Do you struggle to find enough time to create?

[Dan Goodwin]

One of the most common issues I hear about as a creativity coach is struggling to find enough time to create the projects we want to create.

Which of these sound familiar to you?

> Creative time just for me is self indulgent and self centred.

> There's no point starting a creative project unless I have a huge chunk of time available to really get into the flow of it.

> There's never a time when SOMEONE or other isn't breathing down my neck making demands on my time.

> The occasions when I do find I have a bit of free time, I'm never in the right mood to create.

> Even if I do find an hour or two to start something, I never know when I'll have any free time again to finish it.

I'd like to get your personal input on this area of creativity.

So, here are two questions, please share your thoughts about each with us as a reply below...

1. What’s the biggest reason you don't have time to create, the one that keeps coming up over and over again?

2. How would your creative life be different if you did have more time to create, all the time you needed?

[Dan Goodwin]

Hey Francesca, pleased to hear you've been writing every day, it really does work and gets easier the longer you go for, like any habits...

Yes writing doesn't have to require a high level of concentration, you can write whatever you want. Sometimes it's a great form of escape from whatever else you've been doing.

Dan

[Susan Hosken]

Dan and Francesca, I am also doing a 40 day challenge of being creative with my art each day and hope it will begin a life time habit. I am also doing it with my prayer and meditation and yoga and gardening. Just a little each day. It is amazing what is achieved.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Francesca]

You are inspiring Susan!

Francesca

[Francesca]

Yes, I am discovering an informal approach, where I don't have to prepare in advance or worry about the results... just letting the ink flow on the paper is wonderful.

[jane]

you make good (and obvious) points.. but men are better at that whole thing about going off and finding time for themselves/being selfish or whatever people wanna call it.. women are not so good at that. There are many demands on the woman/mother/housekeeper and in my experience.... slotting in that 20 minutes which is "just for me" when there are so many other demands... is not easy and nigh on impossible. When you do get that time off - you are usually knackered!

My children are grown now and i dont have other people demands.. so i speak from a historical perspective...

but in essence you are right - we should be more selfish with our freedom..

[Dan Goodwin]

Hey Nathan (or should I call you Berry?),

Thanks for your input here, all interesting stuff.

I like what you say about expressing the inner man/woman. Creating is definitely in my eyes a way of exploring ourselves, learning, connecting with parts of ourselves we can't otherwise connect with. And it's so valuable because of this.

Also agree with having a pen and paper handy, or some other way to capture your ideas (or "mind explosions") when they arrive. Very simple, but very powerful tip.

People pleasers - another great point. I get myself into foolish tangles trying to please too many people, trying to keep everyone happy, and it messes up in the end, no-one wins. Better, I think, to be always sensitive and compassionate to others, but to also be clear in your mind about what you need too, and don't spend all your days doing stuff for other people and losing yourself in the process.

This is linked with how people see creative time as "selfish" time. My answer is always that if you're a creative person, you need to create. Simple. If you don't, you get backed up with resentment and frustration and this inevitably comes out as negative emotions, directed at those close to you, or to your self. When you create regularly, you have an output for your emotions, ideas, thoughts, feelings, and I believe you become far happier (and more balanced) because of it. This then reflects in how you are with those around you, you're more positive and upbeat and energised. This can only be a good thing for all those involved.

Finally, I like your analogy with the shower. I always suggest we have a creative space we can make our own, where we are undisturbed as much as possible, even for just a short time each day, and where we have all our creative tools and materials to hand.

Dan

[Shaun From the Rainbow Nation]

There is a mention earlier about taking care of the basics to survive. Well, this is the dilemma facing all freelancers...tackle the income producing projects first to satisfy Maslow and then move on. This is just where we tend to get caught up in the constant demands from clients.
Today, I decided to change those thoughts. Even with the demands that are simply, never-ending, I am committing to applying creative thought into all projects. Gone are the days of just getting a piece out for the sake of relieving the pressure.
From now, each piece I attempt, each project undertaken, writing or photography, will go out with the knowledge that it is the best yet for that client and for me.
So, to answer the question of not having time to create...every job is a chance to create!