In this episode we'll be tackling: 10 Ways to Push through and Stay focused when times are tough (in your business or your creativity)

1 - Take it one day at a time. Every day has new opportunities and could bring a brand new perspective. You know me - I try and look at the step in front of me in stead of looking at the whole stair case. I often have to remind myself of that quote - if I get overwhelmed with the big picture, I just ask myself: what's next? So, what's next??

2 - Make a daily list with attainable goals or tasks - What I mean by this is that is doesn't help anyone to have a massive long list the size of the Nile to get you motivated. If it seems impossible, it's most likely going to be demotivating. So spread out the tasks in your week and tick them off for extra satisfaction when you're done.

3 - Possibly one of the things on your list above should be clearing your dedicated work space or general area. I know I always have this my list, but I can't work constructively in a cluttered space. I like to do 20min bursts of clearing, so it doesn't end up taking up my whole morning or day. So I set a quick alarm on my phone, tidy and pack away as much as I can and then when it's workable, I leave the rest of the deep clean for later if I've finished my more important tasks.

4 - Now that we've spoken about cleaning, we need to plan for rest too. Use your weekends mainly for rest and inspiration. But: when the muse comes to visit and inspiration strikes, make a quick note of your thoughts on your phone's notepad and revisit it later when you have time to plan it out.

5 - Plan ahead: if your are creating content for social media, it's always a good idea to have something prepared , as opposed to furiously trying to type out a post. Remember that if you want to serve your audience or your community well, you should be focusing on what would bring them value - be it inspiration, motivation or personal growth. Remember that quality is always better than quantity here. Being consistent doesn't necessarily translate to daily.

6 - And then if it all gets a bit too much, or your mind feels jumbled and confused - Air it out, and even better: garden it out! Go for that walk, do some mindless weeding, as in pulling weeds from the ground (I did it again this morning and here I am writing suggestions for you!) It's not a waste of time, your mind needs breathing space too! When you focus your mind on things that don't need much executive function, it often gets the down time to sort through the things you've been meaning to think through. Amazing huh?!

7 - Map out dedicated work time and switch your phone and mind to silent - don't answer distracting emails or phone calls during your creating or admin time. Just power through your list and answer those messages in batch form later. This has been a game changer for me recently - when I'm in flow as they say, I can use that block of time way more constructively. And please note that this work is never done in complete silence or super-focus, I have gotten used to have comics or rather educational shows as my background music. I have no problem with an extra screen offering me some help here and there during the day.

8 - KEEP GOING FOR IT - Stop waiting for someone to ask you or to invite you. Ask them. Send an email or pop a DM. You've got nothing to lose. The worst that could happen? They say no. So you move on to the next opportunity. I say create your own opportunities. You know what? I bet you'd never be able to guess who of my guests on the podcast asked for an interview, as opposed to those whom I invited. I'll just leave you with that thought.

9 - So now that you're back in your zone of genius, how about a little mood board or a mind map to keep you ins...