Monday was the first day in weeks that I wasn’t nauseous. No, I’m not pregnant.
It’s nothing too exciting. I’m suffering from some pretty bad allergies. You know when your nose is constantly running down into your stomach and it gives you that sour stomach feeling? That’s what was happening with me.
Anyways, I saw my awesome doctor who gave me this nose spray that has kept my nose from running like a leaking faucet. Thanks, doc! The slime coming out of me was really unattractive and I’m a little vain.
Plus, I like to eat, and I hadn’t had an appetite in weeks.
You wanna know what I scarfed down in one day, because I finally had my appetite back? Green juice, a tofu breakfast sandwich, tater tots, chips and salsa, strawberries, a tomato sandwich, some more chips and salsa, two bean burritos with tomatoes and arugula, another breakfast sandwich, and another helping of tater tots. And, if I’m being completely honest, I also indulged in a couple Skinny Girl margaritas {BTW, I highly recommend this delicious cocktail}.
If that was my daily habit, vegan or not, I’d be overweight and unhealthy.
I gave myself that day to indulge, because I was finally feeling better, and I had lost seven pounds due to not eating very much over the past month.
Then, Tuesday came along, and I practiced restraint. I didn’t eat two lunches and dinners like I had the day before. I went back to my normal habits of eating three meals and a snack. This keeps me satisfied, healthy, and happy.
You’ve built up habits that impact your business, health, personal success, and happiness. Are these habits hurting or helping you?
Watch this week’s video to find out more about the impact of your habits on your success. Oh, and before you hit play, just know that this is what happens when you let your husband pick up false eyelashes for you–they’re out of control big and way too Kim Kardasian-like for my taste. Yes, I wear false eyelashes in my videos–I already told you that I’m vain.
I really love this video, because what you say is so true. Our habits really do set up our day. I actually created an entire product around this, Creative Day Spark Ends. Because what you do at the beginning and end of your day frames your entire day and literally makes or breaks it.
I personally have to kick my habit of unhealthy eating. Like you, I am vegan. But I still find myself eating way too much bread and pasta and chips. Bad, bad, bad. And then I feel sluggish and I don’t feel like work. Need to change that…my mornings are great. Green juice (I call it my Shrek Shake) and I am good to go. But by lunch time I am guzzling again.
In terms of business though, having a to-do list is key. Otherwise it goes haywire!
Thanks for your awesome advice around buildng new habits – brilliant!
Thanks Michelle!
Yes, I so agree that starting your morning off right is sooooooo important! I always have a better day when I make an effort to get productive right away.
To-do lists are like a good friend to me…I have to know what’s on my list for that day or I get sidetracked and don’t get a lot done. I always have my daily to-do list ready to go for the next day before I stop things in the evening.
PS: Love the lashes 🙂
😉
Good morining!
I am confused. I heard you say, “I’m a morning person”, hummmm.
Well iI guess you can change your habits after all! You go girl!
I got that lighting problem in the bag. I will bring you the answer next weekend.
C ya soon!
Mom…I have grown up since I was a teenager.
Oooh, such a good topic! I recently built a new habit of doing something creative first thing in the morning, even before I’ve had my coffee. Normally, it’ll just be a small doodle, but this tiny little act of making art puts me in a relaxed, creative mindset all day long. I’ve only been doing it for a couple of weeks, but I have to say that I’m pretty hooked!
Oh, that’s a good one! Thank for sharing Adriana!
I have been executing a new habit recently- I used to get up and get my boy off to school and then shower + work, but now I make sure to bring my exercise clothes with me to the bathroom so that I exercise after. I don’t like to exercise or do anything really, unless I’ve had that morning shower. I will take another if I get all sweaty 😉 It’s a little thing, but it really makes all the difference! I think your video was great, btw, I don’t see a difference 😉
That’s interesting. I love how you’ve figured out what works for you–and if that means two showers a day, that means two showers! I get some of my best ideas in the shower, so two a couldn’t hurt.
Thanks! I’m so picky when it comes to lighting. I actually just ordered a whole video lighting kit because I wasn’t happy with the results from this last video, but it’s good to know that other people don’t notice! 🙂
Oh and we love you just the way you are April!
Thanks Meghan!
I thought the lighting looked fine! And I love all your backgrounds and your lashes! 🙂
Great video…I often find myself plugging away at little projects in the morning, answering emails, etc. and then I realize it is almost noon and I feel like I have gotten nothing done. I’m definitely more productive in the mornings and that is when I should be diving in and tackling the big projects, leaving those other things for later in the afternoon when I’m not feeling so much like working.
Thanks Dana! I’m so picky, and I can tell the difference.
