Every day, you have the opportunity to ask yourself: is what I’m about to do a priority, or a distraction? 
 
We’re faced with that decision, multiple times, even if we never actually ask the question. However, becoming conscious of your actions helps you to truly know how you utilize your time and to recognize if what you’re doing is in support of bringing you closer to your goals and dreams, or away from them.
 
Sometimes the distractions are so insidious, you don’t even realize it. Social media is a fabulous distraction. As can be cleaning or organizing, or filling your calendar with things to do. But if you’re feeling unsatisfied or unrooted, then the distractions have overrun the priorities. It’s time to get clear.
 
What is it you’re wanting to accomplish in the near future? Write it down. Studies have shown the power of the written word. Post it somewhere you’ll see it daily. And then schedule your day and/or the way you spend money, to support that accomplishment. 
 
Watch your excuses as well; “I’m so busy!” can be a total excuse to not spend the time doing something fulfilling, or that’s an action step towards your goal. If you truly think you’re too busy, then start noticing how much you distract yourself by checking email or going on social media or watching TV. Are you actually so busy, or are you avoiding pursing your dreams? If it’s really a priority, then you may need to get firm with yourself and with all of those distractions. Because the distractions will always be there; it’s how you handle them that makes all the difference.
 
You may not do it perfectly some days, and that’s OK. Some days you may absolutely need to disconnect and zone out. However, in general, consistent small acts can lead to huge shifts. Marie Forleo says, “Progress, not perfection.”
 
When you claim your priorities and take action, even little actions, the Universe shows up to support you with synchronicities and assistance.
 
So what is it you’re wanting to accomplish right now? And what captures most of your distractions timewise? The more conscious you can become of both, the more you’ll feel a sense of achievement when you hit your goals.

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“Progress, not perfection.”
 
This is a motto that Marie Forleo* stresses all the time. It’s quite brilliant because perfection is the antithesis of creativity. I know for myself, sometimes I want to do something perfectly and then I melt down if it’s not perfect. That or I don’t do anything on a creative project because I’m afraid it won’t be perfect. Either way, allowing perfection to control the creative process is detrimental and completely opposite of what creativity is: a way to express yourself and your soul.
 
So what does progress mean? It means taking it one step at a time. Doing what you are able to in the moment, without getting lost on the end result and how you want it to look. Take whatever little steps you can towards your goal, without being paralyzed as to how you will ever accomplish it all. You won’t if you’re overwhelmed. Here’s a secret, overwhelm is a tool the negative ego uses to stop you. Think about it, if you’re overwhelmed, you either don’t do anything or you aren’t present to what you actually do because there’s so much else to get done. Both options prevent you from owning your power in your body, in present time.
 
A great example of progress would be if you wanted to begin a meditation practice. You would completely sabotage yourself if on day one, you expected perfect focus, a quiet mind, and the ability to do it for a half hour. That’s unrealistic. Instead, aim for one minute; focused breathing for one minute. If you can do that, the next day, add more time; and so on and so forth. You cannot expect perfection on anything that you are just learning or anything you are starting to create. 
 
Progress is having perseverance through daily small actions. Many little steps lead to big changes. It does not have to be huge chunks of time, but it does need to be consistent to see the results you’re after. Think of yourself like an athlete. To run the marathon, you would train daily. You know the big picture, but you focus on what you can accomplish that day. It is exactly the same with a creative project, or a new vision you have for your life. And let me clarify that creativity isn’t limited to the arts. Creativity encompasses learning new skills, having a new vision for your life, redesigning your living space- really anything can be creative. Don’t limit yourself to thinking that I’m talking about painting a picture or writing a book. 
 
Do what you can now in service of your goal. Don’t wait. One step at a time. Trial and error. See what works, and what doesn’t. Perfection will only sabotage you and take you off track. Instead, stay in the now and do what you can. Feel the sense of accomplishment with every step, propelling you excitedly towards the next step. You can always edit, you can always re-do. Nothing is set in stone. Allow yourself the freedom to explore, create, and learn unencumbered. 
 
Progress, not perfection.
 
Happy creating!


(* if you don't know Marie, she's great, google her)