Don't over do it

Taking the simple approach this year

At the start of a New Year, I’m normally the one who's bursting with ideas, diving into new things, chasing new goals & ambitions, then is exhausted and generally grumpy by the end of January.

I’m taking a simple approach this year.

My one goal is to not over do it.

I’m proud to call myself an illustrator and writer, so I should focus my time and energy on illustrating and writing (sounds simple, right?). At the top of my to do list in Trello, I have a card that says in capitals:

JUST DRAW & WRITE EVERY DAY. DO NOTHING ELSE!!!

I have a tendency to go off on a tangent and start planning lots of creative ventures… that will of course bring in lots of money and fame… but in reality, that's not what I want to be doing.

Here's my ‘don’t over do it' list:

• Drink lots of tea
• Draw & write in a cosy place
• Read books for fun (not just to learn stuff)
• Listen to music & podcasts I enjoy
• Watch more films
• Run for mental health over physical health (change in mindset)
• Take lots of break whilst working
• Go on adventures and take photos for drawing & writing later
• Don't sweat the small stuff and the mistakes
• Do what I want to do, not what I think I ought to be doing

Ultimately, keep things simple and take the long scenic route. Hopefully this approach is simple, yet effective when done consistently over time. I’ll let you know how it goes.

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