How to Get Unstuck and Overcome Procrastination as a Creative Professional

When I tell people the things I do - and finish! - today, the consensus is that I'm so "productive" and "focused." I can achieve many things in reasonable amounts of time, it’s true, but it hasn't always been this way. In fact, I used to be a massive procrastinator. For anyone, this can be detrimental to success. For creative professionals or entrepreneurs, this can be the main reason they’re not achieving success - something I experienced firsthand early in my career.

But the good news is that it's possible to overcome procrastination and get unstuck. Once I'd figured out how to get unstuck and do things instead of thinking about them, I decided to sell my first business and pivot into a career helping others do the same.

Do you find yourself in an inescapable cycle of procrastination? Good ideas that fizzle out and die, projects that get endlessly delayed, and personal growth that doesn't bring about real change. It's a problem many people struggle with, but only a few know how to find the tools to break free from this self-defeating behavior. And it takes time! But imagine a world where you naturally take action and are free from the misery of procrastination - a life filled with productivity, confidence, achievement, and personal and professional success. I have dedicated the past decade to helping you achieve that vision, and it’s what my new book, "Get Unstuck!" is all about.

Procrastination: the paralyzing habit

Procrastination is more than just a time-wasting activity; it's a habit with different root causes: fear, uncertainty, boredom, or even perfectionism. Procrastination means delaying or postponing tasks that need to be accomplished, even when we know they're important and will benefit us in the long run.

One of the main reasons why procrastination can be so damaging is because it often leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety. When we put off important tasks, they linger in our minds, causing constant guilt and pressure. This can also affect our mental health, leading to feelings of inadequacy and failure. Not to mention the missed opportunities, the projects that don't get done, the relationships that suffer, and the potential income we miss out on.

But why do we procrastinate? Why can't we just get things done when we know they must be done? The truth is, there are many factors at play. From our upbringing, trauma, and past experiences to our current environment and mindset, all of these contribute to our tendency to procrastinate.

Overcoming procrastination: how to get unstuck

The first step towards overcoming procrastination is understanding why we do it. Often, it's not because we're lazy or unmotivated but because we're afraid of failing or making mistakes, question our ability to succeed, or simply don't know where to start. Identifying the root cause of our procrastination is crucial to finding effective solutions.

One common misconception about overcoming procrastination is that it's all about willpower and discipline; as I mention in my book, while these are important factors, they're not the only ones. Relying solely on willpower (a finite resource) and discipline will often lead to temporary success, followed by an even bigger procrastination setback.

Here are some tips on how to get unstuck and overcome procrastination:

1. Figure out what you really want: We often procrastinate because we don't know what we want. We could do so much, and everything seems exciting and new. Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals and how they align with your current ideas or projects. The more aligned this gets, the easier it will be for you to stay motivated and focused.

2. Look at the excuses you tell yourself. What is hiding underneath? Are you afraid of failure? Are you unsure of your abilities? A perfectionist? Are you struggling with limiting beliefs or negative experiences? Once you identify the underlying cause, it's easier to address and work on overcoming it. Remember, your fears and doubts are not facts; they're just thoughts you can change.

3. Don't make a mountain out of a thought: Often, we procrastinate because the task at hand seems too daunting. I tell my clients, "Don't make a mountain out of that thought you just had!" when I see them start to overthink it. It happens often. You start with a simple idea; before you know it, your mind has turned it into this big, scary, and impossible mountain. And, of course, you want to achieve the top with one big step. Realizing how impossible this is, instead of going back to the original idea, you give up on it completely. 

Understanding being stuck: identifying your paralysis

Stuckness is the feeling of indecision and paralysis when faced with a challenge or an important task. I often explain what being stuck feels like by using the crossroads metaphor. Imagine standing at a crossroads and having to choose which path to take. But instead of making a decision, you freeze, unable to move or progress. You keep looking left and right or front and back, waiting for clarity on what choice to make. And because that clarity doesn't come, you're paralyzed and stay at the crossroads, contemplating all the options available to you without ever taking a step forward.

Some people stay stuck like this for a long time. I had a client once who came to me after having felt like this for ten years. Ten years! Imagine feeling paralyzed and indecisive for such a long time. But even if you don't stay stuck for that long, the feeling of being stuck can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging. It can make us feel incapable or not good enough to move forward.

