Creative, Self-Care, Wellness
Hey, beautiful creators! If you caught last week’s Creative Zen newsletter (my birthday edition!), you know I’m all about gratitude right now. My Living Grateful Mini-Guide & Workbook was my gift to you—and if you haven’t snagged it, grab it . But why does gratitude matter so much for us creatives? Let’s dive into how it rewires your brain for better art, peace, and flow.
1. Gratitude Sparks Dopamine—the Creative Fuel
Ever notice how a “thank you” from a fan or a finished project lifts your mood? That’s dopamine, your brain’s reward chemical. Studies—like one from The Journal of Positive Psychology—show gratitude boosts dopamine by up to 25%. More dopamine = more motivation to create. Next time you’re stuck, list three things your craft’s given you. Watch the ideas roll in.
2. It Quiets the Inner Critic
Creatives, we know that voice: “This isn’t good enough.” Gratitude flips the script. Research from UCLA says a daily gratitude practice shrinks activity in the amygdala—the fear center—by 20%. Less fear, more freedom. Try this: Write one kind thing about your latest work. Feel that critic hush.
3. It Deepens Your Creative Well
Gratitude isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s depth. When I started journaling what I’m thankful for (like you, my readers!), my poetry got rawer, my coaching sharper. It’s like Correspondence, that Hermetic Principle from Friday’s newsletter: small grateful acts echo into big creative wins. Start small: Name one joy from your weekend.
Your Gratitude Challenge
Missed the workbook? No worries—here’s a taste:
- Prompt: “What’s one moment this month your creativity surprised you?”
- Action: Jot it down, then sketch or hum it out. Share with #CreativeZenGrateful—I’m watching!
This week, lean into gratitude. It’s not just self-care; it’s brain care for your art. Reply below with your gratitude moment—I’d love to cheer you on. Or tip the jar to keep Creative Zen flowing. Thanks for being my creative tribe—let’s keep shining. 🦋
Elisha Valentine | Wellness Coach & Creative Strategist
Coaching, Creative, Entrepreneurs, Self-Development
As we approach the new year, staying focused is essential for turning your goals into reality. But focus without action is like having a map without a destination. On the other hand, taking action without a clear focus can lead to wasted energy and missed opportunities. For success, focus and action must go hand in hand. Together, they create a powerful cycle that drives progress and keeps you on track.
The Focus-Action Cycle
Consider this: you set a goal—whether it’s increasing sales, starting a new project, or improving a skill. With clear focus, you create a plan outlining the steps needed to achieve that goal. Taking action on these steps allows you to see whether your focus was on target. If things don’t go as planned, you adjust your approach and refocus.
This focus-action cycle is iterative, meaning it’s a process that builds on itself. Every action you take brings new insights, helping you refine your focus and adjust your strategy as needed. Even when things don’t work out perfectly, you’re still moving forward by learning and improving with each step.
Embrace Flexibility in Your Focus
It’s important to recognize that not every plan will succeed. That’s okay. The key is to remain flexible and open to change when something isn’t working. Stubbornly sticking to a plan that’s not yielding results will only lead to frustration and wasted effort. Instead, view every setback as an opportunity to reassess, refocus, and try again with a fresh perspective.
Don’t let fear of failure stall your progress. In fact, failure is an important part of the process—it teaches valuable lessons that ultimately make you stronger and better prepared for future challenges. By approaching each goal with flexibility, you stay in control and can adapt as needed.
Tips for Staying Focused and Taking Action
Maintaining focus can be challenging, especially with distractions and competing priorities. Here are some strategies to help you stay on course:
- Set Clear Goals
Start by defining exactly what you want to achieve. Clear, specific goals give you something to aim for and help you channel your efforts. Break these goals down into smaller, actionable steps to make the process more manageable.
- Eliminate Distractions
Distractions are one of the biggest obstacles to staying focused. Identify what pulls your attention away—whether it’s your phone, social media, or multitasking—and take steps to minimize or eliminate these distractions. Set dedicated time blocks for focused work, and create a workspace that supports concentration.
- Prioritize Your Tasks
Not all tasks are created equal. Prioritize those that move you closer to your goals and focus on completing them first. This will help you avoid wasting time on less important activities and ensure you’re always working toward meaningful outcomes.
- Take Breaks
Focus isn’t about working non-stop. To stay sharp and avoid burnout, schedule regular breaks. Short periods of rest allow your mind to recharge and can actually improve your ability to stay focused over the long term.