Yes, change those daily habits around and you might find that your productivity skyrockets!
You are so right!
I need to re-install the habit of exercise and sunshine. I’m always happier and more motivated when I get in a little sunshine. Too long have I been spending my mornings putzing around until noon, then I try to get everything done at once and my time in the afternoon in spent trying to make up the time I’ve lost, which is totally futile, I know!
Anyway, your video was right on. Thank you for taking the time to inspire us and to make us think. I really appreciate it!!!
By the way, your eyelashes looked fine in the video and the lighting was fine as well. You are gorgeous! I really loved your background, too. Way to go, girl!
Thanks again and have a great day!
Hey Joy!
Me, too! My family actually started calling me a vampire, because I was spending soooo much time inside and on my business. Now, I’ve gotten into the habit of walking my dogs twice a day which gets me out of the house and into the sun!
You’re soooooo welcome! I’m glad it came at a good time.
Oh, geez…thanks! ***blush***
I hope you have such a lovely day, too!
First, I think your video quality is spot on! I especially loved the background. I made it a habit to work on the time consuming beadwoven jewelry that I love only during my lunch break at work. I even made a schedule of what projects I will be working on so it keeps me going. This habit lets me bring the “real me” to my office job, assures I will be able to continue to make and sell this product, and frees up my home time for metal jewelry that is not portable like my beads are. Now, if only I could get up on time!
Thanks Michele! It’s so funny to me that no one else sees much of a difference. But, I notice it because I spend way more time taping, looking at, and editing these videos.
That’s great. Figuring out what works for you is key to being more productive.
Hahaha…I struggle with getting up, too. I don’t have a set time that I need to be up by, but I try to set one for myself or I could sleep until 10am.
So true! So true! I’m a creature of habit….but I’m coming out of it, thankfully, and creating a much better ‘day’ of habits. yay!
Love the video, not to dark. 🙂
Thanks Kristin!
I have to chuckle about that little interaction with your hubby at the end. You still look good, even in less-than-ideal conditions. 🙂
I recently made the switch to a vegan diet, and WOW. At first I was sort of dragging my feet – emotionally I wanted to make the switch but I was also really sad because I ate a LOT of dairy products in the past (the meat didn’t bother me as much). But seriously, after about 2 weeks I feel SO much better every single day than I did before. I came home yesterday from running errands and actually chose to make a salad as a snack because I hadn’t had raw, fresh veggies in a while. I feel so much more energetic and positive about things just because I’m eating a healthier, plant-based diet.
Anyway, my next habit is to get back into using my planner to make a daily To Do list. I’m a lot more productive when I have that LIST staring me in the face all day, and lately I’ve neglected that and at the end of the day I feel somewhat unfulfilled, like I could have done more but didn’t.
Oh yeah, and I really should start exercising, too … 🙂
Thanks Jess!
I was the same way–hooked to dairy but not so much meat. Love hearing this!
Hahahahaha…put exercise on your daily to-do list 😉
Dear April,
Thank you so much for the Wednesday Wisdoms, they keep me going!! And everything is soooooo true!! But right now we are in the middle of emigrating again, and I can’t seem to figure out how to maintain all my good habits and intentions….All I can think about is the movers coming in two weeks, the rental agency that will take all our money (oh well, not sure it is true, but I am a little fatalistic), where we will live, etc etc…
A lot of things happening at the moment, just as I was on the right track!! Having your own creative business sure is hard sometimes….but then again, oh so rewarding as well.
Keep up the good work and keep those lashes!
You’re so welcome Vivian! I’m glad you enjoy them.
I understand. I recently moved and it was more than difficult to keep up daily routines. I kept telling myself that I’d get there and try to do my best–that’s all any of us can do.
Your eyelashes are lovely. The lighting seems just as good as it was in your previous home.
The only thing I find very distracting is the constant motion of your hands. I am one of your biggest fans (and probably the oldest too), and I enjoy your enthusiasm, your intelligence, your advice, your artistry, and I wish you great success.
Thanks Marian!
I know–I didn’t realize that I move my hands soooooo much until I watched this video. I’m going to work on getting that under control!
Hi April,
Unlike much of the e-mail that clogs up my in-box these days, I look forward to your Wednesday Wisdom Series posts!
I admit I to having a love/hate relationship with this topic because I know I’m a terrible procrastinator!
The tip about getting into the habit of doing some work before opening e-mail & checking social media is great – these tasks have become extreme time wasters for me.
By the way it’s such a relief to see I’m not the only one who is fussy & gets frustrated trying to get the details just right in their work – thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Melanie!
