C.R. Richards's Blog, page 18

Words of Encouragement from A Creative in the Trenches

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Nikki Zalewski – Stock.Adobe.Com

TAG LINE: If I can do it, so can you!

They told me girls aren’t good at math:

I became a computer programmer

They said I couldn’t pass my project management certification, because I didn’t have enough experience:

I’ve been a PMP since 2004 and am now a successful program manager

The naysayers pontificated my dream of being an author was impossible. I’d never get through those impassible publishing gates:

My fifth novel comes out this summer (www.crrichards.com to check out my work)

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ivector – Stock.Adobe.Com

Am I super brilliant? Blessed by a fairy godmother? Have an “in” with publishers? I wish.

My Secret: I stay focused on my goal, work hard and maintain a super stubborn faith in my dream.

Don’t let the naysayers talk you out of achievement. I’m living proof they’re wrong. What are you waiting for? Go out and conquer!

 

Jumping Out of Your Comfort Zone

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Nikki Zalewski – Stock.Adobe.Com

Creating your dream takes a leap of faith. It also takes courage.

DO – Act upon your wishes and dreams

DON’T – Sit on the sidelines

DO – Face your fears. What do you have to do to make the next step less scary?

DON’T – Allow fear to freeze you into inaction

DO – Have faith in yourself and your dream

DON’T – Allow doubt to defeat you

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Jusakas – Stock.Adobe.Com

The Key to Motivation is…

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Nikki Zalewski – Stock.Adobe.Com

If you’re leader, encourager or someone who got stuck driving a community event, then you understand the importance of motivating people. Admit it. You’ve had fantasies about giving Bill Pullman’s speech from Independence Day or delivering the rallying battle cry from Braveheart.

Everyone is different. What motivates one person may not work on another. People can be a challenge, but what about the biggest challenge of all? How do you motivate YOU?

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AnnaElizabeth – Stock.Adobe.com

Passion – What makes your heart race? What consumes your thoughts and dreams?

Fear – Are you more afraid of NOT pursuing your dream than taking the risk you’ll fail?

Hope – The very act of DOING gives you hope for the future.

If you can relate to these three motivational triggers, then you my friend are living a “purpose driven” life.

 

How Do You Inspire Others?

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Nikki Zalewski – Stock.Adobe.Com

Did you know you’re being watched? Not in a creepy way. That’s not what I mean. You are being watched by a friend, co-worker, neighbor, stranger or little kiddo living in your house. They see how hard you work to achieve your dreams. Many may not understand the struggle or your “why I do this” drive. Some may tune in simply for the end result. All of them, however, are inspired by YOU.

Aren’t sure you’re an inspiration? Remember to do the following each day:

Show Your Passion (Share your excitement and then listen to someone else’s dreams)

Show Your Commitment (Be honest about your struggles, but do not give up!)

Show Your Courage (Challenges happen. Solve them. Don’t whine.)

Show Your Victory (Celebrate your accomplishments. Help others to understand they can achieve their goals too.)

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tashatuvango – Stock.Adobe.Com

Inspiring others is one of the most important responsibilities creative folks and leadership driven people have. We are “seed planters” and encouragers. You never know what that little seed may grow up to be.

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A New Look for Spring

If you’re looking for “Deep Thoughts and Junk”, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve given the blog a face lift just in time for Spring Break!

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Have You Found Your Life’s Purpose?

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We’ve all read feature articles about those lucky individuals who are “living their passion” and have “found their purpose in life.” They seem so happy.  Their confidence levels are off the charts.

Slumping off to the drudgery of your day job, you wonder if it’s truly possible to be as happy as they seem. Positive. Confident. Joyful. These folks can’t be for real. Deep down inside you both admire and resent them.

Let me tell you a secret.

Everyone has a life’s purpose. You just haven’t found yours yet.

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Where do you start looking for purpose? Start with your passions:

Is there something (hobby or other) you love doing?
Is there a cause you feel strongly about?
Is there a career or activity you are fascinated by?

