One Strategy You Can Count On
Tell me if any of this sounds familiar…
You have too many projects in the fire, but you’re not sure which one to start on first.
You’re tired, overwhelmed and sick of hearing yourself on repeat with, “I’m tired.”
You’d rather go hang out in the sun (thank you Spring!), than create any sense of work-life productivity.
I’m raising my hand with you right now, because I have a MASSIVE case of “Spring-itis!”… Can Summer just get here already?
The to-do list feels a mile long and of course it’s my own fault because I commit to way too much! What happened to my resolution of saying NO?
In all seriousness, this a real problem which clearly reminds me of the importance of slowing down long enough to identify the priorities.
Through all the time management and anti-stress tips I’ve practiced, the one thing that works time and time again, is the SLOW DOWN STRATEGY.
When you slow down, you can separate from the noise and sift through the mess. When you take a deep breath, you can clearly identify your priorities. When you create space outside your hectic schedule, you will find focus and clarity to plan and implement next steps. Most importantly, you’ll return to your work and life refreshed and recharged.
Everyone has their own methods for slowing down, but the one I implement most often, is simply creating a massive brain dump. I get out all my fancy colored pens, set my timer, and simply put pen to paper and let the ideas flow. I ditch the judgment and once it’s done, start circling commonalities and identifying priorities.
Another resource that has been amazing for my progress and self-care every week, is the annual Rock/Star Life Planner created by Suz at the Rock/Star Advocate®.
She sums up my sentiment in her quote here:
“This isn’t about the 24/7 hustle. It’s time to stop trying to win inside a broken system. This is about working smarter to find your ideal work/life balance. It’s time to #RedefineTheHustle and create success on your own terms.”
- Suz, The Rock/Star Advocate®
Suz is super down to Earth, humble, real and genuinely seeks to support the #DIYmusician.
One of my favorite exercises in her Rock/Star Life Planner happens at the top of each month and involves committing to Monthly Goals. The beauty in this exercise, is that it’s not strictly business goals. It includes business and real life, which I believe are interconnected.
Sure, you can try to keep work and life separate, but it’s my opinion they’re synonymous. One in the same. When you’re struggling in your personal life, chances are you’re struggling everywhere else.
This past month, for my one business/productivity goal, I wrote down “Consistency because I’ve been slacking!”
The fact is, sometimes the chatter you create in your head of being a “slacker,” needs to be quieted.
It’s ok to free yourself from the pressure. Sometimes, stepping away from a project is the healthiest you can do in that moment.
Now, I’m not suggesting you abandon all your commitments, I’m simply providing food for thought that perhaps you need to give yourself a little grace.
Do you think something like the SLOW DOWN STRATEGY could help you? Is there a project or relationship that could benefit from a little space?
If you need a solution and a great tool, I have wonderful news for you! Suz has so graciously offered you, my readers, a 30% discount on your very own ROCK/STAR Life Planner! JUST ENTER THIS CODE: BR30OFF and enjoy the benefits!
But wait… There’s more! The Rock/Star Advocate® also has a VERY smart podcast which I’d also recommend checking out: The Music-Preneur Mindset Podcast.
Perhaps the SLOW DOWN STRATEGY can serve you well in your life and business? If anything, I hope it reminds you not to punish yourself when you need a timeout!
As always, invest in your success and get the support you need.
My Best,
 |
Brianna Ruelas is a Dallas Based Strategy Consultant for Performing Artists, Singer-Songwriter and Author to Performing Artist Pathway: Navigate the Highs and Lows On Your Music Journey. As a singer and performer for thirty years, Brianna has studied internationally and performed all genres, from jazz to rock to pop, received a BA in Theatre Arts from Pepperdine University, and spent years honing her musical theatre chops. After graduating college, Brianna departed from the theatre to pursue music as a solo artist and also worked as a commercial voiceover actor. Brianna has fronted her own rock band and experienced the reality television craze in its early days, as a Top 100 finalist on American Idol, Season 4.
Brianna's expertise and background as a Singer/Songwriter, Vocal & Performance Coach and Small Business Owner, led her to mentor and consult with indie artists and bands, to help them realize successful careers in music. She is passionate about encouraging others on their journey and aligning them with the Big Picture of their Music Business! Seeking solutions is part of Brianna's DNA. Brianna is a proud Wife and Mother, Creator of the Female Performing Artist Connection & Every Mom’s Story Blog and works alongside her husband managing the operations and marketing for their Dallas family restaurant, Victor Hugo’s. Follow her on Instagram & Facebook @briannaruelasmusic |
