creative maverick

I hope you have a good break coming up over the next few days. If you’re currently assessing what to do with your work next year, here’s a little something to ponder while you’re off…

Try this trick of asking yourself a question and then forgetting about it while you’re off work. Your subconscious will continue to work on it while you’re distracted having fun and celebrating. You might be surprised what pops into your head over the next few days.

Here’s the question:

What part of your work have you most enjoyed in 2009?

What project was most exciting? What activity have you discovered you really enjoying doing? What client did you most enjoy working with? Was there something that is not a central part of your work but which you loved doing (chatting with colleagues, brainstorming, playing a part in design or branding, making people laugh, playing around on twitter)?

Keep a piece of paper in your pocket and whenever something occurs to you, write it down.

That’s it.

Then in the New Year just ask yourself this second simple question, “How can I do more of this work in 2010?”

If this is not currently a central part of your work, ask yourself “What are all the ways I could get paid for doing this thing I enjoy?” You might not have an immediate answer. Just allow the question to percolate and note down any ideas that pop up.

Going on a long trip?

Are you going on a long drive or train journey for Christmas? If you’d like to know some of the tricks to discovering the work you love and getting paid for it, download my free audio class on the subject as an MP3 and take it with you. Put it on your iPod or burn it to CD. Or just listen to it in the kitchen while you’re cooking!

Here’s the link to the free audio download “How to do what you love and make it pay”

Whatever you’re doing I hope you take some time to relax and have some fun.

Merry Christmas,
Happy Holidays,
and have a great 2010