Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time to make it through your to-do list?
Me too.
The size difference between what I need to do and how much time I had in the day used to drive me bonkers.
But then I realized something helpful. I’ll always have more ideas, more projects, more tasks and more dreams than I can possibly accomplish on the to-do list.
That’s not failure.
That just means my imagination is bigger than my calendar. No puny calendar is a match for my ability to create new ideas and projects.
What freedom that is!
So, I thought I’d share 3 ways that I manage my huge imagination and encourage you to keep dreaming and imagining.
#1. Get your ideas out of your head.
Everything doesn’t have to go on your calendar. I know, I know. How many times have I preached about having a plan?
Here’s the truth. Not every idea is meant to come to life. Maybe it’s simply an idea that will lead to another, and another and finally another idea that you will bring to life.
Get a notebook or an app on your phone, and write down these creative ideas to get them out of your head. As long as an idea is in your head, it’s taking a little bit of your attention. Keep a rolling list, and trust yourself to look at the list later and take action.
Don’t overcomplicate it. The goal is to be able to capture ideas anytime, any place. The act of writing it down might also be enough to make it stick in your memory.
#2. Tap into your creative energy.
Decide which idea you will explore first.
- Which idea gets your heart racing?
- Which idea have you shared with someone because, well, it’s THAT good?
- Which idea is screaming, “Pick me, pick me.”?
Don’t overthink it. Listen to your gut. Pick one and get started.
Here’s a little secret. You don’t need to schedule a time to work on the idea you choose – unless you really NEED to.
Instead, dive in when you’re feeling that creative energy. If you’re more creative at night, do it then. Pay attention to the times of day your creativity is at its’ peak.
Sometimes, you’ve got to let your energy guide you to where you want to be spending your time.
#3. Let it go.
It’s okay to flirt with multiple ideas. After all, flirting is harmless.
But if you find yourself starting a hundred things and never finishing, try this.
Before starting a new idea, ask yourself these questions about the idea you have already started.
- Am I still interested in this?
- Does this excite me?
- Why is this important?
- What have I learned since I started this, that has change my energy around it? For example, you discovered you don’t have the money, time, expertise or you’ve learned the results would be harmful or goes against your values.
If your answers are telling you that your heart isn’t in it anymore that’s okay.
Cross it off your idea list, and call it done.
When we don’t finish something we are too quick to say ” I failed”. Not motivating at all. Instead, you need to “call it” – GAME OVER! Move on to something else. Give yourself that closure and move on to your next big idea.
Remember, you are a creative being. Share your ideas with others. Think the craziest things. Let your imagination run wild.