- Measure Your Progress
Keep track of the actions you’re taking and the results they’re producing. This helps you stay accountable and gives you insight into what’s working and what’s not. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep yourself motivated.
- Refocus When Necessary
If you find yourself off track, take a moment to refocus. This may involve tweaking your goals or adjusting your actions. The important thing is to remain adaptable and willing to shift your focus when needed.
Leading a Team with Focus and Action
If you’re working with a team, it’s essential that everyone shares the same focus and understands the goals. Clear communication is key—ensure each team member knows their role and the importance of their contributions to the bigger picture. When everyone is aligned, the team can act with purpose and work toward common objectives.
If a team member struggles with focus, it’s important to address it early. Help them see how their actions impact the overall plan, and encourage open dialogue about any challenges they may face. A well-aligned team is much more likely to take effective action and achieve success.
A New Year, A Fresh Start
As you prepare for the new year, remember that focus and action are your greatest tools for success. With clear goals, a strong sense of purpose, and a willingness to adapt, you can make incredible progress and bring your dreams to life.
Here’s to a bright new year filled with focus, action, and exciting opportunities! And may 2025 be your best year yet. Happy New Year! 🎉
Coaching, Creative, Entrepreneurs, Self-Development
As the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on goals, dreams, and what we want to achieve. But too often, we get stuck in a cycle of planning, hesitating, or waiting for the “perfect” moment to take action. The truth is that the perfect time is a myth. If you want to make progress, there’s no better moment than right now. Becoming an action-taker is the key to unlocking your potential and turning your aspirations into reality.
Here’s why taking action—especially as you prepare for the new year—is essential, and how waiting for the right time can hold you back.
Why Waiting for the Right Time Is a Misconception
One of the most common reasons people delay taking action is the belief that they need to wait for the “right” time. Whether it’s waiting for more experience, more resources, or just waiting for things to feel perfect, this mentality can keep you stuck in place.
The reality is that there will never be a flawless moment to start something new. Life is full of unpredictability, and conditions are rarely perfect. What seems like the right time may never arrive, or it may pass by without you realizing it.
Instead of waiting, recognize that now is always the best time to begin. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. And by taking action, you’ll create opportunities and learn from the experience, moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.
The Benefits of Becoming an Action-Taker
Taking action doesn’t mean you need all the answers right away. It’s about making progress and embracing the journey, even if you don’t know exactly where it will lead. Here’s why becoming an action-taker is so powerful:
1. You Overcome Self-Doubt
One of the biggest barriers to taking action is fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of making mistakes. When you’re constantly stuck in the “What if?” mindset, self-doubt takes over, leaving you paralyzed and unsure.
The best way to combat this is by taking action. Once you start, you’ll gain momentum and build confidence. Every step forward gives you experience, and with that comes the realization that you are capable. Rather than second-guessing yourself, you’ll develop the belief that you can handle challenges as they come.
2. Time Is Limited—Make It Count
It’s easy to think we have all the time in the world to pursue our goals, but the truth is, our time is limited. None of us knows what the future holds, and opportunities may not always be there. As Steve Jobs famously said, “Remembering you’re going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”
Rather than waiting for a better time, act now. Whether it’s applying for that dream job, starting your side business, or taking on a new project, now is your moment. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that these opportunities will slip away. Don’t settle for less than you deserve—take action today.
3. Taking Action Creates Momentum
The hardest part of any journey is often getting started. But once you take that first step, things start to fall into place. One action leads to another, and before you know it, you’re making progress in ways you never expected.
Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, every action you take will open up new doors. For example, applying for a job you feel underqualified for might be intimidating, but it’s a step forward. Even if you don’t get the position, you’ll gain valuable interview experience and insight into what employers are looking for, which will help you in the future. By taking action, you create a chain of events that leads to growth and new opportunities.
4. You Develop Valuable Skills
Every time you take action, you’re learning and improving. Whether your efforts succeed or fall short, you’re building skills, gaining knowledge, and expanding your perspective.
Taking action will help you develop your abilities, and with each new experience, you’ll feel more equipped to handle future challenges. Even setbacks are valuable—they teach you what works and what doesn’t, so you can refine your approach and come back stronger. The more you take action, the more confident and skilled you become, preparing you for bigger and better opportunities.
5. You Stop Overthinking and Start Doing
Overthinking is one of the biggest reasons people get stuck. When you spend too much time analyzing, you can get lost in the details and become overwhelmed by all the potential outcomes. This can lead to paralysis, where you spend more time worrying about what could go wrong than actually moving forward.