But here's the thing: most people associate being stuck with failure when it is a natural part of any growth process. It's like being at the foot of a mountain, looking at its intimidating height and thinking, "I'll never be able to climb that." But once you start taking small steps forward, one after another, you eventually reach the top.

That's why understanding your paralysis is crucial for overcoming it. Identify what is keeping you stuck - fear, self-doubt, lack of direction or resources, not knowing how to start or what to do - and work on addressing those issues. Seek support and guidance from a professional coach like me or trusted friends and family.

Remember, being stuck is a feeling, not a fact. It’s not a sign of weakness or incompetence. It's a temporary state that can be overcome with determination, perseverance, and the right mindset!

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To help you get unstuck, I'm hosting a "Get Unstuck!" The virtual Book Deep Dive Event on April 11th, 2024, at 11 am PST, 2 pm EST, 7 pm UK, 8 pm CET - LIVE ON ZOOM!

This event is more than just a seminar or book launch; it's an interactive experience designed to help you get unstuck and overcome procrastination for good! This year is the year you're going to do the thing, not just think about it!

I’m bringing together experts from the art world, tech, entrepreneurship, and academia to provide insights on the phenomenon of procrastination and understanding what being stuck really is.
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For all participants: don’t miss exclusive gifts delivered to your mailbox and fantastic giveaways during the event! It’s about YOU - learn how to overcome procrastination, stress, indecision, burnout, and overthinking and walk away with the power to create a fulfilling life and career.
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Start MOVE-ing Forward. The Time is Now! Reserve your spot now by clicking here!

How Jill learned to believe in herself and find the right clients

I first met Jill when she was looking for support and advice about how to pursue her dreams of owning a successful branding company without losing herself to imposter syndrome - or to her other many interests! Together, we worked on figuring out what her next steps might be in creating a true portfolio career for the Jill-of-all-trades that she is. It allowed her to let go of her negative self-talk and improve her self-confidence. She always had many talents and skills; she just needed a little bit of help to figure out how to combine them into a fulfilling career. Here’s how she did it.

What was your big dream, and what inspired you to go after it?

When I was younger, I had many interests—and I still do. Art captivated me; I attended art classes in my free time, procured books on drawing, and practiced consistently. I was equally fascinated by computers, and I remember buying one with my savings at age 11, though I had no clue how to use it. Additionally, I was passionate about dancing and gymnastics and pursued them at a club. I even dreamt of owning a tearoom. With any remaining time, I played teacher with my dolls. So, did I have one overarching dream? Not exactly. It was more like a thousand dreams, with life too brief to accommodate them all. Yet, through it all, the arts remained a consistent presence in my life.

Did you always have this dream?

As I grew older, the allure of fine arts persisted. However, I was still determininghow to transform that passion into a career. While my drawing skills weren't exceptional, I was blessed with a vibrant, creative mind and a vast imagination. When two of my friends chose to study a  'Master in Fine Arts - Graphic Design,' it was my eureka moment. It combined creativity, drawing, and computer work – a perfect blend of my interests!

Transitioning from a science background and lacking formal art education from high school was challenging. But my passion and determination were there. I dedicated myself wholeheartedly and emerged successful—with honors, no less!

What was one of the first things you did to get you started?

I was employed as a graphic designer at a company, but over time, I felt my passion waning. So, in 2004, I launched IN.DRUK as a side venture. Within IN.DRUK, I was free to design based on what I believed best suited my clients without the constraints of someone telling me what to do. This lasted for 13 years. During some years, I was swamped with work, while in others, I barely designed anything. Meanwhile, in my primary job, I transitioned to an account manager role at a printing firm. There, I discovered a genuine love for sales and entrepreneurship. By 2017, I felt ready to fully commit, and I embraced IN.DRUK as my full-time endeavor.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in working toward achieving your dream?

I had fears about the financial implications of my decision, as I was leaving a secure position that offered a generous salary, a luxurious car, and various other benefits. Growing up, my parents had always emphasized the importance of financial stability. Hence, confronting this fear became one of my most significant challenges.

What do you wish you would have done differently? What would you warn others about?

In hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing. While my mistakes were tough in the moment, they provided invaluable lessons later on. One of the most profound realizations I've come to over the years is that I am enough. Simply being myself is not just acceptable, but it's perfect. There's a space for everyone. It's essential not to compare ourselves to others, as each person's journey is unique. We often see only the highlight reel, not the 'behind the scenes' of people's lives. It's also okay if not everyone approves or likes you. Granting myself the freedom to carve my path and to trust my intuition was, perhaps, one of the most empowering decisions I've made.

