One of the number one questions that I get asked is how do you find the time to do so much?
I wish I had a glamorous answer that would revolutionize the world. But I don't. Like so many other people I am sleep deprived. I am a workaholic. I often choose creating over a social life. And I inevitably fall behind on due dates, deadlines, and my own expectations.
"Spare time" is like "spare change." Nobody really has any. In fact, I'll bet that if you polled 100 Americans and asked them what in the world they wanted more of, most would say time or money. Given that most of us have a limited amount of the latter and all of us have a limited amount of the former, you have to establish your priorities.
I once read something that said we can only handle five priorities in our life at any given time. For me it's (in no particular order):
- My family
- My marriage
- My theatre company
- My art
- My blog
Yours might look very different. Some things that might be on your list:
- kids
- church/temple/religion
- exercise/athletics
- cooking/baking
- housework/clean house/interior decorating
- friends/social network
- job
- social media (doing or reading) – twitter, facebook, blog
- TV/video games/movies
- reading
- writing
- dating
- travel
The list is kind of endless. But, at least in my experience, while I do dabble in many of the things on the second list, they always give way to my five priority areas. And the five priorities are still a lot of juggling.
My brother had a girlfriend who loved to exercise. Loved it. She would wake up in the morning thinking about the spinning class she was going to take after work. She actively looked for ways to incorporate physical activity into her day. Walking to work, taking the stairs, jumping up and down in her office. These things made her happy. And if you made plans with her, she would only be able to meet you after she had been to the gym. And she really stuck to her guns every single day.
You might suggest a 7:05 movie and she'd say, "No. Let's do the 8:45. I have a mini trampoline class."
Recently, a friend of mine asked me if we could hang out on Thursday. I told her, "Sure, but that's my MoMA day. So you'll have to come to MoMA with me."
As a result of our choices my brother's ex-girlfriend has a fantastic body and I have an extensive body of work.
So what if you already have five priorities? Well here are six ideas to help you cram in some creativity:
- A dedicated space. It doesn't have to be a whole room. It can be a nook, a closet, a desk, an area. But having a dedicated space allows you to leave things in process. That means that you can walk by, move some things around, cut something out, and get a project finished in tiny bursts. I work in fifteen minute bursts all the time! (BTW: If having a dedicated space is impossible, try investing in some cookie sheets or simple trays. You can create a moveable workspace. Spread out on the trays and then stash them – under a bed, even under a sofa – when you need to clean up!)
- Make an appointment. One of the girls on the Prima design team recently shared that she has a babysitter come once a week to watch her kids (she has FIVE). While the sitter is there she has a few crafty hours to herself and manages to get everything done! I know other people who attend a weekly crop at their local scrapbook store, or block out Saturday mornings as "their time." Whether it's a few hours or a whole day, try to make creating a regular appointment in your week. Think of it as a necessary task, like laundry, but much more fun! And don't let other things get in the way. It is a "must do."
- Carry a notebook. I have a tiny moleskine that is in my purse, by my bed, or in my back pocket at all times. Designing is the most time consuming part of any artistic endeavor. And the good news is that you can write out your ideas, doodle little pictures, and do all that heavy lifting virtually anywhere. Try carrying a notebook all week. You'll find that when you sit down to create, things move very quickly. It's simply a matter of assembling what you've already laid out. And in a similar vein…
- Copy. There's such an odd stigma attached to copying. But it's a great tool for creativity and it allows you to create a lot in only a little bit of time. I'm not saying that you should ever copy and try to pass it off as your own. That's a never, never, never. But I was at the Matisse exhibit at MoMA last week and one of the gallery signs explained why Matisse's teachers wanted him to learn his craft by copying the Old Masters: "It allowed the young artists to focus on methods of construction rather than inventing new compositions." Copy and learn. Copy and explore. Copy yourself! Made something you love? Copy it in another color or with different materials. And yes, always give credit. I believe in karma.
