Work it Wednesday: Vision or Task Driven Work

Some people are dreamers. They've got big vision, lots of ideas and think beyond limitations and practicalities.
Some people are ground level thinkers. They problem solve, move things forward and check things off their list.

These are my own loose definitions but I think often times we relate more with one than the other.

I want to be the dreamer type. I do have big visions and love the freedom to think creatively, but that is not often where I live. Much of my life (personal and work wise) have been lived in practicalities, responsibilities and making things happen. It can be hard for me to step back and think "BIGGER PICTURE". This is my habit. But I want to live in both!

I am so grateful for the past year-ish of my official small business pursuits. I am reminded regularly that it takes a mix of making things happen and dreaming ahead. I start my week by writing out my to dos. Then I start crossing things off. There's some new items that have been appearing... Things like: research new business model, launch email campaign, create valuable client experience, develop my "why" and other bigger vision things. These things keep getting rolled over to the next week's to dos. They are harder for me. They can't quickly be crossed off, they take dedicated time and energy to think through and there isn't often and easy answer. But these things are some of the most valuable. I want my business to be a genuine expression of me and to offer something meaningful. That doesn't happen by accident. So how does it?

It is challenging to work well outside of our default mode. Maybe if you're looking to do a little more high level dreaming/planning some of these could help you.

Getting into creative/strategic mode:

• Change up your scenery: Where do you usually work? Go somewhere else. Somewhere that allows you to be creative, think freely and be inspired. Maybe it is somewhere life is happening around you (a coffee shop, community workspace, outdoor setting) or maybe it is a clean and open space with your music on or total silence. I love working from home but I don't do my best high level dreaming/planning from home. [FLDWRK has been so good for a different scenery for me].
• Connect with others: Find some people who you respect and ask them some questions. What have they been inspired by lately? What is their biggest challenge? What are they dreaming about? What was the biggest risk they've taken? How had they failed? I couldn't move forward without my people. Other creatives, business owners, friends and my husband. They listen, give feedback, inspire, encourage and lead by example.
• Fail. This one is hard for me but my husband often reminds me.. Even it something isn't a total success, I will learn. Take a chance, try something out, dream big. Who knows, your failure may be the thing that leads you to your next great success. 
• Start. I can be good about coming up with ideas I love and then I let fear or my to do list stop me from pursuing them. But if you start today where will you be next week? Next month? Next year? Start small. Start somewhere. 
• Take a break. Do nothing (rest) or do something that you love. Creativity is fueled when we are filled. A great conversation, a nap, a book and cup of coffee, creating art just because, a day trip, do all the dishes.. What brings you life and inspires your best work? Do some of that.

What is your default mode?
What helps you do your best work?
I'd love to hear from you!