Unlock the secrets to balancing your full plate without tipping over, as we wrap up season two with a crucial discussion on overcommitment. Journey with me through the intricate dance of juggling day jobs and creative passions, all while keeping an eye on that ever-elusive goal of well-being. As your guide, I'll provide you with six life-saving tactics to keep from overextending—this is about learning to read the warning signs, creating impenetrable time boundaries, and carving out sacred moments for guilt-free, unstructured self-care.

As I take a short sabbatical to recharge and navigate unforeseen challenges, I invite you to remain part of this journey through my bi-weekly newsletter.

(00:09) Preventing Overcommitment When Time Is Limited

(14:29) Preventing Burnout and Managing Commitments

One Thing This Week

Look at your current commitments and what’s approaching in the months ahead. Do you foresee a time when you might be stretched thin? What can you do today to prevent that from happening or mitigate the risk?

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

Overcommitment, Balance, Time Management, Burnout, Creative Passions, Well-being, Tactics, Warning Signs, Time Boundaries, Self-care, Productivity, Proactive Planning, Day Jobs, Commitments, Creativity, Sabbatical

Ever feel like your well-crafted plans are just invitations for the universe to throw you a curveball? This week join me from the cozy confines of my closet-turned-studio in Asheville, North Carolina, as I share the raw and real side of adapting to life's unpredictability while chasing creative dreams. This episode promises an intimate look at the tug-of-war between intention and reality, and the profound lessons learned when timelines need to be tossed aside.

I open up about my personal journey over the past year; from the thrill of travel to the honest reality that not every goal I set last year came to fruition. On this episode, I'll offer 4 strategies for finding balance and the importance of reassessing goals amidst life's chaos. Whether you're a wandering nomad with a microphone or a dreamer with a plan, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes goals and dreams need a little longer to bloom.

02:17 - Why Timelines Don't Always Work

07:43 - Strategy 1: Connect with Your Heart and Body

08:58 - Strategy 2: Calculate What Priorities Would Shift

11:08 - Strategy 3: Give Yourself the Advice You'd Give a Friend

12:26 - Strategy 4: Small Progress

One Thing This Week

Go back to your 2024 goals, dreams and intentions. Which ones feel like something you want to and need to tackle now? Which ones need to sit back in the wings until the time is right?

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

Creative Career, Coaching, Personal Milestones, Embracing Life, Unpredictability, Intention, Actuality, Goal-Setting, Pivoting, Curveball, Balance, Self-Discovery, Chasing Dreams

Discover the transformative power of joy in your artistic pursuits as I sit down this week with the extraordinarily versatile Cory Hardin. Together, we unravel the tapestry of a creative career, from the dangers of the 'suffering artist' narrative to the liberation found in honing in on your unique strengths. Corey's insights promise an engaging look at how saying "no" can open doors to meaningful opportunities, and how recognizing your passions can lead to a more purposeful and enjoyable artistic voyage.

Embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of discipline with us, as we delve into the significance of improvisation skills not just on stage but in all forms of creative expression. We reminisce about the Chicago's theater scene and discuss the undeniable magnetism of live performance, offering strategies to deepen your presence and confidence. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned pro, join us for an inspiring exploration of how to navigate your career with joy, intention, connection, and play.

(00:09) Navigating the Creative Career Journey

(15:15) The Importance of Crossbreeding Creativity

(23:15) Human Connection in the Creative Process

One Thing This Week

Track the joy. What activities, people, projects, or environments bring you joy? Write it down and ask yourself how can you add more of those things into your life.

Connect with Cory Hardin

Connect on Instagram or Facebook.

Check out Voila! The Improvised Musical - Fridays at 10PM at the iO Theater (IG @voilathemusical)

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

Creative Career, Suffering Artist, Collaboration, Ambition, Self-care, Improv, Theater, Chicago, Crossbreeding, Creativity, Human Connection, Live Performance, Confidence, Playfulness, Personal Development, Meditation, Grounding Exercises, Self-care, Faking it

In this episode, we delve into the challenge of balancing artistic integrity with commercial success with Dr. Rebekah Louisa Smith, owner and founder of the Film Festival Doctor. Rebekah shares her transformation from personal assistant to film festival expert and emphasizes the need for filmmakers to lead their projects with a CEO mindset, ensuring their vision (and not commercial success) leads the way in any creative projects We discuss coping with the harsh reality of rejection as well exploring how to use emotional tools like EFT and vision boards to convert setbacks into opportunities for growth. Rebekah's experiences and those of her clients offer a roadmap to resilience and success. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for creatives aiming to elevate their careers, stay true to their artistic vision, and build a resilient creative career for years to come.

(00:09) Creative Industry Navigation and Maintaining Freedom

(07:52) Finding Passion and Purpose in Filmmaking

(16:26) Coping With Film Industry Rejection

(22:36) Confidence and Inspiration Through Vision Boards

One Thing This Week

Celebrate one thing you created recently. This could involve posting it on social media, sharing a picture with a friend, or inviting friends over to enjoy it together.

Connect with Rebekah Louisa Smith

Learn more about Rebekah and their work at https://www.thefilmfestivaldoctor.com/ or connect on Instagram or LinkedIn.

