10 Ways to Start Taking Control of Your Creative Business Life

 
At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. But I sometimes think I have ADD . I think I do because sometimes I become extremely frustrated by everyday challenges and I frequently have feelings of being overwhelmed. 

Does this sound like you? Well, at least once a week I feel and maybe even look like the guy in the above photo. (lol)

This negative outlook can  make it even harder for you to manage those challenges and move forward. Practicing positive thinking allows people with these problems to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation.

This, in turn, allows you to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck. The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:

 

10 Ways To Start Taking Control of Your Creative Business Life

1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don't seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.

3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.

4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or complained to a friend "You NEVER call me!"? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.

6. Squash the "ANTs"
In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life ,Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!" When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin' (Your Friends and Family)
You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn't touch!

8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It's never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.

 

When it comes to owning a creative business, having control is pretty much the religion. To know the things needed to do are the basics of productivity, but interaction and having a steady mind makes up the entire thing to true productivity.

There are those who seem to work well even under pressure, but they're only a few out there and we are human and imperfect. To allow little things like stress to get under your skins won't solve your problems. So take the courage to do what works for you and not to copy what others are doing- Be Your Own Best example of taking control.

 

Comments

[dave]

I believe having more social time is important. All work and no play is not good. You have to reward yourself or you will get burned out. I've noticed that keeping organized helps you have a more balanced life. Since I have been keeping task lists with apps like Evernote(my preferred app) or TaskCoach (http://www.softwarecrew.com/2011/05/10-apps-to-bring-order-to-your-chaotic-life/) I have been able to increase my social time by being more productive.

[amy]

"be your own best example of taking control." YES

[Alease]

Thanks, for sharing these links, I will make sure to check them out. I need the extra help with organizing sometime.

Thanks for sharing, Alease

[Alease]

Hey Amy- I try to be my best example of control. Can I share this with only you? (lol) When I feel like I'm about to loose control- I go out to my car and scream. I swear it makes me feel a lot better.

Can't wait to hear more from Amy- Have a Good Day!

Alease