Why Are You a Designer?

Too often designers become so consumed by the business of running their business that they actually forget the passion that led them to become a designer. What originally inspired you to enter the field of design may be as varied as the profession itself – but no matter the reason, you may need to frequently remind yourself what there is about interior design that, as my business partner used to say, “makes your heart sing”.

Some designers have shared that they entered the world of interior design because they love using beautiful design elements to create aesthetically and functionally positive environments. For some it was the passion to change people’s lives with positive design. For others it was about the freedom they found in making a living in the world of art through the field of interior design. Some designers entered the world of design not just to create beautiful environments but more importantly to them, to help clients make smarter decisions.

And, believe it or not, for some it was a love of math that translated into an appreciation of details – not just the details of running the business, but the details in the designs they created for others.

Interior design entrepreneurs need to regularly recharge their batteries to avoid burnout – and to regain the passion that led them into the business in the first place.

Here are a few additions to your daily routine that can help you refuel as well as several periodic recommendations you might consider adding to help you recharge and to improve the health of your business.

• Calendar four 10 – 15 minute breaks spread throughout the day to get your mind off of business and refuel. Take a walk, listen to music, meditate – whatever works for you to recharge.
• Avoid eating lunch at your desk. Even if you just take your lunch outside – it’s a change of scenery and atmosphere.
• Calendar a short time each day for “thinking” and reflection.
• Include at least 30 minutes of exercise each day – it will increase the blood flow to your brain as well as being positive for your physical health.
• Make it a daily practice to learn when to let go and delegate

Remember to also include a few major “infusions” of positive energy throughout the year.

• Plan a vacation of at least 2 weeks. And remember if you hire well, that will allow you to release control of the business while you “unplug”
• Recharge by attending events where you can get valuable new information to recharge your business and yourself – where ideas and best practices are shared by and with others in the design industry.

So when thinking about why you are an interior designer, ask if interior design still “makes your heart sing”. If not, then make it a point to incorporate some of the advice above to help recharge your passion.

If you need inspiration and motivation, be sure to join us at the Genius Exchange August 3 – 5 in Denver, Colorado.

“You see things and you say ‘Why?’
But I dream of things that never were and I say ‘Why not?’”
— George Bernard Shaw