By choosing to take action, you shift your focus from thinking to doing. This shift is liberating. Rather than being trapped by endless possibilities, you start making things happen. And the more you take action, the less power your doubts and fears will have over you.
Preparing for the New Year
As the new year approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect on what you want to accomplish. But instead of getting stuck in a cycle of planning and waiting for the right moment, commit to taking action. Here’s how to get started:
- Set Clear Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in the new year. Break these goals down into actionable steps that you can start working on immediately. Whether it’s a fitness goal, career change, or personal project, create a roadmap for how you’ll get there.
- Start Small: You don’t have to make huge leaps all at once. Start with a small, manageable action. As you gain momentum, you’ll find it easier to tackle bigger challenges.
- Embrace Imperfection: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take action even if things aren’t ideal. You’ll learn along the way and make adjustments as needed.
- Celebrate Progress: Every step forward is a win, no matter how small. Celebrate your progress and use it as fuel to keep moving forward.
In Conclusion
Becoming an action-taker is one of the most empowering decisions you can make as you enter the new year. Instead of waiting for the perfect time or letting fear hold you back, choose to move forward. By taking action, you’ll build confidence, develop new skills, and create opportunities you never imagined.
Remember, there is no better time than now to start making your dreams a reality. So take that first step, and let the new year be the one where you become the doer you were always meant to be.
Creative, Entrepreneurs
We are all on this shared journey called life, and while we may sometimes seek independence, building a fulfilling life often depends on the relationships we form with others. By facilitating connections between people, you enrich their lives and strengthen your network, too.
The Timeless Value of Networking
Despite the vast array of channels available today, traditional face-to-face networking remains invaluable. It offers opportunities to meet new people and introduce others who may benefit from knowing each other. When you make meaningful introductions, people will likely remember you for your efforts.
In-person interactions provide a depth of connection that online communication can’t fully replicate. Eye contact, body language, and personal presence create lasting impressions, making you more memorable than a digital introduction ever could.
Helping Others Helps You
When you approach networking with the intent to help others, without expecting anything in return, you build genuine goodwill. By introducing people who can benefit from knowing each other, you leave a positive impression, and often those connections will come back to you in unexpected and rewarding ways.
While it’s natural to want your efforts to be recognized, the key to successful networking is to offer help with no strings attached. People are more inclined to assist those who have supported them, fostering a cycle of mutual benefit.
Understand the People in Your Network
To create meaningful connections, it’s essential to understand the individuals in your network. Knowing their needs, goals, and values allows you to match them with others who share common interests or can provide complementary skills. Keeping open lines of communication ensures that you stay updated as their needs evolve.
Identifying Common Ground
Successful networking is about finding the right fit. You can facilitate truly beneficial connections by paying attention to people’s traits. Whether it’s shared business goals or complementary expertise, knowing who will mesh well with whom increases the likelihood of a successful partnership.
One way to do this online is to look for the most authoritative and influential resources on social media. LinkedIn is a great way to check this out, but it can be done with X/Twitter and Facebook as well. When connecting with these people, respect their time and be willing to give much more than you receive. Offer to help them with their next project or give them access to a tool you find helpful in making connections, etc. The more you help them, the more they will come to know who you are.
Leverage Influential Connectors
A powerful way to grow your network is by connecting with people who are already skilled at making connections. These influencers often have established networks that can expand your reach quickly. By offering them support, such as help with organizing events or sharing useful tools, you increase the chances that they will think of you when new opportunities arise.
Nurture Your Connections
Maintaining relationships over time is key to successful networking. If you let too much time pass without communication, you may need to reestablish those connections. Stay on people’s radar through periodic check-ins, whether through direct calls, messages, or emails. Consistent, thoughtful engagement ensures you remain a trusted contact within their network.
Managing Conflict When Connections Don’t Work Out
Not every connection will work perfectly. If conflicts arise, being a mediator and helping to resolve issues can further solidify your role as a trusted connector. While some relationships may not work out, handling the situation carefully ensures that both parties continue to value their relationship with you.
Host Events to Strengthen Connections
Hosting social events is one of the best ways to foster in-person connections. By organizing gatherings that are enjoyable and valuable, you create opportunities for people to meet and build relationships. As the event organizer, you position yourself at the center of these interactions, reinforcing your role as a connector.
Over time, these events will help you build a strong reputation. Even if not every event is a resounding success, persistence will pay off, and your network will grow as people recognize your ability to bring others together.