Would you say you’ve achieved your big dream yet?

I've realized several of my dreams, but there are still a few I hope to fulfill.

What do you think helped you achieve it?

The unwavering belief of my husband and parents has been invaluable; they never once doubted me. My sessions with Murielle Marie revitalized my confidence. Having owned an agency, she understands the dynamics and assured me of the quality of the work I provide to my clients. Receiving affirmation from someone familiar with the industry was incredibly reassuring. My adaptability has also been a strength. In my field, tools, methods, and demands are constantly evolving. Similarly, entrepreneurship requires agility and the capacity to pivot to ensure continued success.

What’s the best advice you have for others who want to follow their big dreams?

All the answers you seek reside within you. Sometimes, you just need someone to help draw them out.

More about Jill and her services  –http://www.in-druk.be

Jill is a branding boss who is obsessed with graphic design, strategic branding, and entrepreneurship. She’s worked with clients all over the world to help them bring their company to life with the power of visual communication. You can find out more about Jill and her services at the website linked above. And if you’re interested in learning more about her process, you can book a free 30 minute discover call with her here.

Jill’s favourite quote is:

Feel the fear and proceed regardless.

Jill’s big dream for the world is:

I want female entrepreneurs over forty to assert themselves and step into the spotlight. They should proudly showcase their capabilities and talents to the world. Currently, too much talent remains hidden in the shadows, and that's truly unfortunate.

If you want more inspiring stories, I’ve got great news for you! This story is part of an interview series, you can find all entries here.

How Elizabeth let go of the pressure, refocused her business, and put creativity at the center of her services

I first met Elizabeth when she realized she wanted to create a business that reflected her authentic self more accurately. She was over feeling pressured and restless and just wanted something that put her more at ease. We connected after she finished reading my book on creative generalists. Elizabeth identified herself in that book and decided to explore how she might put creativity at the center of her business. We worked together to make a realistic plan for Elizabeth’s many projects, taking the pressure off so she could focus on providing an incredible experience to her clients. Here’s how she did it.

What was your big dream, and what inspired you to go after it?

My big dream was to help amazing people craft their stories and turn them into inspiring TED-like talks.

Did you always have this dream?

Not always, but I do remember exactly when it came to me. I started watching TED talks 15 years ago. Back then, hardly anyone had heard about TED talks. The inspiration, the impact it totally got to me. A seed was planted.

What was one of the first things you did to get you started?

I believe that if you open the door wide open for your dream and make yourself available for it, it will work out. With some ups and downs inevitably, and steady but surely. So opportunities to teach public speaking came to me. I created the chance to work with TED speakers. I started collecting a beautiful series of testimonials from people who had worked with me.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in working toward achieving your dream?

There were definitely moments when my passion was bigger than my discipline to build the backside of the business. So I had occasional worries about cash flow. But I never stopped believing in myself.

What do you wish you would have done differently? What would you warn others about?

I wish now I would have made some bolder moves. Not let my fears keep me from taking steps forward.

Would you say you’ve achieved your big dream yet?

Yes and no. It's important to always have new dreams. Next to my one-on-one program, I will be launching my group program soon, bringing together a group of female leaders who are ready to write their signature keynote talk. One day I want to have my own TV show.

What do you think helped you achieve it?

Not giving up when things get hard. Learning not to try to do everything myself, get help when and where needed.

What’s the best advice you have for others who want to follow their big dreams?

An inspiring vision is crucial to clarify the meaning and purpose of our lives and give us the energy and motivation to follow our dreams and persist. Articulating your big dream (your vision) is the first step in your journey!

More about Elizabeth and her services  –http://www.speaker.coach

Elizabeth Van Den Bergh is a Speaker Coach who coaches leaders to speak with confidence and impact. Whether you want to motivate, inspire, or blow your audience away, she’ll make sure your words have the desired effect. Her clients range from passionate experts, ambitious entrepreneurs, to bold leaders at international institutions and large companies. She is also the proud Head Speaker Coach at TEDxFlanders, the largest TEDx event in Belgium. And coaches speakers for TEDxKULeuvenBrussels.