- Make artistic chicken stock. You're more likely to cook a big meal if you have your chicken stock already made and your vegetables are already cut up. It's less daunting. You just have to put it together, you don't have to do all the prep work, right? Well art making is the same way! Have a free moment? Throw some paint down in your art journal. Cut out a pile of fabric hearts. Have things ready. I buy the already cut up cauliflower from the grocery store, even though it's more expensive, because I know I'll use it if it's easy. Buy the pre-made embellishments. Make it easier on yourself!
- Find a buddy. Find someone in your area and make an art date. Make a mess together and motivate each other to dedicate time to making art. And if there's no one around? Find an online partner in crime! Challenge each other to use the same five supplies or try a new technique and then share your results over e-mail or on your blogs. And don't be shy! Why not invite a lot of people and start a group? One of my all time favorite (and best for me) art experiences was joining an online scrapbook critique group. It was very early in my artistic journey and I learned so much about design simply by having to type into words what I thought worked or didn't work about someone else's page and why.
In the end, remember that it's not a competition. There will never be enough time to get done everything you want to. We could all use an extra hour. Or an extra limb. So go easy on yourself. Do what you can. Enjoy it. Tomorrow is another day full of promise.
Thanks for stopping by!
Great suggestions and thoughts! We just moved to a place where I don’t have a space to lay things out. I may try the cookie sheet suggestion (and some of the other ones as well)!!!
Great suggestions and thoughts! We just moved to a place where I don’t have a space to lay things out. I may try the cookie sheet suggestion (and some of the other ones as well)!!!
Great suggestions and thoughts! We just moved to a place where I don’t have a space to lay things out. I may try the cookie sheet suggestion (and some of the other ones as well)!!!
Great suggestions and thoughts! We just moved to a place where I don’t have a space to lay things out. I may try the cookie sheet suggestion (and some of the other ones as well)!!!
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I love waking up to your blog. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I love waking up to your blog. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I love waking up to your blog. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I love waking up to your blog. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Great post, great words, great advices…. I’ll refer this post today on the scrapbooking forum I’m part of, I’m sure they will love as I did!!
Have a great weekend! Are you going to Maker Faire?
Great post, great words, great advices…. I’ll refer this post today on the scrapbooking forum I’m part of, I’m sure they will love as I did!!
Have a great weekend! Are you going to Maker Faire?
Great post, great words, great advices…. I’ll refer this post today on the scrapbooking forum I’m part of, I’m sure they will love as I did!!
Have a great weekend! Are you going to Maker Faire?
Great post, great words, great advices…. I’ll refer this post today on the scrapbooking forum I’m part of, I’m sure they will love as I did!!
Have a great weekend! Are you going to Maker Faire?
Awesome words of wisdom! Great practical advice.
Thanks!
Awesome words of wisdom! Great practical advice.
Thanks!
Awesome words of wisdom! Great practical advice.
Thanks!
Awesome words of wisdom! Great practical advice.
Thanks!
Julie, your blog is a part of every morning of my life and I’m glad that it’s one of your 5 priorities. I really enjoyed this post and it does help to put things into perspective.
The dedicated space piece is important for me (now I just have to keep the table clear)!
I tend to think of creating as something I can only do if I have at least 2 hours and that of course doesn’t happen often. Thanks again for your sage words.
Julie, your blog is a part of every morning of my life and I’m glad that it’s one of your 5 priorities. I really enjoyed this post and it does help to put things into perspective.
The dedicated space piece is important for me (now I just have to keep the table clear)!
I tend to think of creating as something I can only do if I have at least 2 hours and that of course doesn’t happen often. Thanks again for your sage words.
Julie, your blog is a part of every morning of my life and I’m glad that it’s one of your 5 priorities. I really enjoyed this post and it does help to put things into perspective.
The dedicated space piece is important for me (now I just have to keep the table clear)!
I tend to think of creating as something I can only do if I have at least 2 hours and that of course doesn’t happen often. Thanks again for your sage words.
Julie, your blog is a part of every morning of my life and I’m glad that it’s one of your 5 priorities. I really enjoyed this post and it does help to put things into perspective.
The dedicated space piece is important for me (now I just have to keep the table clear)!
I tend to think of creating as something I can only do if I have at least 2 hours and that of course doesn’t happen often. Thanks again for your sage words.
