The irony to simplicity is that it is not always simple to achieve. During the past few weeks I have attempted to keep my schedule simple — minimal distractions, personal commitments and work appointments. Inevitably, I become distracted … {Even as I review notes collected during discussions and informal chats with my peer group and close friends, and my own random doodles and notations}.
What was intended to be simple {unscheduled time} was not without the momentary complications of distractions, discoveries and rabbit trails. Those shiny things I don’t usually have time to explore. 
I did have focused time devoted to planning, strategies and list-making. Some days, I resorted to using a timer {set for 15-minutes} to “beep” be back on-task. It works quite well … When I remember to set it!
What about you?
How do you incorporate business {personal} planning in your schedule? What resources do you find to be essential, productive, insightful? How do you care for your business {personal goals, wishes and dreams}?
Today was a particularly inspiring day of planning. I have enjoyed some time off this week — always clarifying! — and continue to be drawn into the theme of transparency. Of being honest about the challenge and uncertainty involved with change, adaptation and learning as you go along. {Particularly when you begin walking in a new direction.}
Despite the initial sheer terror of being transparent {honest, authentic} it always pays off. Incorporating this principle also proves to be the shortest distance between two points. It eliminates indecision because you are acting upon what you truly believe — instead of some watered down version of someone else’s jargon or goals.
This afternoon, I appreciated the honestly of @Chris Brogan‘s [Redrawing]. Which made the point that we cannot be all things to all people. It is refreshing to read the words of authentic pondering — thoughts in-process; it lowers the volume on the noise of “I want to make you rich!” “I am fabulous! You can be, too!” tweets and posts. And assures us: We are not alone.
Posts like @armano‘s [When is your website a community?] pointing out that “communities don’t form overnight.” And then there are links we revisit when we need to be reminded [How to survive creative burnout].
I also related to @NancyMarmolejo‘s [The Transparency Challenge] and commented:
During the past eight weeks, transparency proved to exactly what I needed in order to receive insightful feedback. I admitted to myself, my readers and my peer group that I needed to scrap my {black and white} business management service in order to pursue a colorful {collage} version of consulting exclusively with solopreneurs.
What are your thoughts regarding shedding the veil of busyness, pretense and fitting-in to accomplish care to the details of your business? How do you handle more To-Do that time each day? What are your favorite links to revisit when you face burnout or just the basic blahs?
The actual writing is what you live for. The rest is something you have to get through in order to arrive at that point.” Raymond Chandler