New E-book: Film Festivals and Looking After Your Mental Health

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

Creative Industry, Passion, Purpose, Filmmaking, Film Industry, Rejection, Vision Boards, Creative Career, Film Festival, Monetization, Creative Vision, Commercial Demands, Financial Pressures, Creative Integrity, Filmmaker, Film Festival Strategy, Starting a Business, Strategic Moves, Resilience, Coping, Emotional Challenges, Imposter Syndrome, Anxiety, Emotional Freedom Technique, Personal Growth, Confidence

Change isn't just about the leap; it's about the steps leading up to it, each one meticulously placed to ensure a stable landing. I guide you through crafting a list of mini-experiments, aimed at alleviating that itch for transformation without the panic of irreversible decisions. Whether you've outgrown your job, you career, your city, or your creative business, this episode is a blueprint for those seeking to experiment with their lives in a structured yet exciting manner.

And if the notion of change makes your heart race, don't fear. Small triumphs can accumulate into significant life alterations.

Once you’ve identified the area of your life that no longer fits, I want you to brainstorm mini-experiments to explore change. Find your comfortable place, put on some of your favorite jams, and give yourself time to really soak in the problem and ideas you have about changing it. Once you have a list, choose one to start with. Remember, this experiment should be a quick win and should be reversible, not sink too much money, and temporary.

Connect with Victoria

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When fear came knocking, Laurie Cochran learned that the only choice was to lean in... and do it anyway. Our latest conversation on the Empowered Creatives podcast features this awe-inspiring artist who, after a breast cancer diagnosis at 40, found her sanctuary in the arts. Laurie's tale is one of courage and the therapeutic power of creativity, as she recounts how she weathered life's storms—including an actual hurricane on her early days teaching art aboard a cruise ship—and the unwavering support of her partner through it all. Her experiences are a testament to the transformative potential of embracing your creative calling, no matter when it arrives.

Laurie also opens up about the humbling return to university, surrounded by younger peers, and how it shaped her voice as an artist. The episode peels back the layers of her evolution from a novice to hosting a triumphant art show amidst adversity. Through her story, we touch on the need for skilled educators who ignite passion and the ways in which art education can be a beacon, lighting the path towards profound personal change and fostering a sense of community.

(00:09) Overcoming Fear in the Creative Journey

(15:29) Art Education

(22:40) Challenges in Art, Building Confidence

(36:08) Facing Your Fears and Taking Action

One Thing This Week

Identify and confront a task or challenge that scares you, whether it's trying a new business strategy, reaching out to someone you admire, applying for a new opportunity, or initiating a conversation with someone you've always wanted to talk to. Despite any fears, take the leap to learn more about your capabilities and potentially open doors to new experiences and growth.

Connect with Laurie Cochrane

Learn more about and their work at www.lauriejcochrane.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Arterra Gallery

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

Art, Creativity, Empowerment, Breast Cancer, Therapy, Courage, University, Growth, Resilience, Community, Education, Challenges, Confidence, Fear, Action, Comfort Zone, Support

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as I welcome you to the fold of a new year, from the charming city of Asheville, North Carolina. Listen in as I tackle the swirling emotions of change and the trepidation of fresh starts, guided by the wisdom of F. Scott Fitzgerald. There's no time like the present to redefine who we are, and I'll be breaking down Fitzgerald's timeless advice into practical nuggets for seizing the year with both hands. Join me as I lay bare my personal aspirations and career ambitions for the year ahead, and consider this your invitation to set some exciting new intentions for the year ahead.

(0:00:09) - Finding Confidence in the New Year (0:03:45) - It's never too late and it's never too early (0:06:30) - There are no rules except the rules that we make (0:09:15) - We make our life what we will (0:12:00) - To feel things you've never felt before, you must experience things you've never experienced before (0:14:45) - If you're not proud of the life you've created, have the courage to start again

One Thing This Week

Imagine it's January of 2025 and reflect on what would make you feel proud of the life they've lived in 2024. I encourage you to consider what achievement or aspect of your life would give you a sense of pride. Figure out how to incorporate this into your goals and intentions for the year ahead.

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

New Year, Asheville, North Carolina, Reinvention, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Timeless Insights, Actionable Advice, Aspirations, 2024, Career Shifts, Personal Growth, Change, Vision Board, Goals, Serendipitous Detours, Adventure, Confidence, New Beginning, Starting Over, Setting Goals, Transformative Experience

Ever wondered how to successfully transition to a nomadic lifestyle? Join me this week as I guide you through my personal journey of evolution, from a settled creative artist in the city to a modern-day nomad. Hear the raw, real story of my transformation, the hurdles I faced, and how I discovered an intense desire to travel in the midst of the pandemic. I'll share valuable insights on how I let go of my past and embraced new possibilities, and how you too can unlock this life of freedom.

What's more, get ready for some practical advice on how to start your own nomadic adventure. We will cover everything you need to know from defining the purpose of your journey, to budgeting, finding work remotely, and more.

(00:09) Setting Off on a Nomadic Adventure

(08:58) Tips for a Nomadic Adventure

One Thing This Week

Dream up your ideal nomadic adventure. Start with your why and let it evolve from there.

Connect with Victoria Hines

www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines

Feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed in your career? Grab my free Creative Career Audit to discover what's no longer working.

Keywords

Nomadic Lifestyle, Travel, Adventure, Personal Journey, Remote Work, Budgeting, Minimalism, Self-Care, Virtual Mailbox, Logistics, Planning, Purpose, Motivation, Connections, Nomadic Adventure