NickVenturella.com 4-9-22 - Time is of the essence

Time is of the essence

April 09, 2022

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a nagging sense of limited time. I truly believe this is a big driver for me personally to create as much art, music, writing, etc. as I can. My time is limited, but those fixed creations have a longer shelf-life than I do.

That’s how I extend my time and impact on this earth. At least, that’s my thought process. 

I know life happens and some days are on track towards goals better than others, but time is too fleeting to dwell on things that drain your energy and motivation. Those things are time wasters, and if you’re like me at all, I don’t want my time wasted. 

Now, certainly there are things you’re responsible and obligated to handle regardless of how you feel about it. The trick is balance. 

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what that balance should look like in your life — only you can figure that out — but I can give you some things to think about that might help you determine your balance.

Here’s an exercise to help you recognize...

  • what energizes you,

  • what drains you, and

  • what is required of you (those things that you are responsible for that have little to no wiggle room in terms of its displacement).

Write down no more than 3 things you enjoy doing — things that energize you and motivate you to continue pursuing them and enjoying life.

Then write down 3 things that drain your energy. These are things that seem to crush your spirits…things you procrastinate because you know they’re not in your wheelhouse of interest.

Finally, list 3 things that are unwavering. These are things required of you where failure is not an option. Perhaps like caring for, and raising your kids.

Now, examine your 3 lists and try to generate 3 ideas of how you could do more of at least one thing on your list of things that energize you. Even 1% more is still more.

Do the same for your list of items that drain you. Come up with 3 ideas for at least one draining thing on your list to try and eliminate it from your list/life, or find a more satisfying alternative for dealing with it. Can you delegate, or outsource any of these?

Finally, examine your list of 3 requirements. Generate 3 ideas for one item on that list to determine how to better handle this requirement in your life in a way that feels more balanced related to what energizes you.

Remember, this is an exercise so there is no hard and fast rule of how to make this work for you. However, writing these things down and reflecting on them will likely produce more ideas that can fuel your positive forward progress if you choose to do the work and take action.

Ultimately, taking action is how you produce results and reduce the drain of “time wasting” in your life.Hit reply and let me know how this exercise works for you. Good luck.

----------UPDATES----------I'm getting ready to release my latest EP album on Root Cause Records called, "Midwest Heartache," on May 11, 2022.You may not know (yet) that there is a fictional story that the songs of "Midwest Heartache" tell, and I'm illustrating and writing out the short tale in a small book format for the album's release.  Below is a preview of a few of my illustrations that will accompany the lyrics and story of the album book."Drowning""On My Way""Dust Me Off"Because you're on my email list you can get early access to the album before it's official public release on May 11th.Tell your friends to sign up for early access too. (share this link: http://www.nickvmusic.net/sign-up.html). Watch Nick's video introducing the upcoming album----------More music performances booked:

The Cider FarmMadison, WI​Sat. May 14, 2022​6 - 8:30pmThe Lone Girl Brewing Co.Waunakee, WI​Sun. June 5, 2022​3 - 5pmSchuster's FarmDeerfield, WI​Fri. July 22, 2022​6 - 8:30pmThe Cider FarmMadison, WI​Sat. July 23, 2022​6 - 8:30pmThe Lone Girl Brewing Co.Waunakee, WI​Sun. August 7, 2022​3 - 5pm

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Stay positive. Stay healthy. Be kind.Sincerely,Nick VenturellaCreative Professional, andco-founder of Eleven Music Career CenterNickVenturella.comnickVmusic.netnickVguitars.comFacebookYouTube