Do you have big dreams for 2011? I know I do. There are never enough hours in the day, so it's important to make the most of what you have. Here are five simple tips to help optimize your time and make your creative dreams come true. Ready, set, go!
1. Set Goals... like on paper. If you're afraid to set specific goals with timelines it's probably because you're nervous to 'fail'. I understand that feeling. Just remember... without specific goals it's difficult to celebrate your accomplishments. So, don't be nervous... make your lists and celebrate each small achievement one by one! This will help you feel motivated and inspired to move forward!
2. Create a personal 'rewards system'. I've done this for years and it's helped me get MUCH more done in shorter amounts of time. When you're working on your own dream you have to create your own deadlines and schedules. Little rewards help so much! When you set a new goal, set a timeline and a reward for yourself. Make sure it's something that you won't allow yourself to have unless you make the goal and it's something exciting enough to motivate you to work hard. Depending on the task I have I set little rewards scaling from a nice dinner out to a weekend trip or a new pair of cute shoes. It's silly, but it works wonders.
3. We're all busy. Whether you're a student, a business owner, a full time employee or a mom we're ALL busy. We all have only 24 hours in each day and options for time management. Stop making excuses and set an amount of time (no matter how small) each day to work on your goal.
4. Love your working atmosphere. If you don't love it, redecorate. An inspiring space can increase productivity.
5. Schedule. Know when you're working, when you're playing and when you're relaxing. Focus on quality time spent working so that you'll feel good about your time spent relaxing.♥
Cheers to a productive new year! Love, Elsie
great tips and i love the photos! happy new year, elsie!
Posted by: amy | December 29, 2010 at 12:44 AM
That last photo is beautiful, Elsie!
Posted by: [johannah.] | December 29, 2010 at 01:11 AM
ALl true! It's so important to just make a goal and writing it down is one step closing in making it happen :)
Posted by: Erika Lee Sears | December 29, 2010 at 01:14 AM
I'm going to try, although i have some major goals to work on, i just pray 2011 is a positive year for me. i want to find myself dancing like you are in the awesome first pic!
Posted by: Marisol | December 29, 2010 at 01:21 AM
this came at the perfect time! I had JUST finished a list of goals for my blog and etsy shop when I read your tips! thanks for the inspiration, as always!
xo,
sarah of teacup adventure
Posted by: teacup adventure | December 29, 2010 at 01:21 AM
This was great lady. Thanks for imparting your knowledge.
Posted by: ashley | December 29, 2010 at 01:56 AM
i liked the rewards part :))
xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
Posted by: tiffany. | December 29, 2010 at 02:17 AM
The reward system works wonders! Though in 2011 I am definitely using Starbucks less as a reward and opting for more waistline-friendly ones. :D
Posted by: Sam | December 29, 2010 at 02:21 AM
All great tips... I agree with the reward system. I always indulge in a nice facial or massage after the end of a big work project. Thanks for sharing and happy new years!
Cheers from snowy Amsterdam,
www.GlocalGirl.com
Posted by: Glocal Girl | December 29, 2010 at 02:49 AM
These tips couldn't have come in a better time, as we're just about to start pursuing our new business. Love the idea of personal reward system - will have to give it a go! I know already, that I'll have difficulties drawing the line between work/social/relaxing time, but hopefully I will learn to do so!
Thanks a million Elsie ♥
Xo Mervi
http://myfriendjules.blogspot.com/
Posted by: my best friend jules | December 29, 2010 at 02:55 AM
great tips! :) thank you so much, Elsie!
Posted by: Ester | December 29, 2010 at 04:26 AM
#3 = so true! I have used this as an excuse in the past but, as Liv Tyler says in Empire Records "There are 24 useful hours in every day!" There is always a spare five minutes, and I usually find that if you're doing something you enjoy, five minutes can easily turn into half an hour, an hour, two hours...!
Thank you for the great advice Elsie, we all appreciate tips from successful people like yourself :)
Posted by: Eleni Drinks Tea | December 29, 2010 at 04:54 AM
Definitely need to start thinking about these soon! Thanks for the tips :)
Posted by: Katie | December 29, 2010 at 04:57 AM
Wonderful tips! Thank you for sharing your personal keys to success; your words serve as great motivation to me and my creative life!
Posted by: Danielle | December 29, 2010 at 05:25 AM
this was juuuust what i needed! thanks, darlin' :)
Posted by: Mackenzie | December 29, 2010 at 05:36 AM
I'm going to print that list out & stick it to my inspiration board. 2011 will be the year I make something happen for me. Thanks for the tips.xx
Posted by: Lisa | December 29, 2010 at 07:03 AM
Thank you Elise. I've always been a VERY hard worker, goal setter, and accomplish-er: but your blog and blogging class taught me a new concept, REWARDING MYSELF. I've been playing with the system ever since I read it from you. :) Sushi dinner last night for cleaning up the whole house and writing a blog post ahead of time, yay.
Posted by: Van | December 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM
Fabulous tips Elsie :)
Posted by: Estela @ Weekly Bite | December 29, 2010 at 07:12 AM
I am a huge list maker and goal setter, but I always leave out the reward part. This year I am going to make an effort to reward myself with more than just the satisfaction of a completed list. Thanks for the motivation!
Posted by: Aubrey | December 29, 2010 at 07:17 AM
Thank for the ideas - love the thought of having a reward system - I need that - mmmm monthly sauna trips when I've been good....sounds perfect!
Have anice new year celebration!
Posted by: Heidi | December 29, 2010 at 07:17 AM