3 Ways to Find Time for your Creative Self

One of the biggest barriers to a regular creative practice is time, space is another one, more on that in the near future 🙂

Many of us are plagued by the ‘not enough’ syndrome. Not enough time. Not enough money. Not enough connection or joy or impact etc.

And then there’s the age old “I’m not good enough” that most of us contend with. This seems to be a constant undercurrent for most people. Even as they are confident in some areas of life, other areas less so, when it comes to being a creative person, “not good enough” rears its ugly head.

Rather than face the consideration that we’re not ‘good enough’ as a creative person (according to our own incorrect assumptions), we pawn it off on time. It’s a reasonable argument because there is always more to do than there is time for it seems.

But it’s a scam. There is always, and will always be, plenty of time to cultivate connection with your creative self. In fact, I’ve found over the years, that as I make time to engage creatively, I have more time not less. It’s counterintuitive, but true.

The 3 Simple Ways to Find Time for Your Creative Self

Ask Yourself: How Can You Find Time for Your Creative Self

What if I did have enough time to play? An extra 15min. a couple times a week, what would that look like? We’re not talking about the time it takes to make something for a gallery wall, no, we’re talking about the simple pleasure of opening your sketchbook to a page and making some marks. Or writing something on a page. Or collaging in a few pieces you like. You’re “asking” your Higher Wisdom, because believe me, she knows. Be sincere in your inquiry, and she’ll show you.

Find Time for Your Creative Self by Taking It:

Instead of watching the news or scrolling on social media, redirect 15min. of otherwise wasted time by taking 15min. and opening your creative visual journal.

Here’s what one medical writer on creativity has to say….

“The first step to increasing creativity is to devote yourself to developing your creative abilities. Do not put off your efforts. Set goals, enlist the help of others, and put aside time regularly to develop your skills. For example, schedule time in your calendar to learn and practice cultivating a creative habit.”

Find Time for Your Creative Self by Envisioning Yourself Doing It:

Our brain, chemistry, cells and actions follow our mental and visual cues.  Research substantiates this every time it’s tested. When I’m having a hard time getting something going and I’ve tried several times to the point of frustration, I stop pushing myself, and start “seeing” myself doing it. I do this on a lot of subjects but probably never more than for my creative practice. It’s SO easy to let it slide (just like eating healthy) and then it feels like a big deal to get back on track. So rather than fight it, I see clear pictures in my minds eye of myself happily pulling out my creativity kit (we talk about this simple way of setting up in Sketchbook Studio), I see myself easily choosing my intention for the page I’m on and thoroughly enjoying the process. I also see AND feel the energy moving or releasing based on my intention for the sitting.

I have to tell you, this works every time. I do this envisioning process until it feels natural for me to sit down and open my creative journal and go for it. If you’re concerned about “time”, play with this and let your visual pictures do the heavy lifting. Then reach for some appreciation for how much easier it is to go this route, and keep it up until you’re all the way “in” 🙂

Get your own creative journal!

Cheers to Using Time Wisely,