You can find out more about Elizabeth and her services at the website linked above and her new podcast Powerful Presence on Spotify!

Elizabeth’ss favourite quote is:

“I have learned that people will forget what you have said, people will forget what you have done, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

 - Maya Angelou

Elizabeth’s big dream for the world is:

A kinder world. With more love, care, and attention.

If you want more inspiring stories, I’ve got great news for you! This story is part of an interview series, you can find all entries here.

How Yamille used art therapy to recover from burnout and decided to create spaces for other women to make art

When I met Yamille, she had just gone through severe burnout from her corporate role. She had realized she wanted a different professional life filled with creativity, but wasn’t sure how to make it happen and was paralyzed by a fear of failure. Together, we worked through those blocks and Yamille learned that even if she stumbled on the path to the life she really wanted, she was still learning and getting one step closer to her goals. Since then, she’s started her own business in a field she loves, became a certified art therapy coach, healed her burnout, and squashed her fear of failure. Here’s how she did it.

What was your big dream, and what inspired you to go after it?

My big dream was to be an artist who facilitates and promotes the use of creative expression (art making) as a well-being tool for women to prevent burnout and live a life full of energy and enthusiasm. I would love to have several "ateliers" where women can make art on a regular basis and are helped by a community of experts in the field of art therapy.

I got inspired to go after this dream when I experienced firsthand the well-being power of art, especially to recover from burnout.

Did you always have this dream?

Not always, but I've certainly been thinking about it for a long time but I never dared to change until my burn-out kind of forced me to.

I never thought I was good enough at painting, drawing, dancing, ... or that I could make a living out of it. Moreover, I didn't find it that meaningful to create something "pretty" to be liked and judged by others. These paradigms made me give up on my artistic talents until I discovered and experienced doing art in a completely different way following a Swedish painting methodology that helped me let go of my "logic brain" and let my "artist child" express itself. I learned to enjoy the creative process and not become fixated on my performance or the result.

Over the years I have experienced the many benefits of art, especially during my recovery from burn-out, I was amazed by how much it helped me. This further convinced me to go for my big dream!

What was one of the first things you did to get you started?

I looked for guidance to "put the pieces of the puzzle" together that is how I started the coaching sessions with Murielle, to get clarity, gain confidence and have a sparring partner that could understand and guide a creative person like me in my situation.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in working toward achieving your dream?

The fear of failing was my biggest challenge. I grew up in a culture where failing is not well received, I was afraid of being a "loser", and on top of that my confidence was severely undermined by my burn-out where my body "failed" and I just couldn't perform anymore. I realized that this fear was pulling me back, that things that I wanted to do or test would take longer or won't happen, it was auto-sabotage. It was a process to learn again to trust myself and gain confidence in my abilities, and the coaching sessions with Murielle helped me to acknowledge this and other paradigms I had to overcome to move forward.

What do you wish you would have done differently? What would you warn others about?

I could have wished to start earlier, but I wasn't ready. So I wouldn't have done anything differently, because every experience thought me something and helped me in a certain way, it was a growth process (it is still).

I will warn people about rushing things up, and about not taking the proper time to build their vision and learn from each step of their journey. Of course, dreams only come true when we act, so this is not an excuse for procrastination.

Would you say you’ve achieved your big dream yet?

I'm living my life dream during this journey towards my vision. My "Energy-boosting painting workshop for moms" is a big milestone! I'm so proud of myself, I will be doing many more milestones, trying, succeeding, failing, and learning, all worth it because it's all part of my big dream.

What do you think helped you achieve it?

My burnout experience actually helped to make big changes in my life, including my profession. It drove me to ask for guidance to get clarity about my dream and gain confidence that I could make it happen, this was one of the biggest gifts I received during my coaching sessions with Murielle.

What’s the best advice you have for others who want to follow their big dreams?

An inspiring vision is crucial to clarify the meaning and purpose of our lives and give us the energy and motivation to follow our dreams and persist. Articulating your big dream (your vision) is the first step in your journey!

More about Yamille and her Energy Boosting Painting for Workshop for Moms  –www.yamillemelendez.art

“I kindly invite all moms that feel frequently tired, stressed, and/or overwhelmed to my energy-boosting painting workshop where they will learn tools based on proven creative methodologies to help them tap into their vast inner energy and avoid burn-out.” - Yamille

Yamille Melendez is a multi-passionate artist, creative, and coach. She helps moms unlock the well-being power of art so they can live a life full of energy, creativity, and enthusiasm. 

