How to make time for creativity
You have a creative urge, an idea you want to turn into a reality. But how do you find the time - and most importantly, the perseverance - to actually do it? One of the most difficult parts of the creative process also seems like the most basic: setting aside time to create.
Truth is, most creators don’t have the luxury of making art whenever inspiration strikes. The majority are juggling other jobs – sometimes full-time jobs – plus other responsibilities, which makes it hard to hang out with the muses. But is it impossible? Never, my friend.
Here are a few tips for finding time to create, even if it’s *just a tiny bit*:
Make creativity an intentional act first thing in the morning
I’ve been trying to be a morning person for years now. Sometimes I can fool myself into believing I am one, but it never lasts long. But here’s what I’ve learned: you really don’t need to put yourself through the pain of waking up at 5 am to start the day with purpose. Just try to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual. Or even 15. Really! Before the cacophony of family breakfast or your commute, set aside ten minutes for writing, doodling, meditation, or anything that encourages creative thought. By starting your day with creative intent, you set your mentality for the rest of the day - and that will show up in many areas of your life.
Let go of the idea that creating something must take hoooooours
This goes hand in hand with the previous point. Many people believe that if they don’t have HOURS to devote to creativity, then they aren’t meant to be creative. And that couldn’t be farther from the truth. It doesn’t make you a bad artist or less of an artist if you struggle to find the time to make your work. Creatives are people who create, period. Go easy on yourself and allow creativity to flow, even if sometimes it means really tiny doses.
If you’re able, try to implement a routine
Truth be told, it’s hard to find time to do the things we want to do if we don’t block out the time to do them. We already schedule errands, time to catch up with loved ones, walk the dog, exercise, and so on - so why not do the same for creative practices? It’s hard to do it every day, so let’s just skip the hypocrisy. Schedule two hours a week for your creative projects. One Sunday a month. Whatever suits you. Just make sure that time is really all yours.
Cut off distractions
You think you're too busy for hobbies? That's understandable… but is it true? Let’s be honest here: how many times a day do you get sucked into a black hole scrolling through Instagram, browsing Amazon, or pointlessly staring at the TV? Exactly. Take a bit of time to map out what your day looks like. I’m sure there’s something you can trim to make time for creativity. And when you do so, focus & commit! Protecting your creative time is key.
Allow yourself to make crappy things
Very often, great work comes from a really crap beginning. If you have a busy life, you likely don’t have time to seek perfection - and that’s ok! (Spoiler alert: perfection doesn’t really exist anyway!) Being willing to produce “bad” work lets you create in a more flowing, quicker way, as well as draw conclusions for future works. Don’t forget that creativity is also allowing yourself to experiment, make mistakes, and suck! And honestly… Having something crappy is better than having nothing.
Surround yourself with inspiration
Doing is great, but being is essential. Input and reflection matter, so don't forget the things that keep you creative, inspired, driven, and passionate. Inspiration surrounds all of us, and most of the time we don't even notice. The world around us is growing, thriving, living, dying, breathing, adapting, and creating - keep an eye on it. If you stay inspired, you'll always find the urge (and therefore the time) to express yourself.
Creativity really only needs space and time, two of the hardest gifts to give yourself. So set an intention and start today. Clear a corner in your home, forgo a night scrolling through social media and begin.
