This week, I went to a painting cafe here in Dubai. I had a blank canvas to throw some paint on and design a masterpiece in a few hours.

I sat down with the canvas in front of me and instantly, my problems all disappeared.

What I was stressed about dissipated within a matter of seconds and I was present.

All of a sudden, I feel this flow of creativity and my mind does a transderivational search for all experiences, emotions and ideas from childhood up to this very moment.

I wanted to create a masterpiece and I'm no artist, but I was determined to create something meaningful because I'm a deep philosophical thinker like that and I rarely take the easy route.

I brought my ideas together and got painting.

It's fair to say I'm no Picasso, I mean, the finished product is pretty abysmal to be honest but it was the process and the journey that made me feel so alive.

Pretty deep considering we just went to do some painting...

But this is FLOW.

Flow doesn't care where you are, what you're doing or how you're feeling.

Flow doesn't prioritise or compartmentalise.

Flow comes when necessary and leaves when it feels impeded [by distractions].

I really felt during this 3 hours I spent conjuring up ideas and patterns that I couldn't think of anything better right now because I was totally immersed in the experience.

I came up with the idea that the purpose of life is about finding flow and being taken by the emotions of projects, relationships, self-care, exercise, business and whatever else you spend your time doing.

Anyway, there is a point to this story because I learnt so much about getting into flow;

Here's how I got into flow so quickly:

1. Got clear on my goals⁣
   ​I wanted to paint a masterpiece with my concepts & views of life.
   ​
2. Articulate my intentions⁣
   ​I committed to doing the very best I could with this painting.
   ​
3. I found joy in the mediocre tasks ⁣
   ​Drawing the outline using a ruler and pencil was boring but it helped me shape the whole drawing and use it as a guideline.
   ​
4. I removed distractions⁣
   ​I didn't scroll on my phone, I wasn't thinking about business, I didn't have anywhere I needed to be.​
   ​
5. I created a positive environment
   ​My girlfriend was next to me, there was peaceful music on and I was enjoying hearing the kids next door have so much fun with their paintings.​
   ​
6. Breathe.
   ​I took a breath and sunk into the process of getting my masterpiece finished.

​

I wish I could tell you this below was my painting [it wasn't].

But this is how I felt...powerful, present and peaceful.

It made me think about how people use excuses for not going out and doing something enjoyable...

"I've got too much on at the moment.

"The kids need to go to this sports club.

"It's not my thing.

There was a time when I used to believe people when they said:

"Now, just isn't the right time."

These days, I challenge that.

I strongly disagree with the statement, because people associate the wrong time with when;

↳ you're most busy
↳ you're lacking belief
↳ you're financially unstable
↳ you're in an uncertain period of life

I started & built my business the same month my Mum passed away.

Most people say the 'wrong time' is an excuse & the best time is now...

Really, there is a right & wrong time to commit to change.

[like coaching or entrepreneurship].

But from my experience working with 100s of leaders;
The above list, are the BEST times to invest and commit to change.
​
Starting my business the same month my Mum passed away.
Investing £7,000 in my first mentorship [I had £145 left]
Was NEVER IDEAL → but it was necessary.

Here’s what I learnt;​
​
↳ 'Busyness' forces you to initiate small changes.
[Small changes over time = big success]
​
↳ When you believe you're in 'lack' you're actually most motivated.
[You just don't know how to start]
​
↳ Financial commitment leads to psychological commitment.
[Which is a large component of behaviour change]
​
↳ Systems & accountability benefit you more when you're uncertain.
[Systems eliminate the need for discipline → Accountability eliminates self-sabotage]
​
You don't need fewer things to do and think about.
You just need more order and less chaos.
Choose a path, commit and make the 1% changes.

​

Here's my 1-degree shift for you today;

Find the 1 area of your life that you know you've needed to change for a while, that you've not changed and you continue to procrastinate on.

No need to do anything with that information right now, just find that 1 area and write it down if it helps remember.