Ann Baker

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Finding Balance

2025-02-20 17:59:19

How I Balance Modeling, Personal Life, and Staying Inspired * Balancing a career in modeling, personal life, and staying creatively inspired is a constant dance. There are days when everything flows seamlessly, and then there are days when I feel like I’m being pulled in a million directions. But over time, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention (consequently my word for 2025). Here’s how I manage my time and stay motivated while juggling everything life throws my way. * 1. Time Management: Prioritizing What Matters * When you wear multiple hats, effective time management is key. I rely on a combination of structured planning and flexibility to ensure I’m making the most of my time without burning out. • Calendars & To-Do Lists: I use digital and physical planners to keep track of bookings, deadlines, and personal commitments. This helps me visualize my week and avoid overloading myself. • Time Blocking: I dedicate specific time slots for work, self-care, and personal life. This prevents one area from dominating my entire schedule. • Saying No When Necessary: I’ve learned that saying no to certain opportunities or social events isn’t about missing out—it’s about preserving my energy for what truly matters. * 2. Personal Life: Staying Grounded Amidst the Chaos * Modeling can be an unpredictable industry, which makes personal time even more important. Here’s how I stay grounded: • Quality Over Quantity: This idea is a keystone to nearly every aspect in my life. I focus on meaningful time with loved ones rather than feeling guilty about not always being available. A deep conversation or a peaceful dinner means more than constantly trying to keep up with every event. Some days we need to reset ourselves. • Setting Boundaries: Work-life balance means knowing when to turn off my phone, step away from emails, and be present in the moment. • Health Comes First: Living with a chronic illness has taught me to listen to my body. Rest, nutrition, and stress management aren’t negotiable—they’re essential to keeping me at my best. * 3. Staying Inspired: Fueling Creativity & Motivation* Creativity is the heartbeat of my work, and staying inspired takes effort. Here’s what keeps me motivated: • Changing Up My Routine: Whether it’s exploring a new location for a shoot, collaborating with different creatives, or trying a fresh style, variety keeps me engaged. • Learning & Evolving: I make time to study fashion, photography, and storytelling. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places—art, nature, music, or even conversations with people from different walks of life. • Remembering My ‘Why’: On tough days, I remind myself why I started. Modeling, for me, is more than just the work—it’s about self-expression, breaking barriers, and inspiring others to embrace their own journeys. It is about daring to live life on my terms. * Final Thoughts * Balance is a moving target, but with the right mindset and habits, it’s possible to create harmony between career, personal life, and creativity. I’ve learned that self-awareness, time management, and intentional rest are just as important as hard work. Ultimately, success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most, in a way that feels fulfilling. * How do you find balance in your own life? Let’s start a conversation. * Until next time, with much love in the month of love, Ann * photographer Mike Vale.