This post reminds me of a great storypeople quote: Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life.
(www.storypeople.com)
Happy Friday!
This post reminds me of a great storypeople quote: Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life.
(www.storypeople.com)
Happy Friday!
This post reminds me of a great storypeople quote: Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life.
(www.storypeople.com)
Happy Friday!
This post reminds me of a great storypeople quote: Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life.
(www.storypeople.com)
Happy Friday!
Flippin’ awesome blog today, Julie! That was perfect and just what I needed to hear.
Flippin’ awesome blog today, Julie! That was perfect and just what I needed to hear.
Flippin’ awesome blog today, Julie! That was perfect and just what I needed to hear.
Flippin’ awesome blog today, Julie! That was perfect and just what I needed to hear.
I use Blogger Julie and cant trackback- but I had to mention this post in my blog- it was so right on! It was like a permission slip to take the time I need to create- and heck! I’ll grab that any day! Keep on rocking! You never fail to inspire 🙂
http://foreverjoydesigns.blogspot.com/
I use Blogger Julie and cant trackback- but I had to mention this post in my blog- it was so right on! It was like a permission slip to take the time I need to create- and heck! I’ll grab that any day! Keep on rocking! You never fail to inspire 🙂
http://foreverjoydesigns.blogspot.com/
I use Blogger Julie and cant trackback- but I had to mention this post in my blog- it was so right on! It was like a permission slip to take the time I need to create- and heck! I’ll grab that any day! Keep on rocking! You never fail to inspire 🙂
http://foreverjoydesigns.blogspot.com/
I use Blogger Julie and cant trackback- but I had to mention this post in my blog- it was so right on! It was like a permission slip to take the time I need to create- and heck! I’ll grab that any day! Keep on rocking! You never fail to inspire 🙂
http://foreverjoydesigns.blogspot.com/
Yay! It’s nice to see other people’s thoughts on this layed out like that. Myself, I just make time for stuff :p
Yay! It’s nice to see other people’s thoughts on this layed out like that. Myself, I just make time for stuff :p
Yay! It’s nice to see other people’s thoughts on this layed out like that. Myself, I just make time for stuff :p
Yay! It’s nice to see other people’s thoughts on this layed out like that. Myself, I just make time for stuff :p
Hi Julie, I’ve been a long-time fan, but had never taken the time to comment b4, but your posts are always so full of wisdom, & not just pretend wisdom, but rather, the type that is required for everyday life, real-life situations…It’s great to be creative, but it’s so very important to prioritize!!! You hit the nail in the provervial head LOL, happy days to you 🙂
Hi Julie, I’ve been a long-time fan, but had never taken the time to comment b4, but your posts are always so full of wisdom, & not just pretend wisdom, but rather, the type that is required for everyday life, real-life situations…It’s great to be creative, but it’s so very important to prioritize!!! You hit the nail in the provervial head LOL, happy days to you 🙂
Hi Julie, I’ve been a long-time fan, but had never taken the time to comment b4, but your posts are always so full of wisdom, & not just pretend wisdom, but rather, the type that is required for everyday life, real-life situations…It’s great to be creative, but it’s so very important to prioritize!!! You hit the nail in the provervial head LOL, happy days to you 🙂
Hi Julie, I’ve been a long-time fan, but had never taken the time to comment b4, but your posts are always so full of wisdom, & not just pretend wisdom, but rather, the type that is required for everyday life, real-life situations…It’s great to be creative, but it’s so very important to prioritize!!! You hit the nail in the provervial head LOL, happy days to you 🙂
Greate ideas. It will be my new bible.
Greate ideas. It will be my new bible.
Greate ideas. It will be my new bible.
Greate ideas. It will be my new bible.
Hi Julie, I am so glad yours was the first post I read this morning. It was inspiring as always. For me, what makes your blog so great to read is that you make everything simple, accessible and inspiring. You always make me feel like I can do it too. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for this post.
Hi Julie, I am so glad yours was the first post I read this morning. It was inspiring as always. For me, what makes your blog so great to read is that you make everything simple, accessible and inspiring. You always make me feel like I can do it too. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for this post.
