<p> <em> "In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia." Unknown</em></p>
<p>We are tormented by the calendar. We have become a slave to busyness; yet, we manage to just spin our wheels in doing empty tasks. We are obsessed with filling in our days with something. I took a week off to do nothing and I did not do it well. I was tired and rest was top on the list. First, I bought and put together two bookcases, organized my living room and bedroom closet. I invited subscribers to be part of this newsletter, lined up guest articles, interviews and three people to write a tips section. Besides doing laundry, shopping I also watched one movie, visited one art exhibit, wrote a column, a newsletter and wrote one article. I did rest but felt guilty that I did not do enough with my vacation. How crazy is that? </p>
<p>June is a month for beginnings and for endings. Graduations have come and weddings are all around. We may be packing up to move to a new city and a new job. Or we are beginning a new life with a new person and leaving behind what we once knew. We can kick off our shoes and relax a little. We can begin that new renovation project on our home. Start a new diet, read a good thick and juicy novel. Or we finally face the blank page and begin to act creatively. What to do? </p>
<p>We have goals and dreams to fulfill. The tension to do is great. The desire for creation is powerful. </p>
<p>How can we best use that tension and desire to live a wonderful creative life? </p>
<p>First, accept that there is tension in living. You may want to try and eliminate it all. The best thing to do is to eliminate needless tension. Good planning helps. Designate a day to review your calendar for the month. Plan out what needs to be done. Remember to include things like bill paying, birthdays and events you want to attend. Spend five to ten minutes at the beginning and end of the day to review your schedule. Eliminate time wasters, adjust tasks and delegate where you can.</p>
<p>Second, creative tension is a great catalyst to complete a project. If you are planning a great work of art, a novel or a business launch there is a certain amount of tension that goes along with the process. The tension may feel uncomfortable but it lets you know that things are in the works. Spend time in creative reflection. It doesn't have to be about list writing, calendar reviewing or busy work. Take some time and enjoy and just day dream about you are creating. Let your mind wander. Watch clouds go by. See what your subconscious can stir up.</p>
<p>Thirdly, use friends, families and business associates in the best way possible. Creative brainstorming over dinner and coffee can produce some wonderful ideas for old and new goals. Ask the people in your life to support you meeting your goals. You can diet with a friend. Or, get the whole family involved in an organizing project. Work with your co-workers to set limits on interruptions and allow for goal setting, daydreaming and planning.</p>
<p>Set goals to lead a creative and productive life. Don't set goals to fill in the empty spaces. Allow for downtime to exist. Learn to enjoy the quiet of solitude. Enjoy the tension of planning and reaching for goals.</p>
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2009-06-10T16:05:49Z
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2009-06-13T13:27:59Z
2009-06-13T20:28:41Z
We have goals and dreams to fulfill. The tension to do is great. The desire for creation is powerful.
How can we best use that tension and desire to live a wonderful creative life?
Goal Setting is as Easy as One, Two, and Three
1
2009-06-13T20:28:41Z