☃️ 1 of 4: This is part one of a four-part series on getting ready to be productive in the New Year!!

As creative introverts, we often say yes to things because we want to be helpful, to seize opportunities, or sometimes just to avoid the discomfort of saying no. But taking on too much can drain our creative energy and leave us feeling overwhelmed.

What if you had a simple way to evaluate opportunities before they overwhelm you?

Enter your 3-Question Filter – it's your guide for making decisions that honor your energy and creativity. It's like having a quiet conversation with yourself before saying yes to anything new (even if you're super-excited about it).

YOUR 3 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. "Does this align with my current focus?"
   • Not just "Can I do this?" but "Should I do this now?"
   • Consider what you're already committed to
   • Think about what might have to be set aside
2. "Do I have the energy for this?"
   • Be honest about your current energy levels
   • Consider the hidden energy costs (meetings, emails, revisions)
   • Remember that creative work needs creative space
3. "Will I still want to do this next week?"
   • Let your enthusiasm settle before committing
   • Picture yourself actually doing the work
   • Trust your quiet intuition

Your Simple Action Step for This Week:

Write these three questions on a sticky note and place it where you'll see it when checking emails or taking calls. Let it be a gentle nudge to pause before saying yes.

Next week, we'll build on these questions to create graceful boundaries that protect your creative energy. For now, simply practice pausing and asking yourself these three questions before making new commitments.

Remember: Every "no" to something that doesn't pass your filter is a "yes" to your creative priorities. 💖

I'd love to hear how you create a nurturing environment for thriving in your responsibilities for home and work and your creative projects! Be sure to subscribe to the No More Lists newsletter for introvert-friendly, right-brain productivity and project management tips.