Episode 106: The Power of 3 Daily Essentials for Creative Entrepreneurs
Today I am unpacking a game-changing strategy that’s helped me navigate the overwhelm of juggling multiple creative endeavors: the "power of your three essentials." As a full-time virtual art teacher, business owner, and podcaster, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the endless to-do lists and big-picture goals. But I’ve discovered that focusing on just three daily, non-negotiable actions can help me stay grounded and productive, no matter how busy life gets. Let’s explore this approach and how you can apply it to your own life!
The Concept of Three Essentials
The "three essentials" concept centers around identifying three simple, daily actions that serve as the foundation for your well-being and focus. These aren’t your major long-term goals; rather, they’re small, manageable tasks that fuel your energy and mindset. For me, those essentials are waking up at 5:30am for focused work, engaging in physical activity, and sticking to my nightly skincare routine. These three actions reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment, even if I don’t hit every milestone on my to-do list.
Why Essentials Matter More Than Big Goals
While long-term goals are important, they can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when life gets busy. The beauty of focusing on essentials is that they are consistent and manageable, providing the fuel you need to tackle bigger tasks. Importantly, your essentials don’t need to be directly tied to your business or creative projects. They could be anything from meal prepping to journaling or taking a daily walk. What matters most is that these habits make you feel good, energized, and in control, allowing you to approach your bigger goals with clarity.
How to Find Your Own Essentials
Finding your own essentials might take some experimentation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Start by identifying the small habits that make you feel your best and most prepared to take on the day. Then, commit to them for at least a week. You’ll likely notice a shift in your mindset and productivity, even on the busiest or most unpredictable days. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about the persistent pursuit of small habits that make a big impact.
I hope this episode inspires you to find your own three essentials and start incorporating them into your daily routine. Life will always throw challenges our way, but with a strong foundation of small, consistent actions, we can navigate those challenges with greater ease and confidence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Success and fulfillment don’t always come from achieving massive goals every day. Instead, focus on daily essential actions that fuel your progress. These essentials are the small but impactful tasks that provide the energy and momentum to keep you moving toward long-term goals.
To avoid overwhelm, narrow your focus to three essential actions you can consistently accomplish each day. These could be small habits, such as waking up early, exercising, or completing a self-care routine, but they provide a sense of control and accomplishment.
It’s okay if you don’t hit all three essentials every day. Life happens, and flexibility is key. Practice “persistency over consistency”—it’s about the effort you put in over time, not perfection. Let your essentials be a guide, not a source of stress.
Your essentials should include self-care, even in simple forms like washing your face or taking a walk. Incorporating self-care into your essentials supports your mental well-being and fuels your ability to take on bigger tasks.
By focusing on small, essential actions, you can feel accomplished even on days when larger goals aren’t met. This shift in mindset can reduce feelings of overwhelm and offer a healthier balance between productivity and self-care.
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