Hi Julie, I am so glad yours was the first post I read this morning. It was inspiring as always. For me, what makes your blog so great to read is that you make everything simple, accessible and inspiring. You always make me feel like I can do it too. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for this post.
Hi Julie, I am so glad yours was the first post I read this morning. It was inspiring as always. For me, what makes your blog so great to read is that you make everything simple, accessible and inspiring. You always make me feel like I can do it too. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for this post.
Not only are you a creative genius Julie, you’re a WISE creative genius!
This reminds me of one of those emails that has circulated from time to time, asking random questions like, ‘coke or pepsi’, ‘the last person you spoke to on the phone’ and my fave ‘what to do when you’re bored’ and I remember thinking ‘bored??’ I don’t think I’m ever bored. Especially not at home. Like you, I carry a notebook all of the time. I can pull it out during ‘boring situations’. But at home, near creative space, who could ever be bored?!
Have a great weekend!!
Not only are you a creative genius Julie, you’re a WISE creative genius!
This reminds me of one of those emails that has circulated from time to time, asking random questions like, ‘coke or pepsi’, ‘the last person you spoke to on the phone’ and my fave ‘what to do when you’re bored’ and I remember thinking ‘bored??’ I don’t think I’m ever bored. Especially not at home. Like you, I carry a notebook all of the time. I can pull it out during ‘boring situations’. But at home, near creative space, who could ever be bored?!
Have a great weekend!!
Not only are you a creative genius Julie, you’re a WISE creative genius!
This reminds me of one of those emails that has circulated from time to time, asking random questions like, ‘coke or pepsi’, ‘the last person you spoke to on the phone’ and my fave ‘what to do when you’re bored’ and I remember thinking ‘bored??’ I don’t think I’m ever bored. Especially not at home. Like you, I carry a notebook all of the time. I can pull it out during ‘boring situations’. But at home, near creative space, who could ever be bored?!
Have a great weekend!!
Not only are you a creative genius Julie, you’re a WISE creative genius!
This reminds me of one of those emails that has circulated from time to time, asking random questions like, ‘coke or pepsi’, ‘the last person you spoke to on the phone’ and my fave ‘what to do when you’re bored’ and I remember thinking ‘bored??’ I don’t think I’m ever bored. Especially not at home. Like you, I carry a notebook all of the time. I can pull it out during ‘boring situations’. But at home, near creative space, who could ever be bored?!
Have a great weekend!!
Great post! It really got me thinking what my 5 are. And you are so right with your tips… especially the “if it’s easy” one. I’m the same way. Some friends say I spend too much on food but for in the end it’s cheaper because my family will eat it if it’s easy! And I choose not to take the time to make it easy for them :o)
Great post! It really got me thinking what my 5 are. And you are so right with your tips… especially the “if it’s easy” one. I’m the same way. Some friends say I spend too much on food but for in the end it’s cheaper because my family will eat it if it’s easy! And I choose not to take the time to make it easy for them :o)
Great post! It really got me thinking what my 5 are. And you are so right with your tips… especially the “if it’s easy” one. I’m the same way. Some friends say I spend too much on food but for in the end it’s cheaper because my family will eat it if it’s easy! And I choose not to take the time to make it easy for them :o)
Great post! It really got me thinking what my 5 are. And you are so right with your tips… especially the “if it’s easy” one. I’m the same way. Some friends say I spend too much on food but for in the end it’s cheaper because my family will eat it if it’s easy! And I choose not to take the time to make it easy for them :o)
Thanks for sharing these great tips Julie!
Thanks for sharing these great tips Julie!
Thanks for sharing these great tips Julie!
Thanks for sharing these great tips Julie!
Thank you very much for your nice comment on my blog! Your post is so true and thank you for the tips!
Irma
Thank you very much for your nice comment on my blog! Your post is so true and thank you for the tips!
Irma
Thank you very much for your nice comment on my blog! Your post is so true and thank you for the tips!
Irma
Thank you very much for your nice comment on my blog! Your post is so true and thank you for the tips!
