Last week, I talked about how hard it can be to balance EVERYTHING you have to do as the owner of your interior design business. And you have to be able to switch quickly from a right-brained creative to a left-brained executive. Not easy! It can be completely overwhelming - especially when we have a crazy and chaotic time like the last 2 years have been. I'm sure you're feeling burned out and frazzled, so try these 3 ways you can stop that overwhelm from consuming you!

1. Get Those Systems In Place

I know I sound like a broken record on this one, but without efficient systems and procedures, you're going to run yourself into the ground! You really need these processes to keep everything running smoothly and almost without thought. When your business is running like clockwork, it's easier to deal with challenges and disruptions. And you aren't reinventing the wheel every single time you take on a new project. Talk about exhausting! Remember that my ROI system was designed exactly for this reason - to help you get everything organized and systemized. Check it out here!

2. Get Your Priorities Straight

Too often, someone rushes into our offices with an "emergency" that they think needs to be handled right now. It is oh-so-easy to get distracted by those not-that-important things. It's exactly why we have the saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. But remember that someone else's emergency doesn't have to become your priority. Always keep the TRULY important tasks and project at the top of your to-do list and don't let a fake emergency distract you!

3. Protect Your Creativity

You will never ever be as creative as you could be if you're stressed or under pressure from others. You need to protect your "design time" as a non-negotiable. No one is allowed to distract you - including YOU! Block out time on your calendar each day or each week that is ONLY for design. Put your phone on silent, close the door, light a candle and BREATHE. Then start to get yourself into your design zone. And don't stop until you've really hit an end point!! Let's be clear - your creativity is a HUGE part of what you're selling. So if you don't protect that time, you're not going to be as good at your job. Period.

To help you with that, please download my FREE Guide to Overcoming Design Fatigue. And schedule some down time for a walk or a calm cup of coffee, too! We all need it!

xoxo,

Kathleen