She made the decision to transition from a life that was full of burnout and overwhelm to one filled with art, which she uses to process her emotions and thoughts so she can better understand herself. While recovering from burnout, Yamille tried, tested, and studied several different creative tools and methodologies that not only helped her get her energy back, but also helped her discover a better, stronger version of herself. Healing herslef with art made her see how much she wanted to help other tired moms gain energy and avoid burnout using art. Now she is living her dream while continuing to pursue it and hopes to share her message with the world.

Yamille’s favourite quote is:

“Creativity is intelligence having fun!” 

- Albert Einstein

Yamille’s big dream for the world is:

A world where love, creativity, well-being, and happiness are more sought after than performance, prizes, or money.

If you want more inspiring stories, I’ve got great news for you! This story is part of an interview series, you can find all entries here.

How to Make Your Biggest, Most Unrealistic Dreams Come True

It's easy to think about all the little things you want to have or accomplish in life, but it's much harder to dream big and think about all the things you could achieve if you genuinely felt like you had no limits. To make matters even more challenging, once you've got the hang of dreaming bigger, it can still be hard to figure out how to make those dreams happen.

Our dreams are what make life worth living. They can be as big or small as you want them to be, but the bigger you allow yourself to dream, the more those dreams will carry you forward on your journey. If we dream big enough and act upon those dreams consistently, those dreams do come true! I know, believe me because I see it happen every day in my coaching practice.

In this article, we'll talk about how you can dream bigger and make your biggest, most unrealistic dreams come true! Because you know what? You can!

How to Stop Being Afraid to Dream Big

The first step to dream bigger is learning not to be afraid of your dreams. What's the worst that can happen? You fail; you learn something new and try again! There are no limits on what you're capable of if you dream big enough!

The first step to overcoming the fear of what's possible for you in your life is to admit you have the dream. You have to stop brushing it off as something "you could never do" or that "will never happen. Whenever a client dismisses their dream like that, my question to them is this: "What proof do you have that this could never happen or that you could never do it if you don't try?"

We tend to make other people or the world responsible for not achieving our dreams, but in most cases, those big dreams don't even get a chance to get out of the starting blocks because we throw them out before we reach the running track.

So take a moment now to think about some big, beautiful, seemingly unrealistic dream or goal you have for yourself. Got it? Good! Now let's talk about how to make that dream a reality.

How to Make Your Biggest, Most Unrealistic Dreams Come True

Once you're ready to accept your big dreams for what they are and are no longer pushing them away, the next step is to figure out how to make them happen.

Here's an easy 5-step plan to follow to get you started:

1. Make a list of your biggest dreams.
   Don't censor yourself, instead of push yourself to dream even bigger. Imagine you'd like to leave your 9-to-5 job and start your own business. How big would you like that business to be? How free would you like to be with it? What would it look like if this business could be exactly as you want it? Those are the dreams we're looking for. There will be plenty of time to be realistic later.

2. Pick a dream and give it 30 days of undivided attention.
   If you only have one dream, you're good for this step. If you have more, and they're all screaming for your attention, pick one - for now - and devote 30 days to it. I know this can be scary for creatives and entrepreneurs, especially those with many ideas lying around, but we're not saying drop everything forever. Just pick one idea (the one that speaks to you the most right now) and give it four weeks of your time. After that, you're free to drop it, pick another or keep going.

3. Start with the end in mind and create a plan.
   What small step can you take every day for the next 30 days to bring you closer to this dream? I'm not saying reach it, but get closer to it because a big part of achieving unrealistic dreams is to be very realistic about the time you have and the effort needed to achieve them. You can only sustainably achieve big dreams because, yes, it's a marathon and not a sprint.

4. For the next 30 days, spend at least 10 minutes working on your dream.
   One small step each day for 30 days is all it takes to make unrealistic dreams feel more attainable. Please don't take my word for it (who am I, I've only been doing this work for almost eight years with 100s of clients :) ); try it for yourself. You'll see.

5. Keep moving forward, and don't stop dreaming bigger.
   Even if it takes some time for your dreams to become a reality, keep dreaming big and never give up – every time you take a step, every time you believe you can do it, you'll get closer to achieving your dreams!