Irma
I read this when you first posted it. But it was worth the second read today. I need to remember to prioritize the stuff that REALLY matters. And 15 minutes a day for me, will make me a better Mom.
I read this when you first posted it. But it was worth the second read today. I need to remember to prioritize the stuff that REALLY matters. And 15 minutes a day for me, will make me a better Mom.
I read this when you first posted it. But it was worth the second read today. I need to remember to prioritize the stuff that REALLY matters. And 15 minutes a day for me, will make me a better Mom.
I read this when you first posted it. But it was worth the second read today. I need to remember to prioritize the stuff that REALLY matters. And 15 minutes a day for me, will make me a better Mom.
I discovered your blog about a month ago and I’m so glad I have. You are amazing and inspiring and so practical. I plan to print out this post and use it as a compass as I engage in and explore my own creativity and chase away all the “I can’t” thoughts because…
Thx loads.
I discovered your blog about a month ago and I’m so glad I have. You are amazing and inspiring and so practical. I plan to print out this post and use it as a compass as I engage in and explore my own creativity and chase away all the “I can’t” thoughts because…
Thx loads.
I discovered your blog about a month ago and I’m so glad I have. You are amazing and inspiring and so practical. I plan to print out this post and use it as a compass as I engage in and explore my own creativity and chase away all the “I can’t” thoughts because…
Thx loads.
I discovered your blog about a month ago and I’m so glad I have. You are amazing and inspiring and so practical. I plan to print out this post and use it as a compass as I engage in and explore my own creativity and chase away all the “I can’t” thoughts because…
Thx loads.
Yes. yes. yes and yes!
it is possible to find the time to do something that gives you joy, that opens the heart and … makes other things possible in the end. Carrying a book, having a little journal/ notebook in the car, too, and a small pencil case with some primary colors in it, means you can use waiting time in a good way. Leaving the camera in the car at times means its around to use. At my last job I sometimes had quiet moments: I figured why not be doing something wonderful, so I’d make cards with whatever was lying about, find old funny stationery and use that. It doesnt have to be Art, it can be whatever you do, expressed in your own way, using your creative ideas. In little and big bits of time, but the little often produces more than the big…
thanks for good reminders of doing well!
Yes. yes. yes and yes!
it is possible to find the time to do something that gives you joy, that opens the heart and … makes other things possible in the end. Carrying a book, having a little journal/ notebook in the car, too, and a small pencil case with some primary colors in it, means you can use waiting time in a good way. Leaving the camera in the car at times means its around to use. At my last job I sometimes had quiet moments: I figured why not be doing something wonderful, so I’d make cards with whatever was lying about, find old funny stationery and use that. It doesnt have to be Art, it can be whatever you do, expressed in your own way, using your creative ideas. In little and big bits of time, but the little often produces more than the big…
thanks for good reminders of doing well!
Yes. yes. yes and yes!
it is possible to find the time to do something that gives you joy, that opens the heart and … makes other things possible in the end. Carrying a book, having a little journal/ notebook in the car, too, and a small pencil case with some primary colors in it, means you can use waiting time in a good way. Leaving the camera in the car at times means its around to use. At my last job I sometimes had quiet moments: I figured why not be doing something wonderful, so I’d make cards with whatever was lying about, find old funny stationery and use that. It doesnt have to be Art, it can be whatever you do, expressed in your own way, using your creative ideas. In little and big bits of time, but the little often produces more than the big…
thanks for good reminders of doing well!
Yes. yes. yes and yes!
it is possible to find the time to do something that gives you joy, that opens the heart and … makes other things possible in the end. Carrying a book, having a little journal/ notebook in the car, too, and a small pencil case with some primary colors in it, means you can use waiting time in a good way. Leaving the camera in the car at times means its around to use. At my last job I sometimes had quiet moments: I figured why not be doing something wonderful, so I’d make cards with whatever was lying about, find old funny stationery and use that. It doesnt have to be Art, it can be whatever you do, expressed in your own way, using your creative ideas. In little and big bits of time, but the little often produces more than the big…
thanks for good reminders of doing well!