Pink Chalk Studio » Blog Archive

Focus

Apr 23rd, 2008 by Kathy

ACEO by Lisa Call

If my 2008 had a tag line it would be Focus. Finding, losing, regaining, keeping. Each day I attempt to strike an elusive tightrope pose where the pole in my hand has family sitting happily on one end and my muse on the other. Both have been extremely feisty lately.

I put a lot of effort into being productive between 9:30 am (last bus goes off to school) and 3:30 pm (first bus arrives home). Part well-laid plan, part raw sit down and just do it-ness. Lisa Call has featured a series of posts on the subject of Intent which she obviously wrote just for me One article shares this link to a story about putting rocks and pebbles and sand in a jar. The concept (holy cow!) has literally transformed how I approach my work.

Please share your thoughts and tricks on how you focus in the comments. I have a very large rock pile sitting next to my desk right now and NEED the inspiration!

ACEO by Lisa Call, 2.5″ x 3.5″. Lisa made 3 of these available to her newsletter subscribers several weeks ago. While violating one of my focus rules and reading e-mail mid-day I was lucky enough to be one of the first to respond. I am an incredibly huge fan of Lisa’s work and being able to own a small piece of it brings me unbelievable joy.

Posted in Musings, Inspiration | 24 Comments

24 Responses to “Focus”

on 23 Apr 2008 at 12:11 pm1Carrie

The only way I can maintain focus (at this point in my life anyway) is to have very, very small, even miniscule, targets. Breaking things down to be easily achievable. I might have a list of these and either get through one or two, or several, but that doesn’t matter. Something obvious has been done and that’s a good thing!
on 23 Apr 2008 at 12:15 pm2heidi

Hi Kathy! When I’m bored, uninspired, or even just plain don’t want to do something, I set a kitchen timer for fifteen minutes. More often than not, I can easily accomplish the dreaded tasks - like tidying up my closet - in much less time and it make me wonder why I ever thought it was so hard. Art and craft - by the end of the fifteen minutes I find the muse has woken from her slumber, and I am able to keep going.
on 23 Apr 2008 at 12:27 pm3Kathi D

I first read “the subject of intent” as “the subject of internet” and thought, “Yes! That is my problem exactly! Too much time on the internet!”

I struggle daily to find and hold a focus, and many days I fail. I relish the days that I can wake up with a sense of purpose and plow straight through. Those days are few. I manage to get everything done one way or another, but it often feels chaotic.
on 23 Apr 2008 at 1:43 pm4adrienne

I have to sit down and do it. I can talk about what I need to get done ALL DAY LONG, but if I don’t sit down and do it. I NEVER will. Also a list helps me SO much!!!
on 23 Apr 2008 at 1:50 pm5Lynn in Tucson

I’ve heard the same story with a glass of wine used at the end instead of water. The message I got was that there’s always room in your life for a glass of wine!
I’m a put-it-off-’til-the-last-minute type of person, so you probably don’t want any more advice from me….
;-)
on 23 Apr 2008 at 1:59 pm6Regina

I am a list maker -and also like to prep my projects when I am in a prepping mood, so that when I want to sew or assemble they are all in a plastic bag or tub ready to go.

I set little goals - like tonight is to silkscreen at least 100 prints of a design card I am doing. If I get more done than that - great - but I try not to bite off too much.

Nibbling away in small bites and celebrating the little milestones. Looking at what is “ta-DONE!” and not what is “to-do”.
on 23 Apr 2008 at 3:01 pm7Alisa

I am mostly just a lurker on your blog, but I thought I’d respond.

You wouldn’t be human without this problem - just to reassure you I read a book called “Eat that frog!” a few years ago. I don’t remember who the author is but it was a very easy read about time management. I highly recommend it!
on 23 Apr 2008 at 3:14 pm8Michelle

Wow. Thanks for the link. I’m going to sit and think about my big rocks for a while, and then make a list. Because I *know* potty training and scraping Play Doh off the carpet should not be what is filling up my jar!
on 23 Apr 2008 at 4:18 pm9Lisa

I just wanted to let you know I’m another one who can greatly relate to focus issues. I’m just at the beginning of my creative journey and have a hard time selecting projects and goals. Right now I’m allowing myself to get sidetracked by little sewing projects like a ‘toy truck carrying apron’ for my son b/c sometimes that leads to inspiration too! But my biggest help is my daily list and being vigilant about doing it in order and ignoring other things like laundry, dishes and toys all over the living room floor! Just know that regardless of how you feel, your blog is very inspiring. Thank you!
on 23 Apr 2008 at 5:35 pm10nyjlm

wow, amazing posts- thank you for pointing them out. I really need to hear the Lisa’s message, because I’m struggling terribly with focus and intent these days. Too much I want to do, but how exactly am I filling my time? It is rather discouraging to answer that question truthfully

Very jealous of the ACEO you won. Lisa’s work is just amazing.
on 23 Apr 2008 at 5:48 pm11Jodie

Great post… I loved the article and now also look at things differently.. A major reassessment of what my big rocks were was in order… Thankyou..
on 23 Apr 2008 at 9:24 pm12Nan