If you want to make your biggest and most unrealistic dreams come true, start by believing in them. Get the ball rolling on achieving them by taking small steps towards making your dream a reality, and don't give up when things get tough. Conditions are constantly changing, so be flexible with yourself as well! It's not that hard to turn any fantasy into reality if you're willing to put in the work. What is one of your biggest or most seemingly impossible goals? Do you believe it can happen? Why or why not? Let me know!

You have big dreams but you don't know how to make them a reality?

I'm here to guide you through the process of achieving your goals and living a life that's fulfilling, exciting, and successful. When it comes down to it, my clients tell me they want a life that is truly meaningful and rewarding - both personally and professionally - because ultimately this is what helps us feel fulfilled as human beings (and isn't this why we're all here?).

And when we feel fulfilled, everything else falls into place much easier. So let's do this together! Let's start working towards creating the kind of life where fulfillment comes naturally instead of being forced upon us by circumstance alone...

Schedule your free session!

How Deirdre overcame burnout and started the wellness magazine Self.ly

Deirdre and I initially connected after she signed up for my Free Smart Work™ Challenge. When she did, she was in big career transition, and wanted to start a business to help professionals prevent burnout through self-care. What inspires me most about Deirdre is her never-ending enthusiasm, her incredible creativity, and the passion she has for her project. It’s been a joy working with her, and supporting her in achieving her dream. Here’s how she did it.

What was your big dream, and what inspired you to go after it?

I want to end burnout in the workplace and make workplaces more human so people can be at their creative best. My own experience of burnout, after working myself to exhaustion in my previous fast-paced job, inspired me to understand what had happened to me. 

I wanted to know how I went from energetic, positive, and creative to overwhelmed, and stressed out. This made me understand the need for self-care and wellness in the workplace, and what ultimately led me to create Self.ly – a platform dedicated to the wellbeing of professionals.

Did you always have this dream?

No. It arose out of my own burnout experience, which illustrated to me that the current workplace is not fit for purpose. What happened to me is not an isolated event. Our work environments are not equipped to take the “person” into account, and the needs we have. 

Stress reduction, a sense of purpose, inspiring work… it’s not often there. When it is, it’s not always readily available or it gets counterbalanced by even more pressure to perform. Something has to change. 

What was one of the first things you did to get you started?

I enlisted as coach. I wanted an accountability partner, sounding board and support mechanism as setting up a business is a daunting proposition when you’re emerging from burnout and you’ve lost confidence somewhat.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in working toward achieving your dream?

Mindset – having the positivity, focus and self-belief to translate a wish into a website, an online magazine and an online community. Entrepreneurship is a journey. You start out with passion, and a desire to create change. Even though you “know” things might get tough at times, you’re never fully prepared for when doubt hits, or when the results you’re hoping for are taking longer to manifest. 

That’s why mindset is so important. Staying optimistic and believing in your project, adjusting expectations along the way. 

What do you wish you would have done differently? What would you warn others about?

I underestimated the amount of time things really take. It’s also all-consuming so I had to start practicing what I preach and look at pace and build in regular recovery time; something that’s particularly important when you’re engaged in creative tasks like writing or planning. It’s easy to get sucked into the “work longer, harder, faster” fallacy and burnout. So building in regular breaks and making sure to build connections and talk to like-minded entrepreneurs who are going through the same frustrations and trials has been vital to maintaining momentum.

This notion of overnight success is an urban legend, and very misleading. If you’re starting something new, expect a long and challenging journey. I’ve had to revise my expectations around monetary growth. You have to believe in yourself – believe in your ideas, your abilities, your will and perseverance, and dedication. And that makes you want to live your life your way and not anyone else’s way.

Would you say you’ve achieved your big dream yet?

I’ve done what I set out to do, which is to get my magazine established. I would say I’ll have achieved my goal when I see active change as a result of the magazine and online programs. 

Self.ly was created to really help move the needle when it comes to self-care and burnout prevention in the workplace. I know there’s still a lot of work to do, and for the dream to be complete a paradigm shift needs to happen. We have to redefine work, and make the worker center stage. 

What do you think helped you achieve it?

You were instrumental in allowing me to see a feasible path forward and establishing a framework and milestones for achievable growth. It’s important to speak to someone who has gone through the process and is familiar with it.

The fact that I wanted to create real change also helped. When you’re passionate about something, you can put all your talents and creativity into building it. 

