A guest post by Jennifer Lee:
When I created the first Right-Brain Business Plan back in November 2007 on a whim during Art Every Day Month challenge, I had no idea that it would transform from a personal creative project made on my kitchen table into an approach and book that folks from around the world resonate with.
It just goes to show me that people are yearning for a new way of working in the world. A way that honors your creative spirit and intuition.
I used to think that business and creativity were worlds apart, but my journey over the years has taught me that they indeed go hand-in-hand. Your creativity is your most valuable business asset. So, if you’re in business for yourself keep finding ways to trust your intuition and express your authentic self through your work. It will serve you well.
And if you’re nurturing the seeds of an entrepreneurial dream, keep tending to your values and creative spirit and make sure you surround yourself with supportive people.
To inspire you along your journey, you can download a free Right-Brain Entrepreneur Badge of Honor poster. Hang it up in your office or studio to remind you that you and your creative work matter.
Plus, we’re doing a give-away here on Roots of She. Just write in the comments section how you honor your creativity in your work and/or life and we’ll randomly pick a lucky person who will win a copy of my new book The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success. Comments close at noon March 11.
Jennifer, in her own words:
Jennifer Lee, author of The Right-Brain Business Plan, is a certified coach, writer, artist, yogini, and the founder of Artizen Coaching.
Before pursuing her own passions full-time, she consulted for ten years for companies such as Gap Inc., Accenture, Sony, and HP, helping leaders and organizations manage change. Now she is on a mission to empower people to awaken their innate creativity and make a living doing what they love.
When she’s not coaching, writing, or leading groups, she’s either painting up a storm, reading in her hammock, practicing yoga, making arts and crafts, or indulging in a midday nap (one of the fabulous perks of being self-employed).
Connect : Website: Artizen Coaching | The Right-Brain Business Plan | Blog | Facebook | Twitter: @artizencoaching
Have you been working on an e-course, book, e-book, paintings, digital art or podcast? Is it ready to launch? Do you want to share it with others?
Then the Creative Harvest is for you — e-mail me for details.
I honour my creativity in everything that I do, every single day, it's so natural! From the way I wear my hair, or how I pour my morning cup of coffee, to the artwork and writing I create during the day. By honouring my creativity, I honour myself.
I just printed the poster and already feel closer to my goals!
Thank you! What an absolutely amazing creation! xoxo
Honestly, while trying to come up with an answer, I realized that I can be doing a lot more to honor my creativity. I think what I'm most proud of, though, is the fact that I have not let go of my artistic dreams. I do what I can here and there, as life allows. I'm just happy to know that I've acknowledged the value of my creativity, instead of thinking of it as curse, like I did at one point in my life.
Hmmm, how do I honor my creativity in my work and/or life…very good question. Actually, the best answer is that this is something I am working on this year, because I usually just push my creativity aside and lose focus on my goals.
Ahem…exactly why I so NEED this book
Honestly, I am trying very hard to honor my creativity. I'm working on starting to write this year…I love to write, but always put it off for "more important" things. Why is THAT not important? I'm also taking time for crafting…working with my husband on some creative ideas we have for a business. So…long answer is – I'm working very hard to take the TIME to honor my creativity.
I heart you Roots of She…and Jennifer, even if I don't win the book, I think I'm gonna have to make it mine
I honor my creativity by naming and celebrating it! Trusting that it is there even when I don't know how to access it. Honoring it even when there's nothing to "show". Yay!!!
I work in a big corporation that I kept saying was crushing my creativity. My job is bogged down with the worst kinds of bureaucracy. Then, I came to the realization that instead of allowing myself to be frustrated and stopped by the countless obstacles that I encounter that I could use my creativity to figure out ways around them to success. This is how I honor my creativity. (Though, I still need to take on creative endeavors off the clock in order to keep myself sane!)
I honor creativity in my day-to-day life in the environment I create in my home, in the meals I cook, in the hobbies I enjoy, and in the books I read. And, I honor and share my passion for living the creative life in my business as I encourage others with my teaching, my blogging, and by example with the quilt-related products and services I offer to students and customers all over the world.
I chose creativity as my word and theme for my year. Honoring my creative gifts help me to inspire and assist me as an actor, teacher and intuitive. That the real reason for all my creativity to not only help, entertain and heal myself but others as well.
I honour my creativity by recognizing that it's a sacred expression of myself.
A while ago I became a bit embarrassed that almost all my photographs are of flowers. I began to think that people must be getting tired of all this flower photography. So I stopped sharing them.
It was only when I acknowledged them as a sacred expression of myself that I chose to share them again – a realization that came only when I got tired of trying to hide the sparkle that I feel when I take and share flower photos.
So, I suppose I honour my creativity primarily by giving myself permission to follow my obsessions and then secondly by sharing the results unapologetically.
Amy
xx
In this world of work, work, work and no play (well that's the one I was living in) I was overlooking my unique self. My creative essence. My ME. Well, I'm changing my world and expressing my creativity. Rediscovering the girl who used to draw and write stories all the time. Each day is a wonder. So I wander down a path never before travelled.
I honor my creativity by acknowledging my dreams, and by taking steps toward them. I can be doing so much more, and I am making micromovements toward that.
I love the idea of the right brain business plan. I have been fine tuning my business idea for too long…hung up on being perfect and being my idea of an expert before launching…i guess that's just me being a woman.
It's time to let go and get out there with it. For me creativity is a bit different. I see patterns where others miss them. And I am applying them to web optimization. Helping small businesses get found on the web. It's fun, it's surprisingly creative. And if I would just get it out there…it will keep the roof on the house.