Getting back to work when you feel Like a jetlagged bear exiting hibernation

A few ideas to consider when you’re feeling stuck or frustrated about the progress of something that really matters to you…

I’ve never wanted a tattoo in my life.

But if I had to pick one today?

I’d find an artist with a steady hand and go for t. t. t. t.–a symbol that reminds me, These Things Take Time. Of course we all know that things take time, but we still want them to happen on our schedule and without the obstacles, setbacks and delays.

We want to input A + B to get C.

That might work in algebra, but life has other variables.

The way that Henriette Anne Klauser described ‘things taking time’ in her book Write It Down, Make It Happen helped me accept that the important things I’m committed to will get done, but in their own time.

While the book sounds like a productivity book, it’s not–it’s actually much more woo than that which is why I’ve re-read countless times and intermittently pick up to thumb through the dog-eared, highlighted and scribbled pages for reminders and inspiration.

No matter what the thing is that you’re doing: caring for your family, building a business, learning how to draw on your iPad, these things take time!

And they often take longer than we want them to because life doesn’t unfold in a straight line. Other things get in the way. Family obligations, relational responsibilities, deadlines, and so on.

In 4000 Weeks–Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman, he talks about how life is a series of things that you need to square up to and focus your attention on. Not good, not bad, just things that need your attention.

When I think about things that come up in life not as disruptions but as opportunities to offer my attention, I get to:

• pivot without self-judgement or annoyance and without attachment
• recognize that reality is always unfolding
• allow my priorities and needs to shift over time

Learning how to focus my attention where I want it to go, not by forcing myself to “just focus” but to instead focus on the present moment, allows me to navigate the disruptions that come up without becoming depleted from overly attaching to how I think things should have gone.

Think about it, if you look back at an accomplishment you’re proud of, there are countless things that happened outside of your plan, beyond your control and off your timeline, but you achieved the aforementioned accomplishment.

Henriette Klausner also talks about how putting your attention on things is enough to keep you on the path of moving towards them. When we consistently redirect our attention to what needs our energy, we have the flexibility to step off the linear path and attend to what’s coming up. And just like that, we can also pivot our attention back to our many projects and goals.

Attention and focus are important players in the long-game of branding.

Whether it’s a personal or business brand, having a clear look and feel to your work gives your audience something consistent to pay attention to!

A great brand helps hold the attention and focus of the people who want to engage with your work.
If you HAD to pick a tattoo that represents your dreamiest brand, what would it be?

I hope you’ll get in touch and let me know.

In the meantime, I’ll be turning my attention back towards creating and sending these emails and reimagining what my work looks like in 2025.

Til next time,
Jocelyn