nice thoughts.

2. The tiny dog from three houses away that has the highest, most horrific bark decided to escape and stand right outside our yard and bark like crazy.

3. My dogs got all stirred up by the little dog.

4. My husband thought this was all soooooooooooooo funny and kept poking fun at me. And, he kept making faces that would completely distract me.

So, I had a mini meltdown over a video. I know. I’m not proud of it, but it happened. So, I thought I would share my mini meltdown with you for this week’s entertainment time. You’ll have to watch to end to see it.

Want a recap of the video?

Make things that you don’t really enjoy but need to do anyways more fun by adding something to them. For example, indulge in a gourmet cup coffee if you get up early to work on your creative business or listen to a book on tape as you fold laundry. When you make things more enjoyable, you’re more likely to do them and you’ll feel more refreshed and energized.

Before you go, I’ve got two important reminders:

1. This is the last week that you can register for RoadMap, because there is a week long homework assignment that must be finished before you start the course on December 5th. So, if you want in, get on it!

2. I put together a FREE 4-Day Training on How to Make a Big Change that is only available until November 28th. If you want to make a big change for 2012, check it out.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you’re going to make something in your life more enjoyable in the comments below.

Comments { 12 }

Why You Shouldn’t Wait for January to Set Your Business Goals

By on November 16, 2011 in Goals, Productivity, Success

Are you a New Year’s resolution person? Do you come up with things that you want to change at the start of each year?

How does that work for ya? Have you ever stuck with any of those goals long-term?

I’m not a New Year’s resolution person, but I am big on goal setting. I don’t think you should wait for a specific time of year to set goals and make changes.

You should make changes in your life and in your business whenever necessary, and you should always plan ahead. Without goals, what are you working towards?

In this week’s video, I’m encouraging you to think about what goals you’ve accomplished this year and what you want for your business for 2012. Start planning now. If you don’t, it’ll be March before you know it and you won’t have done anything different.

I want big things for you. Do you want big things for yourself?

I’ve put together a fun, downloadable worksheet to get you started!

Let me know in the comments below one goal you have for your biz in 2012. And, if you enjoyed this week’s bit of wisdom, please share it with others.

And, like I mentioned in the video, you can get more details on RoadMap right here. Registration ends November 28th.

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How to Make More Time for Your Important Work

By on November 9, 2011 in Productivity, Success

I don’t know if you know this about me, but I’m a girly girl.

I could spend an entire day shopping in Sephora, growing up I had a completely pink room, and I have a weakness for sparkly jewelry.

But, I’m also pretty tough. My husband would probably tell you that I’m not the kind of person you want to mess with. When it comes to people, I have no problem speaking my mind and standing up for myself. However, when it comes to spiders, I have a hard time keeping my cool.

What I’m about to show you will only add to the girly girl factor and take away from the tough factor. I’m good with that. Brace yourself for a loud scream around the 2:06 mark and then press play.

Want a recap of the video?

First, how fun is that background that I made for this video? Do you dig it?

Okay, now for the actual content. To make more time for your important work that will bring you closer to your professional goals, you need to take something that you’re currently doing that isn’t getting you any closer and ignore it, minimize it, or outsource it.

You want your work day to consist of mostly high leverage tasks that are getting you closer to your professional goal, and the only way to make this happen is to get rid of some of the other tasks. Again, you have three options in doing this: ignore it, minimize it, or outsource it.

If you want more help on making time for your important work and increasing productivity, check out RoadMap: Sparking Your Productivity to Get You There. Registration closes November 28th.

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Are You Lying to Yourself About How You Spend Your Time?

By on November 7, 2011 in Goals, Productivity, Success

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How do you view your time? Do you consider every minute precious or do you waste away hours and wonder where the time went?

Have you ever spent time considering how you want to be spending your time? Do you plan out time with your spouse? Do you know what you’re going to do the next time you have an hour to spend with your kids? Do you make time for yourself and carve out time for exercise?

I know this is a lot to think about. And, usually it’s not a pretty picture.

Many of us get completely lost in the day-to-day shuffle and we don’t consider how much time we’re wasting every day on stuff that doesn’t really matter.

We also lie to ourselves about how much time we spend on certain things. We lie to ourselves about how much time we spend watching television. We lie to ourselves about how much quality time we spend with friends, family, and our children. We lie to ourselves about how much time we’re focused and seriously working as opposed to roaming the internet.

We also lie to ourselves about our lack of choice. We make the excuse that we’re too busy for stuff—too busy to read that novel you’ve been meaning to read, too busy to send out a weekly email newsletter, too busy to walk your dogs, too busy to finish that painting.

I get it—we’re all busy. But, we also all make choices about how we spend our time each and every day.

I want you to stop to lying to yourself today, and I want you to take charge of your time. I’ve just launched a new course, Roadmap: Spark Your Productivity to Get You There. If you’re ready to take charge of your time, stop procrastinating, and take action, check out the details of this new course. Registration closes on November 28th.

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