Creative Spotlight #37

Sunshine & Spotlights! It's Sunday, and you know what that means – Creative Spotlight delivery day! I hope you crushed your goals this week and next week promises to be even brighter. So, grab some cosy vibes, pause your favourite show and dive into a dose of creative inspiration.

PS: Don't forget to subscribe to the email newsletter. Thanks!

Next guest:

From Suits to Swatches: Clara’s Design Career Leap | #50: Clara Walton

Clara Walton is a graphic designer with a story that will inspire you to chase your dreams. She wasn't always crafting killer visuals. In 2020, she took a leap of faith, leaving her hospitality career and London flat behind to pursue a foundation degree in design at Middlesex University. Fueled by a desire to unleash her creativity, she's transformed into a "biking graphic designer" who uses her skills to empower clients and connect with them on LinkedIn. But Clara's journey doesn't stop there. We'll explore her ambitious decision to move to Australia, the exciting (and sometimes challenging) world of balancing freelance graphic design with university studies and the power of maintaining a positive mindset that's propelled her forward. Get ready to be motivated by Clara's story and learn valuable tips for anyone looking to take control of their career and chase their creative spark.

Connect with Clara:

• https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/clara-walton-b54b5414a/
• https://www.claradoesdesign.com/?
• https://www.instagram.com/clara.does.design/?

Podcast updates:

50 Episodes Strong! ??

While counting #SPECIAL episodes pushes the number higher, it's still incredible to think we've reached this milestone!

Huge thanks to the incredible guests who've joined me on the show. Their stories and insights are what keep me fueled to keep this project going. And of course, a massive shoutout to all the listeners, followers and supporters who've been part of this exciting journey.

I've had the privilege of speaking with some truly diverse individuals – folks from all walks of life, with a wide range of expertise and unique experiences that have shaped their paths. (By the way, checking out their social media is highly recommended!)

Thank you again for everyone! We've got big things planned and here's to celebrating many more milestones together! ??

Quote of the week:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

– Aristotle

Hack of the week: Tame the To-Do List with Realistic Expectations

This week's productivity hack isn't about a fancy app or a time management technique. It's about a fundamental shift in mindset: setting realistic expectations.

We've all been there. You craft a meticulously detailed to-do list, brimming with ambitious goals. But by the end of the day (or week), it remains largely untouched, leaving you feeling defeated and unproductive. Here's the culprit: unrealistic expectations.

Instead of setting ourselves up for disappointment, let's embrace the power of "real." Here's how:

• Factor in Reality: Recognise that unexpected events, interruptions, and even moments of procrastination are inevitable. Schedule buffer time into your day to accommodate them.
• Chunk it Down: Large, amorphous tasks can be paralyzing. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes progress feel tangible and keeps you motivated.
• Embrace Milestones, Not Mountains: Focus on celebrating small wins. Completing a single step on your larger goal is still progress. Don't wait for the "mountain" to be conquered before acknowledging your effort.

Remember, sustainable productivity is about consistency, not heroics. By setting realistic expectations, creating achievable goals, and acknowledging incremental progress, you'll be well on your way to productivity mastery!

Support the show: ??

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Thank you and have an amazing week! ??