focus Archives - Chase Jarvis Photography

May 29

Guard Your Dreams: How to Stay Focused and Get Back on Track

Whether we realize it or not, life happens. Interruptions and obstacles crop up: an implosion in your side hustle disrupts your day job, or a big challenge at your day job necessitates skipping creative work for several weeks in a row. 3-6 months can go by and the next thing you know, you can’t remember the last time you spent real time on your dreams. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to review... read more ›

406 reads

Feb 20

How to Practice Saying No

Have you ever said "yes" to a project (no matter how small) and really dreaded it? In fact, you end up wondering why you didn't just say no? Creatives often face a unique challenge when it comes to saying "no": knowing what to prioritize and not letting fear of missing out take over. When you say yes for the wrong reasons (even if we'll intentioned), you're working against the things you really want while damaging... read more ›

478 reads

Jan 30

How to use the IDEA framework to Focus Goals in the New Year

Do you have a ritual for setting intentions for the new year? If you've been following for awhile, you'll know I'm not a huge fan of resolution or even goals without an action plan. That's why I'm a huge fan of frameworks and habits which help turn intentions, ideas, and dreams into action plans. Those who have already read my book 'Creative Calling' will already be familiar with the IDEA framework. It serves as the... read more ›

478 reads

Oct 19

Can Video Games Improve ADHD? How New Digital Medicine is Helping

In a nutshell, Dr. Adam Gazzaley is a genius. He’s got a very big brain. He explains what he’s all about a lot more eloquently. You’ll hear it when you listen, but that’s my condensed introduction. He’s doing important work and it’s so great to talk to Adam again. It’s been a while and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover in regards to the groundbreaking advancements in his field. Adam Gazzaley MD,... read more ›

966 reads

Mar 14

Managing Burnout with Your 9-5

Throughout the course of my career, I've seen how critical mentorship (both 1 on 1 and at scale) is in helping others navigate unfamiliar waters. Sure, experiential learning tends to give the best results, but having benefitted immensely from advice I've received from role models and mentors over the years, I'm always keen to respond to thoughtful and honest questions from you all. If you're creatively stuck, making a difficult business decision or just want... read more ›

716 reads

Feb 14

How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Executing

Are you getting in your own way? This week I'm diving into two questions from the community. The first question involves knowing how to choose which projects to commit to, and how to stay focused even when new opportunities present themselves. My top level advice: Identify what YOU care about and what you want to stand for Don’t spend too much time worrying what other people are doing Experiment and play Find an accounta-bili-buddy Learn... read more ›

825 reads

Jan 31

Zero in on What Matters

You’ve followed your curiosities, found your direction, and made some strides along the path, now what? Chances are there’s something deep inside of you, that calls to you, that you know you are resisting. What is that thing? How can you construct your life around that thing? Pull on that thread. Zero in and focus ruthlessly. The more you can narrow your focus, the faster you’ll learn, and the more effective you’ll become. Define your... read more ›

339 reads

Sep 06

Inspiration is for Amateurs

Uncreated works of personal expression are at the top of everybody's bucket list. The thing, the business, the book, the project… how is it that the most important goals we have are commonly left unchecked when we kick the bucket? The time for excuses is up, and I believe that the ability to be self-directed and motivated is critical to a fulfilling creative career. Waiting for inspiration isn't a reliable way to create. Today I... read more ›

574 reads

Jul 19

How to Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Today's episode kicks off with an audience question from Bobby, a creative asking about how to stay focused and finish projects. Much of this question boils down to aligning goals, values and actions. What I mean by that is that if you say you are going to do something, do it. It might be uncomfortable, difficult or humbling, but once you get started, the angst of feeling stuck goes away, replaced by new sense of... read more ›

311 reads

Jan 23

Creative Cockroaches, Standing Out + the Truth About Your Best Creative Work

A short while ago I had the great pleasure of taking the stage at the Seattle Interactive Conference with my dear friend and creative superstar Cal Mcallister (Founder, Wexley School for Girls + Paper Crane Factory) for a very pointed conversation on inspiration, unlocking your best creative work, and how the eff to stand out in today’s noisy, crowded market. Hint: it’s not what you think. IMHO this conversation oozes with value specifically because both... read more ›

1.5K reads