What’s the best advice you have for others who want to follow their big dreams?

Stick with your gut – you have to go at your own pace and listen to your own instincts.

Don’t underestimate the importance of incremental improvements – Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t compare yourself with business owners who have been at this for 10 years. You’ll get there at your own pace, in your own time.

More about Deirdre and Self-ly  – https://www.self-ly.com/

Deirdre is the Founder and CEO of Self.ly. The platform is a lifestyle media brand and supportive community dedicated to making self-care simple and accessible for busy executives, entrepreneurs, business leaders and healthcare professionals. An antidote to hustle culture, Self.ly provides the information, tips, latest trends and advice to show you how to avoid burnout and overwhelm and raise your energy, performance and mental health and wellbeing.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Deirdre! She loves connecting with people from around the world. You can do so through her website at  https://www.self-ly.com/

Deirdre’s favourite quote is:

Build yourself brick by brick

– Tom Bilieu

Deirdre’s big dream for the world is:

I want to help create mentally and emotionally healthy and human workplaces where individuals can flourish and organisations can prosper.

If you want more inspiring stories, I’ve got great news for you! This story is part of an interview series, you can find all entries here.

How to get unstuck and get started now

“It’s only too late if you don’t start now”. Wise words that I love and cherish, spoken by my idol Barbara Sher, grandmother to all scanners as she calls them us: the multi-passionate creatives, creative generalists, multipotentialites…

For us especially, but for anyone else with big ideas and goals too, making sure we get to live our dreams – passions, interests – is absolutely necessary for our happiness – and sanity.

I’ve touched on the importance of having a plan before. Because, yes, a dream that isn’t planned out is nothing more than a wish. The same goes for today’s tip. As long as you don’t *start* to do something to achieve your dream, you’re stuck in the ideas realm. That’s why – once you’ve set your mind to accomplish a goal – you must start immediately. And I mean that LITERALLY – as in now.

I’ve found that the quicker you set out to do something – anything – to work towards a particular goal, the easier it becomes to anchor that goal into your life, and to turn taking action on it into a habit.

And that’s precisely what we want.

The achievement of a goal is the compounded effect of (sometimes very small) actions taken over (sometimes very long periods of) time. The actions might differ greatly depending on the dream you’re trying to achieve. But the dreams all share at least one thing: to get to the finish line you need to get started. This single action might *go without saying* but it’s the biggest dream killer I know, and probably one of the most important actions you can take in trying to achieve your goals.

That’s why – to dream bigger – you need to start now.

From my own experience, and from working with so many clients on figuring out the way to their dreams, I know how dangerous failing to start can be for your dreams. For years I kept *thinking* about all the things I wanted to do: play piano, write, draw, create new projects and businesses, make things… Guess how many dreams came true during that time? A grand total of ZERO.

It’s only when I decided to do something with those dreams that my life took on a completely different shape. My biggest regret? Not to have done it sooner.

Does this mean you have to hurry to achieve your goals? Nope. Not at all. In fact, I’m a strong advocate of taking things slowly. But failing to start is not the same as taking your time to accomplish something. Not taking that first step means not doing anything at all. And that, as I hope you got by now, will get you nowhere.

How to start now?

• Pick an action you can get started with immediately

All dreams have actions that require nothing more than for you to do them. If not, we would never be able to achieve anything because we would never be able to get started. For most dreams there’s some research you can do, or someone to talk to who knows more about what you want to achieve than you. Perhaps it’s a book you could read, or something to buy or put together. Whatever it is, there’s ALWAYS something you can start with immediately.

• Do it now

Texting someone or doing a quick search online will take no more than a few minutes, so there’s really never an excuse not to do it. Think about your goal and come up with one thing that you can start with immediately. Once you know what it is, do it. Now.

• Schedule your next work session in your calendar

After you’re done with the previous step you can – of course – continue with the next action. If you’re like me you’ll probably be enjoying ticking off some of those todos from your list, so please feel free to do so for as long as you like! Whether you keep going or not, however, make sure to schedule your next work session in your calendar. This will make sure that you continue to work towards your goal, and keep taking action.

Pretty easy, right? So many of us think of dreams as daunting mountains that we’ll never be able to climb when the only thing we *really* need to do is to take that first step. Then another. And another.

If you want more tips to get unstuck, I’ve got great news for you! This tip is part of a series, you can find all entries here.