Remember: Your life’s purpose may not seem grandiose to you, but then again it really isn’t about you. It’s what you do for others. Never underestimate the importance of bringing someone else joy!

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[images licensed for use from Adobestock]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

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Each leaf of a Four Leaf Clover represents something special

The first leaf is  faith

The second leaf is  hope

The third leaf is love

And the fourth leaf is luck

May your days be filled with faith, hope, love and luck.

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How to Get Want You Want Out of Life

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If you’ve been on the planet for more than a year, you’ve heard the term “Creative Visualization.” Using imagination to make your dreams and goals happen is in the creative person’s wheel house. I’ve been using creative visualization for many years. In that time, I’ve built a very successful project management career and have published five books.

Prosperity and accomplishment are wonderful. They aren’t, however, the most important goals in my life. I became sick several years ago with (at the time) was a mysterious illness. Horrible stomach issues. Constant flu like symptoms. Worst of all, I was a depressed mess with no hope. Then I was diagnosed with Celiac Sprue. Though there is no cure, it can be managed. Getting healthy and taking my life back became my main goal.

Eternal vigilance. I maintain my health and continue to thrive. How? The key to successful creative visualization is a positive attitude. Being stubborn helps too.

Be Positive. Be Happy.

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Is it possible to be positive all the time (24/7)? Nope. Everyone falls off the happy path occasionally. Having a positive attitude means you have confidence in your ability to make your dreams come true.

Be Positive.

“I’m positive I can learn this new skill.”

“I’m positive I can create my art.”

“I’m positive I will find a way to accomplish my goals.”

Be Happy.

“Learning something new makes me happy, because I’m doing something to help myself grow.”

“Creating my art fulfils me as a person.”

“Working toward my goals gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

Final Thought: Attitudes are contagious. We decide to be miserable or happy. Each new day brings a choice. Make the decision to try for a positive attitude and it will happen for you. Like anything else, it takes practice.

Have You Lost the Key to Your Happy Place?

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Friday, March 3rd is National I Want You to Be Happy Day! I admit I’d never heard of this holiday until researching ideas for my March blog series. The topic of “Happiness” really stood out for me. It seems every time I turn on the TV or go to social media sites, the negativity is in my face. Go out in public and people are grumpy with each other. We’ve forgotten how to get back to our Happy Place.

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

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How do we get back to our Happy Place? Start by celebrating National I Want You to Be Happy Day:

Take a few minutes to discover what is important to your family and friends, then act upon it
Do random acts of kindness for complete strangers
Send an ecard just because
Give someone a genuine compliment
Listen to someone else without interruption. Be respectful

Get the idea? Take the time to be kind to others. Amazing things will happen. Eventually, we’ll be able to HEAR each other again instead of coming from a place of anger and bitterness. Only then can we begin to heal as a society.

Images licensed for use from Adobe Stock.

Are You Feeding Your Creative Self What It Needs?

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Our modern world can be pretty brutal to creative types. Rarely do we find a benefactor who nurtures our souls and pocket books like the Medici Family did for De Vinci. We must be our own patron of the arts/ creative coach/ cheerleader. It can be draining for tender souls who just want to create beauty. Proper care and feeding of your creative self is essential.

Tips and Tricks to fuel your creative energy:

Reduce time spent in the negative. While it’s important to stay current on what’s happening in the world, spending too much time taking in negative news or social media rants will stimulate anger rather than positive creative energy
Experience someone else’s art. Visit a museum or see a play. Creativity inspires creativity
Nature is the ultimate energizer. Take a long walk in the countryside. Bike the mountains. Wade in a cool stream. Being in nature takes you out of your own head and feeds the creative soul
Spend time with yourself. Be still and quiet for a dedicated time each day. Meditation is an excellent way to recharge. Quiet time with a good cup of coffee works too

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Licensed use. Adobe Stock.

We’ve come to the end of the “Love and Honor Your Creative Self” series. Remember: The best way to honor your creative self is to DO YOUR ART! The world needs what you have to offer.