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If you’re anything like me, your brain is probably bursting with ideas. One minute it’s a new course, the next it’s a sketchbook project, an event, a studio revamp, a book, an art party… the list goes on. And while having a creative mind is such a gift, it can also get overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

I get asked this a lot: How do I choose what to focus on when there’s so much I want to do? So I thought I’d share how I go about it, especially now that we’re halfway through the year. It’s the perfect time to pause and reassess.

Start With a Download

The first thing I do is a brain dump. I grab a piece of paper (or my whiteboard) and jot everything down – literally everything that’s swirling in my head. I don’t filter. I don’t ask if it’s achievable. I just get it out.

Sometimes I do this by categories: work, art, personal, money. You can mind map or list – it’s about whatever feels good to you. The key is to unload all the ideas so they’re not rattling around up there.

Break It Down Further

Once I’ve got everything out, I look at one area at a time – say, my art. I break that down into mini categories: painting, sketching, subject ideas, unfinished pieces, new things I want to try.

Same with work. I split it into areas like learning, events, upgrades, the Hub, launches. And then I just sit with it all for a bit. No pressure to act, just observe what’s there.

Choosing the Top 3

Once it’s all laid out, I ask myself:

  • What brings me joy right now?
  • What am I excited about?
  • What’s calling me most?
  • Why haven’t I done this already?

From there, I circle the top 1 to 3 ideas that feel right for now. Just one to start with, ideally. It doesn’t mean I’m giving up on the rest – it just gives me a starting point.

Make It Real

Then I ask: What are the next one to three steps I can take for this idea? Not the whole plan. Just the very next thing.

I block it into my calendar, ask what I might need to learn or get support with, and take it from there. Once I’ve got that rolling, I go back to the list and repeat the process – only if I have the bandwidth.

Feel-Good Focus

This isn’t about hustle or ticking everything off. It’s about designing a calendar and creative life that actually feels good. One that excites you when you look at it. That’s the goal.

There’ll always be tasks we don’t love, but if the bigger picture feels aligned and joyful, it’s worth it.

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo