AV ProductionWorld

You do not need money in order to make an investment. In fact, the best investment you can make is in you and your career. Check out these tips for getting started.

TIME

Set aside time each week for you.  Bring along a journal, tape recorder, pen and pad, whatever works for you.  Whether you can only afford 10 minutes or a full day each week, make the you time a routine.  Focusing on your dreams and goals, career and business management skills and professional networks is essential to getting to know yourself better.  Investing this time and periodically reviewing your plans will keep you motivated and help you stay on track.

BODY

People who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet are better able to handle day-to-day physical and emotional stress, sleep better and stay focused on tasks.  Keeping your body fit, helps keep your mind fit.  After all, your mind is part of your body.

MIND

Your mind is likely to be your greatest asset, but it can easily become your worst enemy.  Make a conscious effort to end non-productive habits while nurturing the skills that will benefit you and your career.  Assess which areas you want to put your energy into, know when it is time to collaborate and decide which tasks should be outsourced. 

SPIRIT

Recognize the realtionship between your art and your religious or spiritual practice.  You are bound to grow exponentially when the two are connected.  If you don’t believe in anything…

RECYCLE

Giving to others is just as important as investing in you.  Whether providing emotional support to another artist, mentoring a young student, taking a job pro bono or donating to a non-profit arts organization, the rewards will be great for everyone involved. 

Festina Lente is all about the art of being fast, by going slowly.  Each week this column will explore new ideas on how to help creative people work more efficiently.  If you have comments or suggestions, please let us know.