I keep hearing people say “If I could only find the time!”
Do we find the time or do we manage our time?
I have had a slump for a while in terms of creating my art by having allowed the business side of my art to take over.
That is when I came to the realization that to be more productive again, I needed to take control of my time again. Not find the time but take the time. A big difference!
Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “Take the time” as:
: to make an effort (to do something) : to attempt
Finding the time implies that there is a source out there somewhere that one needs to search for and has little control over. Taking the time gives back that control.
When I schedule my time and make my art a priority I get a lot done.
In my schedule, I allot time for my art, my business, relaxation, family and friends.
Once you prioritize your art, you have a clearer path. This has to be a conscious decision.
If not, you will be busy all day and find out at bedtime that you have not left room for your art.
What to do?
Schedule your art in the same way that you would schedule any other important task.
I keep a somewhat loose schedule as I like to be able to take advantage of spontaneous occasions.
But I do now take time for creating my art. This is what fills me up and gives me great satisfaction.
If something comes up that I really think that I would enjoy I see how it fits in terms of everything else that is on my schedule. And determine what is the greater priority at that time.
Also, whether I would need to take time at another point in my day to make up for that change.
What are your thoughts on time? How do you manage your time?
I would be most interested to know. Please comment!