Search Results for: staying busy

Why I’m Smiling These Days

February 13, 2012 by

Last Thursday night, I set out to do some research and round up my favorite Ina recipes for a belated birthday celebration in her honor. Just a few minutes into my work I got somewhat sidetracked, and began watching Ina’s Google talk. I’m terrible at keeping up on stuff like this, and certainly should have watched this talk sooner than I did.  I say this not just because I’m such a fan of her cooking, but because apparently, there’s a lot I can learn from her that doesn’t involve food.

As some of you may already know, before Ina became the Food Network star and best selling cookbook author that she is, she owned a specialty food store in South Hampton.  That food store was the Barefoot Contessa.  She ran the store for over 20 years, growing it to over 100 employees. After running the store for such a long time, she was ready for something new. For years she mulled over what she should do next in her career. During this period, a friend of her’s shared a very interesting piece of advice. Her friend stated that type A people think they can figure out what they’re going to do next while they’re doing something else, and they can’t. They have to stop and do nothing.  I heard that phrase and literally stopped dead in my tracks. Suddenly the last six months of my life made COMPLETE sense.

Before I explain why this phrase had such an impact on me, a little more on Ina. After getting this feedback, she decided to sell her shop, and quite literally do nothing.  In her talk she reveals she actually did nothing but think about what she wanted to do for a full year, at which point she finally decided to start writing cookbooks, which then lead to her show on the Food Network and where she is today.

Six months ago I wrote a post and shared I was taking time off. I needed the time to think, slow down, and figure out what I really wanted in my career. At the time it was so hard to accept (and admit) that I was actively not pursuing a job. Unlike Ina, I wasn’t as clear on the notion that not working was the exact thing I needed to understand what I truly wanted. Figuring out what I wanted my next career move to be definitely didn’t happen overnight, but it most certainly was fueled by my decision to take a break.

I had worked as a corporate event planner for the last few years, but never seriously considered doing it on my own- having my own business. Then, early this fall while I was in break mode (and thanks to some amazing former colleagues), I was hired as an independent event planner. That work somehow translated into even more work and clients. Once I got a taste of what it was like to work for myself in this space, I was completely hooked and the direction of my career became much clearer.  It didn’t take too long to realize that having my own event planning business was exactly what I wanted.

So with that, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of clara persis events! In comparison to what I wrote back in September, I can’t believe where I am just six short months later. I’m blown away by the opportunities that have come my way by putting myself out there just a little bit, and how amazing it feels to be so happy and proud in relation to what I do. Entrepreneurship definitely doesn’t come without its challenges and risks, but I’ve never been more excited to take on such hard work.

There’s so much more I want to share about my new path, but for today, I think I owe Ina a little shout out (or Ina’s wise friend!). Despite now having a strong sense of direction in my career, it’s still quite daunting. It’s hard to know if I’m going about things the right way, and to rely largely on my own instinct. Ina and I are far from the same, but knowing how she made such a major transition in her career makes type A people like me breathe a little easier. It brings great comfort to know the decision I made six months ago was the right one for me, and that now, even if I’m not sure where things are going 100 percent of the time, I just need to keep going.

If you’ve made it this far- thank you! There was really no other way to get this story out. I hope you’ll pop over to my new site and see what my business is all about. I’m looking forward to sharing all there is to come with you all! xoxo

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Staying Busy and Balanced

September 1, 2011 by

Since we returned from our vacation, I have been living at home, preparing for our move to New York.  I’m also… not working. While it’s not the most convenient time to be working or searching for a new job since we’re so focused on finding a place to live (ps that IS a full time job), the break is intentional.  I’m taking my job search very slowly and actively taking some time off. I could find a new job just for the sake of having an income and routine, which are both good reasons, and believe me, very tempting!  But I’m doing my best to slow down, be patient, and figure out what it is I really want. That, for me, is a lot harder than it sounds.  When it comes down to it I’m a pretty impatient person.  I want the solution now, and if I don’t have the answer,  I’d like someone else to give it to me. But figuring out the next step in my career? I think I have to do that on my own.

To help cope with my impatience during this period, I’ve come up with a list of rules that I’ve been following to keep myself sane and on schedule. Whether you’re working or not, I hope these are of some help to you too in getting more out of each day, and leading a structured yet fulfilling life!

1. Get Up Yes, quite literally, get yourself out of bed in a timely manner each day. While I haven’t been setting an alarm, I force myself out of bed no later than 7:45/8 am most days.  It’s extremely temping to sip coffee in my pajamas all morning, but I make sure I’m showered and ready to go no later than 9:30 am (even if I’m not actually going anywhere). I even make my bed.  It sounds silly, but I find if I laze around all morning I’m much less productive for the remainder of the day.

2. Make a List Each morning I make a list of things I want to accomplish that day.  I find making a daily list, rather than a weekly list, allows me to focus on what I really need to get done that day.  It’s much more likely I’ll complete the task if I know it needs to get done today. I’m also very specific in my to-dos. Instead of writing “Search for Apartments ” I’ll write, “Apartments: 1) Check X neighborhoods on Street Easy 2) Email X broker”  It sounds incredibly simple, but I believe by writing the whole thing out you’re holding yourself accountable to getting the task done.

3. Work Out. Everyday. The worst thing I can do for not only my productivity level but also my mood, is sit in front of the computer all day.  While I exercised frequently while I was working, I make even more of a point to do it now.  I always wanted to get into Pilates and now I have the time to do so.  Instead of spending money on classes I’m using Netflix.  Yes, Netflix!  They have a pretty substantial variety of streaming work out classes.  Trying different ones keeps me motivated.

3. All Those Things You know all those things you’ve been meaning to do or wanted to do but didn’t have the time?  Now you do.  Even if you searching for a job, you can’t do it all day.  There are only so many jobs one can apply to each day, and if that’s all you do, you’ll drive yourself crazy.  While I have a couple of projects and apartment hunting to tend to, in my free time I’ve been focusing on writing emails to old friends, cooking, and reading.  I’ve also been blogging much more frequently (which is perhaps the best part), and working on ways I can improve this space.

4. Managing Financial Stress Likely the biggest stresser of not working is the lack of income.  While it’s not enjoyable to constantly be dipping into savings, it’s inevitable.  That realization has been the most helpful for me.  I’ve cut back on my spending (aided by the fact that I’m living at home), but letting go of the guilt of spending money on something like a much needed hair cut or dinner out with friends here and there really helps.  You can’t remain cooped up during this time.  That said, keeping a budget is important. Even though you’re not spending money you’re actively making, plotting out your expenses for the month will show you how much of your savings you will need to spend, and help avoid unnecessary expenditures.

5. Restrict Yourself  Don’t turn the TV on until the evening. Don’t look at blogs and drown time in online shopping/Facebook/Twitter all day.  Whatever your weakness, set restrictions.

6. Embrace This Time Lastly, be sure to embrace this time.  And be proud of it! This may be the hardest one for me. Each day I get more and more comfortable with what I’m “doing.”  It’s easy to feel apprehensive about your decision or situation, and worry about what others will think. But as I’m constantly reminding myself, one of the worst ways I can waste my time is worrying about other people’s opinions.  Actively taking time off is no walk in the park, and if it’s right for you, go for it!

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