Feeling stuck staring at a never-ending to-do list? As a busy creative, deciding where to focus your energy can feel overwhelming — especially when everything feels important right now.

In this episode, I share a simple prioritization framework I’ve been using for almost 10 years: the Time Value Matrix. It’s a practical tool that helps you cut through the noise, focus on the tasks that actually move your business forward, and reduce time spent on the low-value work that drains your energy.

You’ll learn:

• The 4 categories of tasks (A, B, C, and D) — and why knowing the difference is game-changing

• How to spot your A-level, revenue-ready tasks (the ones with the biggest ROI)

• Examples of how this works for digital creators, crafters, and artists

• Considerations for letting AI help you with low-value tasks

👉 Challenge for today: Take your current to-do list and run it through the Time Value Matrix. Circle one A-level task and tackle it first.

✅ Next Steps:

1. Book Your Coaching Call!
2. Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics
3. Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
4. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

Feeling stretched thin this busy season? You don’t have to do it all alone. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to hire support in a way that feels clear, doable, and affordable.

You’ll learn:

• How to decide exactly what kind of help you need

• Creative options for paying or trading beyond just cash

• Why clarity is kind — and how a simple job description makes hiring smoother

• The importance of planning for help before you’re overwhelmed

Hiring help doesn’t have to break the bank — and bringing in support early can make your busy season run so much smoother.

👉 If this episode encourages you, share it with a fellow artist who’s gearing up for the season too!

✅ Next Steps:

1. Book Your Coaching Call!
2. Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics
3. Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
4. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

When you identify a struggle in work or life, creating healthy boundaries can be a powerful way to reduce stress, reclaim time, and regain a sense of control.

Boundary setting also helps you to step into your best, most creative self!

Here’s a step-by-step practical approach to creating those boundaries and improving your well-being.

This is a 5-step framework designed to help you set and sustain boundaries that protect your time, energy, and peace of mind — at work, at home, and in relationships.

This strategy is perfect for working artists and self-employed creatives!

What’s the current situation causing stress, resentment, or anxiety?

My struggle is: ____________.

Where is your energy, time, or emotional well-being being drained?

• Time

• Communication

• Emotional energy

• Physical space

• Task/workload

• Other: _______________________

What clear, kind, actionable limit do you want to set?

How will you communicate and enforce this boundary?

After trying this for a few days or weeks…

✅ Next Steps:

1. Book Your Coaching Call!
2. Respond to the Call To Artists: Request for Topics
3. Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
4. Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.