Whenever I think of the word I think about college, because I used to ask myself “What are my priorities today?” when doing the loads of homework I had. Since then, even the word has been put on the backburner because with a job I forget about when I get home, I don’t have many things plaguing me as far as what I need to get done. I want that kind of structure – I miss it. I have it in terms of when I have to get up and get ready and leave for work, but once I get home from work, my brain is so fried that I have no drive and I usually sit in front of the tv.
I’ve tried, believe me. It’s hard when you have a husband that has more flexibility in his schedule and is able to be at home more often than you are. I want to be home as often as he is, but my schedule simply doesn’t allow it. I get home and I feel like the house needs to be cleaned. The laundry needs to get done. The dishes need to be unloaded. Phone calls have to be made. I don’t look forward to these things and I don’t look forward to my job.
Usually, I come home, check off a thing or two on my list and zonk out without taking the creative time I miss.
I want to make more time, but I’m not sure how I go about doing that. I need my sleep during the week, so giving up sleep to get the things done is a bittersweet thought for me. I feel like I don’t have enough time for myself; to write, to create, to even just keep my house clean.
So I want to know – freelancers, creative people – how do you do it? How did you force yourself to make the time?
Oh, it’s hard! But here are two quick recommendations. #1 Have you read/done The Artist’s Way? Doing it made me realize how important writing was in my life. I did it at 24 and it was the book that created my life shift. #2 Get a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. On the top of one side, write WHAT I WANT MORE OF. On the top of the other side, write WHAT I WANT LESS OF. For the next week, jot down observations on each side. Then, in a week, make a choice that reduces something on the less of side and increases something on the more of side. Wash, rinse, and repeat until you’re in a patter that works a bit better for you. Good luck!
Keeping busy is the key for me… If I’m not getting everything done, I’m getting nothing done. Since I work 9-5 and have school, it’s been pretty easy for me lately not to fall into this same rut. Once I graduate in May I’m going to have to pick up a serious hobby or do a class of some sort to keep me motivated though… I was thinking about pilates or pottery or something…
Rosie – thanks for the tip! I researched that book and went ahead and put it on my Amazon list so I wouldn’t forget.
Kimberly – I love what you said – “If I’m not getting everything done, I’m getting nothing done.” That’s exactly how I used to feel, too. I think part of my problem is I’m also uninspired. I need to solve that, too…
Just look through the Domino decorating book… that always inspires me! 😉