I’ve been doing this for years—tying a piece of string around my wrist whenever I start a new creative project. It’s a small ritual, but it works. That thread becomes a physical placeholder for my intention, helping me keep the project present even as life pulls my attention in other directions.
When I was working on my children’s book, Barry Needs a Hug, I wore a piece of green thread. It reminded me of something on my creative bucket list—writing a children’s book had always been a dream of mine. Every time I caught sight of that thread, it brought me back to the heart of what I was creating and why it mattered.
Over time, I’ve used different colors of baker’s twine for different projects. And when a thread starts to lose its impact—whether it falls off, blends into the background, or simply stops sparking that same sense of focus—I replace it. That small act of renewal helps me reset my energy and recommit to the work all over again.
Read on if:
- You’ve started a creative project but struggle to keep it top of mind.
- You’re juggling too many things to stay consistently focused.
- You’ve tried productivity hacks, but none feel personal or lasting.
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You’re looking for a simple, meaningful way to stay connected to your work.
What It Means
To set a beacon means to give your project a physical presence in your world—a small, intentional object that catches your eye and calls you back to what matters. Just as hikers use trail markers to find their way or ships look to lighthouses for direction, creative minds can benefit from a visible point of focus.
Your beacon doesn’t need to be elaborate. It could be a piece of string, a sticker, a stone, a pin, or even a sketch tucked in your pocket. What matters is that it holds meaning for you. It becomes a quiet symbol of intention—something that gently brings your project back into view and helps keep it present in your day.
How to Set a Beacon
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Pick Something Personal: It should be small but meaningful—something that resonates with you.
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Keep It Visible: Place it where you’ll naturally see it throughout the day. Repetition is where the magic happens.
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Let It Hold Meaning: What matters isn’t what the object is, but what it represents to you.
- Refresh When Needed: If it fades into the background, swap it for something new.
Keep the Spark Close
Creative energy can be unpredictable—some days it flows, and some days it flickers. And sometimes, it’s not even about inspiration at all—it’s just that daily life gets loud, and the project you care about quietly slips into the background.
A beacon helps bring it back into view.
What are you working on right now that you don’t want to lose sight of? And what small reminder might help you keep it close?
