Handmade Jewelry Burnout? Has it ever happened to you?
Good morning! It's the weekend again and I hope you're going to get a chance to relax and unwind. That's exactly what this post is going to focus on today. I hope I'm not getting too far off topic but I do think it's relevant to your handmade jewelry business. If you have a chance, give me so feedback as to whether this type of post is helpful to you. I want to offer the topics that you're most interested in so I can better meet your needs. :-)
I know most of you work hard in your handmade jewelry. You worry about finding new markets and selling enough jewelry and all the day to day mechanics of making your jewelry business a success. I think you will be more productive in your jewelry business if you practice some simple principles to give your life and work more balance. Here are some ideas for helping to keep you sane in the sometimes not so sane world of handmade jewelry design and marketing:
1. Play some inspiring, classical music while you work on your handmade jewelry designs. Not only will this simple exercise relax you, it will also stimulate your creativity and open your mind to new ideas. If classical music is not your style, try listening to new age music which has a similar effect on mood and creativity.
2. Several times throughout the day, stop your work, close your eyes and meditate for a few minutes. Try to live in the moment without obsessing about the future. Let your mind go blank and experience the current moment. When you open your eyes and return to work, you should feel more refreshed and invigorated.
3. Once a day, stop and take a 30 minute walk, weather permitting. On your walk, don't be focus on what else you need to accomplish for the day, but instead observe the beauty and wonder of nature. Nature is an infinite source of jewelry design ideas. If you see an interesting leaf or piece of foilage, let it inspire you to create. One of my most interesting designs came from being inspired by an acorn.
4. Stop for a coffee or green tea break twice a day. Flavor your coffee with the syrup of your choice as a special treat. This is your reward for the hard work you've put in on your jewelry business. You deserve it! Also, consider the additional health benefits of drinking green tea.
5. Make your handmade jewelry workspace beautiful. Include favorite photos, art posters and prints, sculpture etc. Bring nature indoors by adding plants and some vases of your favorite fresh flowers. When you feel your stress levels rise, stop, take a deep breath, and breathe in your beautiful surroundings. You'll feel relaxed and ready to be productive again.
6. Subscribe to a service that provides you with motivational quotes and stories on a daily basis. Read these quotes, understand them, and incorporate them into your daily thought patterns. Read motivational literature written by people who have achieved success and put these principles into ACTION. All the reading in the world won't help if you don't take action. Another good way to increase your productivity and motivation is to listen to motivational audiobooks. Audiobooks are so convenient as you can listen while working or while you're in your car. Over time this simple practice can have enormously beneficial effects on your psyche causing you to be more productive and, in the long run more successful.
7. If all else fails, consider taking a mini vacation. Sometimes you need the rejuvenating effects that a complete escape from your jewelry business can give you. A day trip to another city or an outdoor excursion can be just the prescription you need to reignite your productivity and motivation.
Hope you'll try incorporating some of these techniques into your own busy schedule. They're guaranteed to banish the winter blahs and set you back on the path to productivity.
Please let me know what you think of this post as it's a bit different that the posts you're accustomed to. I don't want to deviate too far from the central topic of handmade jewelry marketing if it's not helpful to you. I also wanted to let you know that I won't be posting on Saturdays and Sundays since readership tends to drop on those days. I'll be back bright and early on Monday morning with more jewelry marketing ideas. Have a great weekend!
Kristie
Good morning! It's the weekend again and I hope you're going to get a chance to relax and unwind. That's exactly what this post is going to focus on today. I hope I'm not getting too far off topic but I do think it's relevant to your handmade jewelry business. If you have a chance, give me so feedback as to whether this type of post is helpful to you. I want to offer the topics that you're most interested in so I can better meet your needs. :-)
I know most of you work hard in your handmade jewelry. You worry about finding new markets and selling enough jewelry and all the day to day mechanics of making your jewelry business a success. I think you will be more productive in your jewelry business if you practice some simple principles to give your life and work more balance. Here are some ideas for helping to keep you sane in the sometimes not so sane world of handmade jewelry design and marketing:
1. Play some inspiring, classical music while you work on your handmade jewelry designs. Not only will this simple exercise relax you, it will also stimulate your creativity and open your mind to new ideas. If classical music is not your style, try listening to new age music which has a similar effect on mood and creativity.
2. Several times throughout the day, stop your work, close your eyes and meditate for a few minutes. Try to live in the moment without obsessing about the future. Let your mind go blank and experience the current moment. When you open your eyes and return to work, you should feel more refreshed and invigorated.
3. Once a day, stop and take a 30 minute walk, weather permitting. On your walk, don't be focus on what else you need to accomplish for the day, but instead observe the beauty and wonder of nature. Nature is an infinite source of jewelry design ideas. If you see an interesting leaf or piece of foilage, let it inspire you to create. One of my most interesting designs came from being inspired by an acorn.
4. Stop for a coffee or green tea break twice a day. Flavor your coffee with the syrup of your choice as a special treat. This is your reward for the hard work you've put in on your jewelry business. You deserve it! Also, consider the additional health benefits of drinking green tea.
5. Make your handmade jewelry workspace beautiful. Include favorite photos, art posters and prints, sculpture etc. Bring nature indoors by adding plants and some vases of your favorite fresh flowers. When you feel your stress levels rise, stop, take a deep breath, and breathe in your beautiful surroundings. You'll feel relaxed and ready to be productive again.
6. Subscribe to a service that provides you with motivational quotes and stories on a daily basis. Read these quotes, understand them, and incorporate them into your daily thought patterns. Read motivational literature written by people who have achieved success and put these principles into ACTION. All the reading in the world won't help if you don't take action. Another good way to increase your productivity and motivation is to listen to motivational audiobooks. Audiobooks are so convenient as you can listen while working or while you're in your car. Over time this simple practice can have enormously beneficial effects on your psyche causing you to be more productive and, in the long run more successful.
7. If all else fails, consider taking a mini vacation. Sometimes you need the rejuvenating effects that a complete escape from your jewelry business can give you. A day trip to another city or an outdoor excursion can be just the prescription you need to reignite your productivity and motivation.
Hope you'll try incorporating some of these techniques into your own busy schedule. They're guaranteed to banish the winter blahs and set you back on the path to productivity.
Please let me know what you think of this post as it's a bit different that the posts you're accustomed to. I don't want to deviate too far from the central topic of handmade jewelry marketing if it's not helpful to you. I also wanted to let you know that I won't be posting on Saturdays and Sundays since readership tends to drop on those days. I'll be back bright and early on Monday morning with more jewelry marketing ideas. Have a great weekend!
Kristie
posted by Your friends at Beads Indeed | 4:53 AM
2 Comments:
In regards to your comment about being "too far off topic" - no I don't think you are. In fact this post includes great tips for anyone in any business, not just hand crafted jewelry!
Lack of production due to stress, "jeweler's block", etc. can only cause more stress and even less production - it's a snowball effect. The tips you've given here are a good way to eliminate or at least minimize the effects those things can have on your production and overall your business.
Kaiecreations, thanks for your comment! I'm glad to know this post was well received. I know if I don't control my own stress level with some of these techniques, I get "brain overload" which makes me much less productive. When you're in business for yourself, you tend to become very driven and results oriented which can take a toll both your productivity and your health. We need our jewelry designers to stay healthy so they can share their talent with others. Thanks for again for your feedback. :-)
Kristie
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