@ Paula – Interesting to hear how important groups can be in prompting us to ‘find time’. One of the reasons I’m attending a poetry workshop is that I know I’ll write more poems when I’m part of a group of others doing the same. Something to do with accountability and shared enthusiasm.

@ Marge – “It’s also nice to know these challenges are shared by many and all part of the creative process.” Good, that’s one of the main reasons why I’m doing this series.

@ Stacey – “I don’t know if it worked, but they got a good laugh out of it.” Me too! Great idea.

@ Marwa – And the thing is, the first 15 minutes are often the most difficult – once you get started, it can be hard to stop…

@ Mimi – When my wife and I first got married, we didn’t have a TV for 6 months, and we didn’t miss it. Of course, we HAD to get one for the World Cup!

@ Shane – Maybe partnering is similar to Paula’s groups – mutual encouragement/accountability. E.g. I tend to write my Wishful Thinking blog as and when I have time, as it’s only down to me. But I’ve told Tony and Brian I’ll make sure there’s something new up on Lateral Action every week, and hey presto…!

@ James – Yes, I used to do it the wrong way round too! i.e. feel I should ‘clear my desk/inbox’ so I could concentrate on my real work… then found I’d run out of time/energy to do the important stuff. Probably my biggest ever productivity boost was when I reversed that pattern.

@ Pia @ Maria – The good thing about doing the early morning sleep sacrifice is it gets it (and the important work) done and out the way, so you can enjoy the rest of the day, without it hanging over you…

What I started doing a year ago is waking up 2 hours earlier (ugh, it’s hard!). But, I write best in the early morning, when the house is quiet and my mind is relaxed.

It’s been a sacrifice, but I’m doing it. Sometimes I’m really tired the rest of the day, but this routine is the only one that works.

I found that if I waited until the end of the day to write, it never happens, because too many other things would pop up, or I’d just be too tired.

I’ve read about people who have written novels just by writing early in the morning before work. It’s inspiring, and if they can do it, so can we!

Thank you for putting this in such a great perspective!

I used to reserve writing for the afternoons, when the ‘work’ was cleaned up and everything was humming smoothly. Mistake. I was exhausted. The coffee’d run dry, my energy high was gone and I felt like Granpa needing a nap.

One day I started to pay attention to when I felt most alert, most rockin’. And I realized I’d wake up at 5am, do some email and have coffee to settle in the rythym, and high gear began at about 6.30am.

I’d churn everything out – whatever it was – until about noon… and begin to crash.

So why not take advantage of that high? I rearranged my days so that I was doing more ‘brainless’ work in the afternoons, stuff I could take my time on or didn’t have to think much about, and saved my high time for writing.

Works like a charm… but then again, I’ll grant that I’m a freelancer and set my own hours.

“Have you ever successfully made time for your own creative projects in the midst of a busy schedule? How?”

That’s an easy question for me to answer. I wanted to start a creative website to cure writer’s block (click my name to see it), but didn’t have the time to design, promote, etc, even though it’s a simple concept. Work, kids, etc find a way to get in the way.

Solution? I partnered with two other people and bang, within 2 days the site was live. If you’re having problems finding time for creative projects, partner with someone. It’s more effective and more fun, too.

I emailed two image files for them to print out: one says, “NO” and the other says “OUT OF ORDER,” with instructions to post them where they’re most needed (even if it’s only in their imaginations). I don’t know if it worked, but they got a good laugh out of it.

The intention isn’t to abandon everyone and everything, but rather to buy a little time. It’s more of a shift in thinking, to give yourself permission to take the time for your own creative practice.

Your post on making time is perfect! My struggle with creative blocks is much more apparent now, but I’ve come to realize they were always there – just not as “in my face” as when I was working 50-60 hrs a week & could make excuses more easily.

It’s also nice to know these challenges are shared by many and all part of the creative process. Having ceativity-related challenges are much more welcome than juggling the politics of a cubicle oriented office environment.
Looking forward to future posts!