I used to be SO motivated - but lately I’m having a hard time staying focused…so I use the TV….I put it on Food Network and for 30 minutes - the length of one program I sew or quilt or whatever - just 30 minutes is all I tell myself and usually I end up deep in that “creative abyss” for hours…unless the phone rings and then I’m totally worthless! I love your blog! YOU are an inspiration!!
Thanks! And you’re in Seattle? I’m in Sammamish…it’s a small world! Nan
on 24 Apr 2008 at 12:46 am13nicolette

Thanks for the links, especially to Brian Bartes lecture. I try to focuss by making lists and stick to the most important stuff, the big rocks. But I easily end up doing almost nothing because my mind keeps on wandering through all the other things that have to be done (the sand, gravel and water). I feel so much better after a day in which I was able to focuss indeed. Setting my goals to high can paralyse me completely. It often helps a lot to go to the fitness and exercise for some time. I guess exercising is a big rock to me as well! Funny, I never looked at it that way! I sure need to make a new list of the big rocks! Thanks Kathy!
on 24 Apr 2008 at 7:37 am14Paper Dolls for Boys (Tracey)

I have no tips but I want to thank you for the link to the “big rocks” story. I’m going to get off the computer and do some thinking today. Thank you.
on 24 Apr 2008 at 1:49 pm15AJ

I would say that I could focus much better if I put blogging and blog reading to the side. It’s very distracting but I love every moment of reading. There is so much inspiration and creativity out there. And not having a plan works best for me. I just pick up whatever craft I want to work on, be it knitting, scrapbooking, sewing or jewelry making. I find that if I get bored of one I can rotate and yet I can still get a little of each done. That’s all the advice I have!
on 25 Apr 2008 at 3:02 am16mrspilkington

Oh, that blasted Internet! Gets me every time…I have to go back to strict time management on that one. I heard the rocks story with rice and walnuts!

I’m also very much a list maker, it really helps, even though I make very unrealistic lists. And I’ve started putting up inspiration/reminders/motivators all over the apartment…And I put a ‘project’/WIP everywhere (including in my bags) so that I can do something, if even for a few minutes, anytime.
on 25 Apr 2008 at 4:08 am17alicia

Hi Kathy!
I like your blog very much and I got many inspirations.
Drink a Cognac and please continue

By the way
I have found this interesting blog via
http://www.naehbistro.ch/sewing
(Sorry that is the correct blog)
on 25 Apr 2008 at 7:25 pm18cindy

The creative energy does not automatically start flowing the moment the kids are in bed. I like to start off by cleaning up the sewing room. I am the messiest crafter ever, so this is never a problem. I feel inspiration just folding different fabrics and looking around at the things I love. I find a notepad or sketchbook are always handy, as well. My mind goes a mile a minute even when I’m just sitting there. So it’s nice to write down how I got from A-Z. And you know, I think age has something to do with it. That and the number of kids you have. Wouldn’t it be boring if we weren’t always striving for something?
on 26 Apr 2008 at 6:04 am19Susan

Thanks for great discussion! My new mantra: “Action creates motivation”. ( from book “Scaling Down”.) So - I try to find something. on some project - to DO….then as Nan said, the ‘creative abyss’ opens and in I fall.
on 26 Apr 2008 at 1:33 pm20Administrator

Thanks everyone for all the fabulous ideas! Whenever I get book recommendations I immediately open up a window to my library’s website and put the book on hold. I’m a total bookie, can’t get enough of those types of books.

I also took several of your recommendations on writing a list. I know that sounds painfully obvious but sometimes I just keep it all in my head. Right now I have three separate projects going on with some longer stuff lurking in the distance. I’ve been waking up at night thinking about all the things I don’t want to forget. Writing it down has unburdened my brain immensely. It’s a little scary too but I’ll just have to deal with that.

xo
Kathy
on 27 Apr 2008 at 9:57 am21Regina

I have been trying to keep the computer off until noon(except for today-he he). I get a lot more done in the morning if it is off. I’ve only been doing this for just about 2 weeks, but I think it has helped a lot. Since doing this, I have started walking in the morning, and getting some solid play time in with my little guy. It’s been great. Nap time comes around and I can check emails and finish up projects. I only give myself until 5pm when it’s time to make dinner. Having a more limited time to work, gets me more motivated to focus and get things done.

I love this post. This focusing and balance thing has been weighing heavy on me too. I really enjoyed the links. Thank you
on 28 Apr 2008 at 9:43 am22Tammy

The kitchen timer works for me. I time how long I will allow myself to stay online. Then I try to stick to it. Sometimes I divide my day into hours: 1 hour sewing; 1 hour cleaning; etc…. But really, the internet is usually what sucks away my time.
on 28 Apr 2008 at 8:35 pm23Amy in MI

All you ladies have made me feel so much better–I’m NOT the only one struggling so hard to stay focused–wow! I heard the “big rocks” story before and was trying to use it recently…until I forgot and got stuck in a sandstorm, naturally. The kitchen timer sounds like another good approach to use. Thank you to Kathy for bringing this up and to all the wonderful women adding to this forum–this was a much-needed boost!
on 28 Apr 2008 at 8:43 pm24Administrator

Amy, it is comforting to know we’re all struggling with the same issues. The internet is a double-edged sword. Inspiring but often times a complete time suck. I did pretty good today. I made a list this morning, only checked my e-mail five times (it’s a start!) and actually finished a major task by the time the girls came home. I’m going to try and do better tomorrow!