Growing up, I was a creative, sensitive, free spirit trapped in a super organized, controlled environment full of rules. Now, don´t get me wrong, my childhood was good, and my parents loved me.
But being put in such a strict, disciplined zone made me feel like I was the black sheep of the family. I was always the problem, the trouble maker, the rebellion, the rule-breaker.
It turned me into a person who hated discipline, and at the same time, I had to show extreme self-discipline to get attention and love from my parents. It was hard work, to be honest, and my mind was always on overwork.
I firmly believe I was born to do creative work. From a very young age, I constantly had a ton of ideas and creative projects lined up in my head. And when I wasn’t in school I would spend all my time creating, drawing, painting, designing, writing, photographing, dancing and the list goes on.
My parents did not believe it was possible to make a living as an artist or creative entrepreneur, so I had no support when it came to my artistic abilities. They believed in hard work and high education – and they also believed that you should be happy for whatever job you could get.
I knew in my heart that I wanted more for myself. I wanted a fabulous life and a career I would be madly in love with – nothing less. For me, it was all or nothing.
As a young adult, my life turned into a battle field between my creative self and my inner perfectionist. Instead of setting myself free of my childhood, I started to think, live and do as my parents taught me. It totally killed my creativity, and I ended up being super depressed.
Later in my twenties, while I was studying psychology, human behavior and coaching I began to see the world differently. And I discovered two things that changed my life:
1. To be happy I had to let go of the desire to please everybody and stop following other people’s vision of the perfect life. I was born to honor my heart’s desire and follow my dreams.
2. Discipline, planning, and rules are not enemies to fight, they are resources. By using these resources to my advantage, I became more creative, happy and satisfied. I was able to blend my creative soul with the resources of discipline and create my dream life super fast.
Since then I´ve used self-discipline, healthy routines, and planning to design my dream life, build a 6-figure business and live a happy life with my family.
You see, here´s the thing: success comes with a price called self-discipline – especially for creative solo-entrepreneurs and reality is that many creatives hate the idea of self-discipline, routines, and planning.
Nevertheless, embracing positive, healthy lifestyle habits can help you achieve incredible success with your business.
So if you have BIG ambitions (as many creatives do because they dare to dream big), then here’s some SUPER POWERFUL habits to include in your daily routine:
#1: Wake Up Early
I know it’s tempting to stay in bed for as long as possible, but getting up just one hour earlier gives you 7 hours more a week and 28 hours more a month to work on your creative business. Imagine what you can do with those extra hours.
Let your competition sleep while you build your empire at high speed. Most people work more efficiently and focused in the morning, so you will be able to double your productivity.
#2: Eat For Optimal Mind Performance
What you put into your body first thing in the morning will impact your whole day. Feed your brain and your body only the best. I recommend drinking lemon water, or green juice and take some supplements. Personally, I´m a super fan of Omega 3, for optimum brain function and a positive mood. And just to be clear – there´s no need to live a strict diet or be fanatic.
Go for the 80/20 rule. 80% healthy, well prepared food and 20% well..not so healthy. I love wine, gourmet food, and lazy days in bed with Netflix eating chocolate, and for me allowing myself to do this from time to time, are important aspects of living a quality life.
But, I also know that the brain and body needs POWER FOOD to help you be the happiest and the most successful I can be. It´s about finding the balance and eating for optimal mind performance.
#3. Do Your Most Important Task First
Before you go to bed at night plan what 1-3 things you will prioritize the next day. Then when you start working in the morning go straight to that list.
Follow through because this is truly the key to building a successful business. Make sure your most important tasks are related to your goals. For optimal focus shut down social media + phone while you work.
#4. Take a Break Every 90 Minutes
Psychologists have discovered that people can only focus on tasks for about 90 minutes at a time. This explains why we’re prone to falling into the social media vortex after working for awhile.
Instead of attempting to push through, go for a walk, stretch your body, jump on a trampoline, eat a healthy snack, drink water, meditate or dance to some funky music. You will come back with a fresh mind and a happy body.
#5. Study Something Every Day
Close the gap between where you are and where you want to be by learning something new every day. Choose topics related to your creative field and type of niche.
Take courses, read blogs, and books. Look for ways to incorporate learning into your daily routines. For example, I like to listen to podcasts when I walk my dogs, it´s the perfect way for me to grow my knowledge while getting some fresh air.
#6. Move Your Body
Many tests have shown that the most innovative, creative ideas come to you while exercising – especially with endurance training. When you move your body, your creative mind will automatically follow. All the endorphins that release during exercise will help you stay focused, happy and get great ideas.
#7. Look at Your Goals Daily
This is super important. People who look at their goals daily are 70% more likely to reach them. Looking at your goals daily will ensure a sharp focus and keep you on the right track. Where attention goes, energy flows.
#8. Organize and Systemize
Find ways to organize and simplify your life. Make it easy for yourself to get the right things done. Find systems that can run by themselves so you can focus on more important things.
Prepare in advance, delegate what you can delegate and say no to all things that´s not inspiring to you or increase your income.
#9. Make Celebration Your Fuel
If you don´t take the time to celebrate and live a fabulous life, you will lose motivation and momentum. Celebration is the fuel you need to keep going.
Find ways to turn your life into a party. Laugh, go out, eat gourmet, drink champagne, travel, go to a spa, a hotel, give yourself a present, buy flowers and so on. SPOIL yourself! You deserve it.
#10. Be Your Own Best Friend
Be mindful about how you talk to yourself. This is crucial. If you´re always criticizing yourself, you´ll never ever be able to create the successful life you desire.
So no matter how you feel about yourself, make sure to TALK nicely and kindly with your inner voice. Think of yourself as your own coach.
How would a coach talk to you? Find that supportive voice within yourself. It changes everything!