The Value of Baby Steps

October 11, 2021 by natalini in design, process, patience

In the entrepreneurial and small business world the phrase, “start before you’re ready,” has become a mantra. For some of us, that mantra can be taken too far and too fast in some instances. As a recovering impatient creative, I have learn hard lessons from taking giant leaps before mapping out a progressive course. I wanted to get to the finish line and thought I could fill in the blanks later. After years of beating myself up for my mistakes, I finally understand the importance of baby steps and slow growth. My unpolished mindset taught me what not to do at a young age when I had little to lose and for that I am grateful. This doesn’t mean I will not make bigger mistakes in the future with bigger loss, however, I will not make the same ones over again. Now, I can truly see and instinctively feel the value of baby steps. My mom has been vindicated in her wise advice to always, “KISS IT” (keep it simple stupid) and to “take baby step.” Thankfully, my mom has the biggest, loving heart and will never say “I told you so.” That is unconditional love right there.

SIDE NOTE: If someone has the opportunity to be right and relish in an ego boost and they choose to cheer for your success instead, you’ve got a great supporter by your side. It is so important to have people—there may be just one—that you can depend on that will be completely honest with you because they want to see you do your very best. They can be hard to find, but you’ll know when you’ve found one when they get excited for your wins in life rather than become jealous, make it about them or end the conversation abruptly. This is an abusive relationship no matter who this person is to you and it’s best to distance yourself from them immediately.

Back to baby steps. A big part of taking effective baby steps is that you have a clear vision of where you’re going, create an outline of what you need to get there, then reduce that down to monthly, weekly and daily action steps and finally let go and trust that you’ll know what adjustments to make along the way. Patience is required.

Next Steps

May 26, 2021 by natalini in design, process

Taking the next steps in a design process can either be anxiety inducing or filled with new discoveries led by your intuition. Yes, intuition. I know you’re not fortune teller or a psychic, but all living organisms have intuition or spidey senses as I like to call them.

Choosing intuitive decision making over stressful, “what will Blankety Blank think of this,” will set your creative heart free. Your assumption of Blankety Blank’s opinion will only hinder your mental capacity to intuitively deliver an above and beyond final product.

HOW TO MAKE INTUITIVE DECISIONS:

STEP AWAY: After gathering all of the information needed to create a design plan, step away by being in nature or playing a mindless game.
THINK & PLAY LIKE A CHILD: Remember back to childhood and problem solving happened naturally. Grab some art supplies and draw, paint or dance to fun songs.
BE QUIET & BREATHE: This is a chance to create calmness through silence and meditation to begin to trust your natural intuition. You’ll know it’s working when you get that “yes” in your gut. This part may take some practice so be patient even if there is a deadline.

Listening to your intuition when making next step decisions will most likely lead to a success and some very happy people.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes...

May 19, 2021 by natalini in design, process

Complete changes half way through a carefully crafted process can feel defeating especially when the research, materials and dates were secured. This midway change will definitely put the Flintstone feet breaks on the plan. Understand that most of the hard work was completed in the first half regardless of the new work that lies ahead. The motivation and inspiration from the new ideas will catapult the project into its final glory and it will be bigger and better than the original vision. Remember to release some control in the middle of a major project to allow growth to happen naturally.

Allow David Bowie to calm you down from the midway hurtles and inspire a new outcome.

The Space Between

May 18, 2021 by natalini in wellness, process

The middle of any process is a good time to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come and how close you are to the finish line. Take time to feel accomplished rather than overwhelmed with what remains to be completed. One day you’ll look back at the middle of something and reflect on that being the best time you’ve had or how brilliant you were for taking on that challenge and seeing it through.

Design Forecast Prediction

May 17, 2021 by natalini in design, process

Attention creators, expect a great start to your project with intermittent bumps throughout and some inconvenient delays with a chance of self doubt. Overall, it will be a pleasant experience and will most likely turn out better than you originally planned. Enjoy the ride, take picture and keep notes because it will certainly not be boring.