My dad likes to tell this story every time my mom and I run into a color-choosing dilemma when we shop together. A little over 10 years ago when I was an impressionable college student in Perth, Australia, my dad visited me and we went shopping for my very first Princess Phone. I had my own room in a house I was sharing with some friends and I needed one so my folks could call me directly. I was attracted to (no judging taste please!) a line of jelly phones in a gorgeous array of beautiful colors. So my dad and I stood there while I asked him, “Daddy, which color phone should I choose?”
To this date, my dad likes to recount that we spent AT LEAST ONE HOUR, quite possibly more, at the store, back and forth between phone colors choosing the perfect jelly color for my phone. What a tragic time and energy waster! If only there was a better and faster way to make decisions like these…(yes there is, read on!)
Today, believe it or not, I’m an artist and designer making such decisions everyday and often very quickly and intuitively. What changed? I discovered a special little decision-making tool. It’s an amazingly wonderful little contraption and it’s been instrumental in helping me make quick decisions in my life and business in a way that’s delightful, fun and true to me. And the best thing is, I’m going to share it with you so you can use it too!
The Heart Compass is my little imaginary decision-navigation tool with a gold needle that always points to ♥ (for Heart). It’s not a scale or a rule, there are no degrees of heartfulness. Much like a north compass, It’s ♥ or nothing. When the little gold needle points to ♥, it means my decision aligns to my story, my soul and my truth.
There is one little caveat though, using the Heart Compass requires trust, the kind of trust you’ll have for a regular north compass. You must trust that it will tell you the truth.
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When might you have use for it? It’s perfect for all those times that you have to making decisions in your creative business. It could be selecting inspirations or colors for your logo or a product, picking a photo for your blog post or deciding what goes on a vision, mood or pinterest board. It’s really handy for choosing a painting or piece of furniture for your office or studio, essentially any creative decisions that can be fun but often turn into hair-pulling scenarios.
I am a reformed indecision-er and I feel your pain. I truly do. I know how it feels to want to kick yourself because you just cannot make up your mind!
Everything looks pretty, everything is beautiful, I want it all. If you’re like me, then you’re also probably naturally inclusive by nature. You don’t want anything or anybody to feel left out. If I choose this color or this thing, what about the other poor lonely souls on the shelf? Or you might think, I shouldn’t judge, this is good enough.
I’ve since learned that being inclusive isn’t always a good thing. Life is at its uncluttered best when you only surround yourself and your story with absolutely the most heart-centered, authentic-to-you objects and people. I’m constantly trying to be more discerning and editorial, refining my taste, eliminating and keeping only what truly grabs at my heart around.
As an artist and designer, my Heart Compass is indispensable, it has a giant role to play in all my creative decision-making and I never leave home without it. The great thing is, it’s built-in, so I’ll always have it with me.
How to Use the Heart Compass
Look at your options. Ask your heart (compass) these questions below and then close your eyes and feel. (You can also assign a little brass compass pendant on a chain as a token of this process, if you do, hold it in your hand as you feel. It’s not necessary to have a token but if you’ve ever pretended as a little girl that your toy wand has real magic you’ll know that it often helps to pretend and get into the moment. Besides, it’s fun to giggle and be silly sometimes.)
(This is a process of elimination, like playing cards. Slowly eliminate until you have one option left.)
#1 Which do I like?
#2 Which of these really really aligns with my {brand} story?
#3 Which of these moves me? Which really really moves me? This is the most important step. Concentrate on detecting a swelling of the heart, an overwhelming emotion like when you look at your dog, your child, your husband or your parents. Really learn to recognize this emotion as a sign that the little gold needle is at H, for all decisions you make in your creative biz.
#4 Repeat #3. IMPORTANT. Sometimes, if you are easily attracted or empathetic to things & people (like I am) it’s important to do this step twice.
#5 If #3 comes up empty, drag yourself away and MOVE ON (leave, one step at a time, you can do it, leave!). Don’t waste time chewing lip, it’s not right yet, I promise! Go!
Practice, practice and practice and you will learn to train your eye and your taste and filter out all the noise so it becomes more natural each time.
Settle for NOTHING less.
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So here’s my challenge to you. Print out the Heart Compass Guide I made for you (click image on the left) and put it up near your work desk. Then tell me: What creative decisions do you struggle the most with that you can’t wait to try your Heart Compass on? Will these authentically-you decisions add more clarity or reduce clutter in your story and life?
Not-Quite-Warning: When you are using the Heart Compass more in your creative biz, not only will you become more original, you’ll begin to notice a gradual refinement of style, you’ll become more discerning, people will start to comment on your good taste. It’s a nice little side effect!