Stay Organized as Your Network Grows
As your network expands, staying organized becomes essential. Setting reminders to regularly reach out or celebrate important milestones, like birthdays or achievements, helps you maintain strong relationships. Keeping track of who’s in your network and when you last connected ensures that no one slips through the cracks.
Empower Others to Build Connections
As your networking skills grow, sharing your knowledge with others can help expand your network even further. Teaching others to make meaningful connections strengthens your influence and creates a ripple effect, as they, in turn, introduce you to new contacts.
Even if some of the connections you foster go on to develop their networks, don’t worry! Networking is a continuous process, and in the end, it all comes full circle, enhancing the web of relationships you’ve worked hard to build.
Creative, Entrepreneurs
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, two buzzwords frequently make the rounds: UGC creators and influencers. While both play pivotal roles in engaging audiences and driving brand awareness, they do so in distinctly different ways. Let’s dive into the nuances that set UGC creators and influencers apart and explore how each can add value to your marketing strategy.
What Are UGC Creators?
UGC stands for User-Generated Content. UGC creators are everyday users who produce content about a brand, product, or service without being prompted by the brand itself. Their content can range from reviews, photos, and videos to social media posts and blog articles. What makes UGC so powerful is its authenticity—it’s created by real customers who genuinely enjoy the product and want to share their experiences.
Characteristics of UGC Creators:
- Authentic and Relatable: Their content resonates because it’s created by real users.
- Organic Reach: UGC can spread naturally as it’s shared among peers and followers.
- Cost-Effective: Brands often don’t pay for UGC, making it a budget-friendly marketing tool.
- Trustworthy: Consumers tend to trust peer reviews and testimonials more than traditional advertising.
What Are Influencers?
Influencers, on the other hand, are individuals who have built a significant following on social media or other online platforms. They are often seen as experts or trendsetters in their niche and are paid by brands to promote products or services. Influencers have the power to sway their audience’s purchasing decisions through their endorsements and recommendations.
Characteristics of Influencers:
- Large Following: Influencers typically have a significant number of followers.
- Paid Partnerships: They collaborate with brands for sponsored posts, campaigns, and endorsements.
- Expertise and Authority: Influencers are often seen as authorities in their specific niche.
- High Engagement: Their content usually generates high levels of engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares.
Comparing UGC Creators and Influencers
Authenticity vs. Authority:
- UGC Creators excel in authenticity. Their content feels genuine because it comes from personal experience without any brand incentives.
- Influencers bring authority. Their endorsements are valued because of their perceived expertise and established trust with their followers.
Cost:
- UGC Creators: Generally free or low-cost. Brands can leverage content created by users without significant financial investment.
- Influencers: Can be costly. Fees vary based on the influencer’s reach, engagement, and niche.
Reach and Engagement:
- UGC Creators: Their content has organic reach and can lead to high engagement due to its relatable nature.
- Influencers: Benefit from their substantial follower base and can drive significant engagement through targeted campaigns.
Content Control:
- UGC Creators: Brands have limited control over the content since it’s created independently.
- Influencers: Brands can guide the content direction through detailed briefs and contracts.
How to Leverage Both in Your Strategy
A balanced approach can maximize your marketing efforts:
- Harness the Power of UGC: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your product. Create hashtags, run contests, and feature the best UGC on your official channels to build trust and authenticity.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Identify influencers whose values align with your brand. Partner with them for product launches, reviews, and exclusive promotions to tap into their established follower base.
- Combine Forces: Blend UGC and influencer content in your campaigns. For instance, use influencer endorsements to kickstart a UGC campaign, encouraging followers to share their own stories and experiences.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinct roles of UGC creators and influencers allows you to tailor your marketing strategy effectively. While UGC creators bring genuine, relatable content, influencers offer authoritative endorsements and wider reach. By leveraging both, you can create a robust, multi-faceted marketing approach that resonates with a broad audience and drives meaningful engagement.
Coaching, Creative, Entrepreneurs, Self-Development
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in the expectations and pressures of society, family, and peers, often leading us down paths that may not align with our true passions, values, and aspirations. But true fulfillment comes from living a life that is authentic to who we are and what we truly desire. In this edition, we’ll explore how to determine if you’re living your dream life or someone else’s, and share practical steps to help you start living a life that’s true to you.
Signs You’re Living Someone Else’s Dream
- Lack of Fulfillment: Do you find yourself feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied with your current circumstances, despite external success or accolades? This could be a sign that you’re living a life that doesn’t align with your true passions and desires.
