The way I see it, we each spend far too much time focused on the ‘have to’s that have to get done that we don’t make the time to follow the ‘must do’s’ that feed our soul.

So to combat this, I’m getting accountable and holding nothing back in a series and exhibition called 'Balancing Act,' a behind the scenes insight into balancing commitments and creativity.

This is how I balanced June.

June: Mid-Year Check-In

I'm a total geek when it comes to reviews because I find we often get too stuck in the day-to-day and forget the bigger picture.

I see it all the time in my classes and catch myself doing this far too often. We look at what is directly in front of us as if it's in a vacuum and everything else is cast aside. 

If we're unhappy with the work staring back, we pick at it, berate it (and in turn ourselves) about how it's not as good as we'd like.  But in doing so, we forget to look back and see just how much our overall artwork and skills have improved over time.

This tunnel vision is exactly why I make a point of doing reviews.  You see, a creative business is very similar to developing your art - it's personal, joyful, hard work and above all it's challenging. Yes, I'm typing this right now in my jammies and sipping a coffee, the irony is not lost on me!

But, much like Art, I don't always know if a new project is going to work, if the 40-80 hours already invested is going to pay off or be thrown in the bin.  How easy it can be focus all energy and a definition of 'success' on the one good or bad moment, forgetting how the skills, message, creativity or business has improved over time.

Because of this, each year I do a mid-year review of what worked, what didn't and how to frame the second half of the year..

Want to join along and make the most of 2019? Find some quiet time and think over the following questions:

1. What felt good about the first half of 2019 - what’s worked?

2. What felt off about life and business over the past 6 months and how can you bring things back into alignment?

3. What bad habits are you holding onto?

4. What do you want to achieve by the end of the year, what do you need to do and who do you need to become to realise this goal?

Inside the Studio:

Week beginning 3rd: was spent teaching and batching lessons for my term time classes with Ards Art Centre and the first of a two part course on Porcelain Paperclay at Songbird Ceramics began. Inched forward with solo show work.

Week beginning 10th: Moved along a new portrait commission, my next ceramic sculpture, taught my usual classes, the second half of the Paper Clay Course and two short sessions at ForM exhibition.

Week beginning 17th: Between teaching, I had a full-on Summer clean of the house as we were hosting people over the weekend for my closest friend’s wedding. No progress on anything other than seeing through the essential.

Week beginning 24th: Took two days off this week, went on long walks, relaxed and met with Down Arts Centre to confirm some upcoming courses in September. Also had a fantastic life painting day course on Saturday.

Next Month: If you asked me in the middle of the month, I would’ve said, “I want to slow down and soak in the (hopeful) sun in July” But that’s only because I needed a break. So, I took a few days off, enjoyed them and basked in the brief rays.

Now I’m back to work because the thing is, change requires action, so next month there’ll be no slowing down during my slow month as I get my head down and work on my ‘must do’ solo show.

Balancing Act Quick Links:

If you’re just catching this series now, here’s what’s happened so far:

• January Tactic: Balance and Accountability

• January Review: White Space

• February Tactic: Define the Pace

• February Review: Wrestling Resistance

• March Tactic: Action Versus Reaction

• March Review: The Knock-on Effect

• April Tactic: Go Wide or Go Deep

• April Review: Honouring the Intrinsic

• May Tactic: Sow a Mustdo Seed

• May Review: Honour the Shipping Process

• June Tactic: The 3 letter word

• June Review: Mid-Year Check-In

• July Tactic: How to Say yes to your Art

• July Review: Fill The Leak

• August Tactic: What do Art and Yoga have in Common?

• August Review: Adjust the Volume.

• September Tactic: 20 before 20.

• September Review: Sprints and Strolls

• October Tactic: 8 Artist Body Systems:

• October Review: Working IN or ON your Art

• November Tactic: The Creative Rollercoaster.

• November Review: Check Your Diet

• December Tactic: Small Things, Repeated

• December Review: What’s Next?

What about you?

Let me know in the comments below how you found this month, what you’ve created, or what you’re struggling with and particularly how you got on with your mid-year check-in.

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