We all have problems with procrastination, but those daily habits that you build into your routine will definitely help. If I were to let it, social media and email could consume my entire day–not good!
another great Wednesday Wisdom video – I started the habit of drinking green smoothies daily (and just finished reading Crazy Sexy Diet – love it!) and eating healthier, and have not had sweets/ice cream in a few weeks – the smoothies fix my sweet craving – yay!……I have a lot more energy than I did 2 weeks ago and have been able stay focused on tasks much better
my next positive ‘habit’ I want to conquer is to stick to my exercise videos…as that is one I do sporadically…so that is the next hurdle
I also found an online ‘to-do list that I like (so far) called teux-deuz – its free and works on iphones as well (with an app) – yay!
ps…love the eyelashes!
Thanks Amy! Yay for green smoothies!
I’ve heard good things about that application–thanks for including it here. I like to keep my daily to-do list written down next to me and cross off each thing as I accomplish it. Something about crossing things off makes me feel really good!
oh yes – I also have a written one that I like, and use Mayi Carles – ‘daily post-it prioritizer too) – but figured this one may be helpful if I am out/at a show and think of something I want to add – I can add it on my phone (once I upgrade – I think I am the only person left who does not have an iPhone!)..
I use to-do lists designed by the lovely Mayi Carles, too! Having pretty to-do lists make the experience much more enjoyable.
Hey April , my biggest change this year has been limiting my time on social media . I wasnt spending huge amounts of time on it, but it was the way I was doing it. Checking my Iphone at breakfast, lunch ,dinner and other odd times. My hubby felt – err- left out !
So anyway, once I streamlined my timing and the times on social media , its made my life so much easier. I am more productive and not constantly checking twitter etc.. I always catch up with the latest posts eventually ! And , my hubby doesnt feel ignored ! 😉
Love the eyelashes !
Oh yeah–unplugging is soooooooo necessary! I could spend all day on social media and responding to email if I let myself. I have to set limits.
April,
I have watched your videos for a little while now and I enjoy what you put together. This one in particular was great because I hadn’t ever thought about the habits I’ve unintentionally developed until you shared the examples in the video.
Having felt a real need recently for making changes I’d like to develop a habit of doing at least an hour of creative work in the morning right after I get ready. So painting, drawing, creative (non-blog) writing. I’ve already realized that in order to be successful in that I’ll need to change my environment and have things set up so it’s easy to sit down and go.
Thanks for your great post this week, eyelashes and all!
Thanks Kagan!
I love that habit. Environment can definitely help you make or break habits–love that you brought this up!
Hi April,
thank you so much for your vlog!
I really need some time to sit down and think about what habbits I have right now, if they’re good for me and what new habbits I’d like to get into my life.
And just to tell you, when I was watching your vlog I really thought (before the end) ‘I love the light in there, it’s perfect’.
You’re so welcome!
Thanks! I guess it’s that perfectionism in me that knows the difference and can’t let it go!
I’m lovin´the Kardishan look your doing with the lashes. A little bit of fantasy now and then is never a bad thing 😉 And I have to comment on the vegan food fest you just had. I’m soo jealous! Being vegan and gluten-free in Spain kind of sucks. I’m going back home to SF next month and I’m going to eat at every vegan restaurant there is and buy everything vegan and gluten free and shove it into my luggage 🙂
Anyways, my bad habit that is really wreaking havoc is my bedtime. I am determined to get my butt in bed by 10 or 11p. Not to diss Spanish culture or anything, there are obviously things to love about it or I wouldn’t be here for as long as I have, BUT they eat dinner at like 9 or 10 (or later) and get to bed super late. I’ve been trying so hard to stick to my American bedtime, but it’s been impossible here.
But I’m going back to it slowly but surely. I know I work best super early in the am, so I’m forcing myself to disconnect from work+internet+iPhone by the evening, have an early dinner, some time w/ my man and then off to bed. I tell myself whatever didn’t get done today, will have to get done tomorrow. Getting full beauty rest, waking up early doing my spiritual practices and yoga before starting my day is a routine that makes me feel GREAT. So with that “destination postcard” in mind, I can keep striving towards turning this bad habit around.
The ease of veganism and being gluten-free definitely depends on where you are. Kris and I eat at home 95% of the time, because there just aren’t many options for eating out in Blacksburg. The food we make is usually so much better. I hope you have so much fun indulging in SF.
Oh yes–if you get your best work done in the morning, making mornings your priority is a must. Kris and I often get invited to do things with friends that entails staying up late and if it’s a week day, it’s usually a no for me, because I know it will impact my workday. Every once in a while, I’ll make an exception–but not often.