Blog Post: Go Ahead, Get Lost

Have you noticed how slowly time goes when you’re doing tasks you’ve been avoiding as long as possible?  For people like myself, a good example would be when it’s time to do the bills.  It may take 30 minutes, an hour, whatever – and I consider it a necessary but annoying application of my time.  I am aware of every second and can’t wait for it to end! 

On the other hand, remember the last time you lost track of time?  What were you “lost” in? Whatever it was, it probably was something you love to do, and restored your energy and enthusiasm for life, right?  It can be many different things for different people.  Here are some frequently cited hideaways that stoke people's happiness and creative energy:

·          Relaxing with a good book that captivates your imagination

·          Being with someone with whom you share a caring, respectful relationship 

·          Playing, having fun, and laughing with a child or a pet or a friend 

·          Losing yourself in the enjoyment of art, writing, music, or a hobby project

·          Listening to your favorite music and letting your mind wander with it

·          Appreciating nature and feeling the beauty of the world around you

People differ widely in what captures their wholehearted attention and frees them from their bossy “to do” lists of mundane chores.  What are your favorite escapes?  This is seriously important to your well being and creative regeneration, so list 3 of them below:

1)       (Your favorite, hands down!) _____________________________________

2)       (Your second favorite, a close runner-up) ___________________________

3)       (Your third favorite, and also very important) ________________________

Now that you have claimed them out in the open, answer this question:  which ones are currently on your calendar, with their own appointments booked in among your long list of life’s commitments and tasks?  If they’re not there, you’re like most people who habitually undervalue and postpone the pleasure of losing themselves in their favorite pursuits, day after day after day…  until their creative energies run dry and they feel stuck.

Want to keep your creative energy stoked and working for you fulltime?  Then get lost more often, lost in doing something you love.  Go ahead, add that appointment to your calendar now.  You probably need it more than ever these days...

Here’s to the power of creative life inside YOU!   

Author Gayla Doucet - A Certified Creative Life and Talent Management Coach (International Coach Federation) and a member of the Phoenix Chapter of the ICF. Find her at People Powered Solutions LLC (www.pplpowered.com), and LinkedIn. 

(c) People Powered Solutions LLC 2009