- Feeling Stuck or Resentful: Do you feel stuck in a rut or resentful towards your career, relationships, or lifestyle? These feelings of frustration and discontent may indicate that you’re living according to others’ expectations rather than your own.
- Constant Comparison: Are you constantly comparing yourself to others or seeking validation and approval from external sources? This may stem from a lack of confidence in your own path and a tendency to seek validation from others.
- Ignoring Your Inner Voice: Do you find yourself ignoring or suppressing your inner voice and intuition, instead of following your heart and trusting your instincts? Tuning into your inner guidance is essential for living a life that’s true to you.
Why You May Not Be Living Your Dream Life
There are many reasons why a person may not be living their dream life, and these reasons can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and experiences. Some common factors that may prevent someone from realizing their aspirations include:
- Limited Resources: Financial constraints, lack of access to education or opportunities, and limited social or familial support can hinder a person’s ability to pursue their dreams. Economic inequality and systemic barriers may create additional challenges for individuals from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Fear of Failure: Fear of failure or fear of the unknown can paralyze individuals, preventing them from taking risks or stepping outside their comfort zones to pursue their dreams. The fear of not meeting expectations, disappointing others, or facing criticism can hold people back from pursuing their passions and goals.
- Self-Doubt and Low Self-Esteem: Negative self-perceptions, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy can undermine confidence and self-belief, making it difficult for individuals to pursue their dreams with conviction. Low self-esteem may lead to a lack of motivation, self-sabotage, or a reluctance to take initiative and assert oneself.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Unrealistic expectations about what constitutes a “dream life” or the path to achieving it can lead to feelings of disillusionment and disappointment. Comparing oneself to others or internalizing societal norms and pressures may create unrealistic standards that are difficult to meet.
- Lack of Clarity or Direction: Uncertainty about one’s passions, interests, or long-term goals can make it challenging to define and pursue a dream life. Without a clear sense of purpose or direction, individuals may feel lost, indecisive, or overwhelmed by the multitude of options available to them.
- External Pressures and Responsibilities: External pressures, such as family obligations, societal expectations, or professional demands, can detract from a person’s ability to prioritize their own dreams and aspirations. Balancing competing responsibilities and commitments may require sacrifices that limit opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment.
- Past Trauma or Negative Experiences: Past traumas, setbacks, or negative experiences can create emotional barriers and psychological obstacles that hinder personal development and achievement. Unresolved trauma or fear of repeating past failures may prevent individuals from taking proactive steps toward their dreams.
- Lack of Supportive Environment: Surrounding oneself with unsupportive or negative influences, such as toxic relationships or unsupportive social networks, can undermine confidence and motivation. A lack of encouragement, validation, or role models may diminish belief in one’s ability to pursue and achieve their dreams.
- Procrastination and Perfectionism: Procrastination, perfectionism, and a tendency to overanalyze or overthink decisions can delay progress and prevent individuals from taking action toward their goals. Waiting for the “perfect” moment or outcome may result in missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Addressing these barriers to living a dream life often requires self-reflection, self-awareness, and proactive steps to overcome challenges and pursue personal growth and fulfillment. Seeking support from mentors, therapists, or supportive communities can also be beneficial in navigating obstacles and realizing one’s aspirations.
Steps to Start Living Your Dream Life
- Reflect on Your Values and Passions: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you, what brings you joy and fulfillment, and what you’re passionate about. Identify your core values and align your life choices with what’s most important to you.
- Set Authentic Goals: Set goals that are meaningful and authentic to you rather than chasing external markers of success or approval. Focus on what you truly desire and create a vision of life based on your unique dreams and aspirations.
- Take Inspired Action: Take inspired action towards your goals and dreams, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone or challenging societal norms. Trust in your abilities and intuition, and don’t be afraid to pursue what sets your soul on fire.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout your journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Embrace imperfection, celebrate progress, and learn from setbacks with compassion and resilience.
- Surround Yourself with Support: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and uplift you on your journey. Seek out mentors, role models, and like-minded peers who inspire and motivate you to pursue your dreams.
- Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to change, growth, and new opportunities as you navigate your path towards living your dream life. Stay flexible and adaptable in the face of challenges and setbacks, and trust that every experience is a valuable lesson in your journey.
Remember, living your dream life is not a destination but a journey—a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation that unfolds one step at a time. By tuning into your inner wisdom, aligning with your true passions and values, and taking inspired action towards your dreams, you can create a life that’s authentic, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
