CONCENTRATE: Make sure that you are keep your focus during your creative process. As far as possible, don’t let yourself become distracted. It’s too easy to become distracted by technology (email, etc.), noise (children, pets or conversations), thought processes (negative self-talk or worries about the past or future), basic needs (hunger, need to sleep, need to have fun or need to take a work break). I’m sure that you can think of others that fit your particular situation. Do whatever it takes to maintain your work focus. Your patience will increasing as you learn what it takes to distract you and to maintain your focus.

EXPECT: What do you expect to happen at the end of a creative session? Are your expectations realistic or unrealistic? It’s important to become aware of your expectations before you begin a work session or event. Not only can your expectations help you meet your goals, negative or unrealistic expectations can prevent or interrupt your goal process. In order to clarify your expectations, you need to review your goals, your skills, your inventory and requirements for your next event(s). Make sure that you have everything you need to meet your expectations in those four areas. If you are lacking in any area, arrange your plans to complete those areas. For example, you may need to purchase some cord, to finish some new pendants. You can adapt these four areas to your unique situation. Remember that adequate preparation for your creative sessions and events will help you avoid the frustration of making last-minute mistakes.

TRIGGERS: Even if your preparation is perfectly thorough, triggers can throw you off during an event. These triggers often will interfere with event expectations. Remember again, that patience develops as you tolerate discomfort (about your display, product, location, promoters, etc.), experience mistakes (yours’ or others), unexpected situations, negative feelings (embarrassment, shame or negative self-esteem issues), and spot your old destructive habits(perfectionism, procrastination or catastrophic thinking)…

(Continuing to Part 3 on Friday)

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