How to Find Time to Write Even When You’re Busy It can be hard to find time to do something you would really like to do, but feel like you don’t have enough time to do. I have been there. I have said just that…admittedly, I still sometimes say that. I don’t have five hours to devote to writing a book. I can’t be in a string quartet because I can’t make it to all of the concerts. I don’t know what my work schedule will be like so I won’t sign up for that class. The truth is that we make time for what is important. When I was in school, I remember that the kids who were involved in band, speech, debate, athletics, choir, honors classes, etc. were usually excelling at most, if not all of these subjects and activities. They knew what was important and they made time for it. They didn’t simply “just try harder” and go about their days, they used their schedules and planned accordingly. I’m a writer, so it really helps me to write tasks in a list, what I plan to do in the day and at certain times. Figure out why you want to write and whether it is really as important to you as you think that it is. Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels Maybe you really do have a lot on your plate that spending a large amount of time at once is not feasible. I totally relate to that. Here are some ideas on how to find time to write even when you’re busy. Write during a break: If your job offers you break for lunch or mid-morning or mid-afternoon, use that time to write. Instead of getting together with the group of colleagues around the water cooler, lock yourself in your office and write. You can even take a walk outside for a few minutes to brainstorm ideas of what to write. I used to work at a coffee shop and we were allowed a ten minute break. Yikes! That always went really quickly no matter what I did. But, when I spent those ten minutes writing, I had a sense of accomplishment that carried into the second half of my shift. I also had the imagination that carried into the rest of my work day.Write (during AND) when you finish your work day: Use writing as a transition activity from work to home. There will be a sense of relief of escaping from your job into a world that you have created (fiction or non-fiction) which takes you far away from the reality of your just-finished work day. I worked in a machine shop on an assembly line with automated machines for awhile. I was fast enough that I caught up to the machine and had a few seconds between parts. My boss allowed me to have a piece of paper and pen at my workstation next to me while I worked. During those few seconds, I jotted down phrases to jog my memory. Then, when I got home from work, I have a page full of writing prompts that I had spent all day anticipating writing more fully.Write while you travel: I used to ride the bus to get to my job. I’ve also had trips that meant I traveled by train and on airplanes. Sometimes I would feel travel sick if I looked down for any length of time, but mostly I felt fine. This means that I’ve actually written quite a few words while I have been traveling. It is easy to catch up on text messages, emails, group chats, shows, etc. while you have a moment sat down, but writing instead could be a good choice.Write instead of time wasting activities: I hesitate to suggest this one. I love watching lots of episodes or my favorite shows on streaming services or tv. I claim often that it is for research for my writing and art. I love to notice the costume and set designs. I notice the stage directions, the placement of the vase on the shelf, the books on the table, the color of their shirts and the moods of the characters. I love trying to discover what those extra details are meant to communicate because I want to be able to communicate these things in my own writing. Yet, I know I can get into a bingeing spiral of entertainment that turns into numbing and then shame and then numbing again when I reach the one too many episodes. So, if you’re like me and you spend lots of time in front of a screen consuming, I wonder if you might watch “just one less” instead of “just one more” and then use that episode length of time to create instead of consume.Write in small gaps wherever you get them: *Keep a notebook by your bed to record your dreams or before bed or first thing in the morning thoughts.*Keep one in the bathroom–it’s not like you have anywhere else to be.*Write standing next to the microwave while your TV dinner heats up (or cup of coffee for the third time). *Set a timer for five minutes and jot down everything that comes to mind when you take a break from daily activities.*Get a gratitude journal for the living room coffee table, or a one-line diary.*Have a notebook, or simply use a note on your phone, in your bag so while you wait in line at the grocery store or to pick up your children from school, you can jot down a few notes to elaborate on later. Photo by Miesha Maiden from Pexels If you need a little inspiration for what to write (without feeling overwhelmed!), sign up for this sweet freebie I made with you in mind. And, if you want a little more, I’ve got an amazing free Facebook group, “Creative Writing: Making it a Habit.“It’s a group for creative writers and my goal is to create a supportive community where we can all grow into the creative writers we’ve dreamed of becoming. I’ll be sharing tips for making creative writing a habit and overcoming barriers toward writing and creative expression. I think you might find it very valuable. I’d love to have you join here, if you’re interested. Still not sure what to do? Why not try a couple ideas–schedule them in your calendar–and see what works well. Then, do more of that. Whatever doesn’t seem to work for you, then drop it.Better yet? Book a Discovery Call today! 🙂 We can talk about your creative writing goals. Maybe working together with me as your creative writing coach could be your next great decision! What works for you to write when you’re busy? Tell me in the comments.
5 Questions I Ask Myself to Stay Creative Hello! I’m Molly! I’m excited–always–to help people express more creativity in their lives. Making Creativity a Habit It is just that: a habit. A habit is something that we regularly do whether we think about it or not. It can be something good (e.g.: 30 minutes of daily exercise) or something that we’d like to change (e.g.: biting my nails). “Creative” is something that we’re born to be. When we make creativity a habit, we become more settled into being ourselves. I have lots of habits I’d like to change, but in a time of self-reflection, I discovered these five questions are helpful to keep me moving toward healthy habits and positive life changes. These questions were so helpful for me, that I started to share them with my friends and family. Now, I’d like to share them with you! 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Stay Creative Who is in your life? Who encourages you? Who do you go to for help? Who are you trying to please? Who do you avoid at all costs? Who sucks the life out of you? Noticing the people whom you surround yourself with will help you recognize who you want closeby and who you might not need as close to you anymore. Now, I’m not necessarily talking about cutting people out of your life. In most cases, there are ways to stay engaged in a relationship, but not investing as much energy in it as you might have in the past. People who challenge you today to become who you want to be, people who help you be who you believe you’re meant to be are great to keep around. Who has been in your life in the past? Good or bad, do you want the memory of them to carry the weight of authority in your life? From personal experience there are two particular people in my life who have passed away, but still are a significant part of my life. I have one person that was harmful and I’ve had to heal and overcome lots of harsh realities from that relationship. I don’t want to give weight and authority to that person anymore. On the other hand, I have a second person that was tremendously beneficial and empowering to me at a crucial time in my life. I want this person’s words, presence, and encouragement to stick with me as it can. What are you listening to? What goes into our physical ears and into our figurative heart has a deep impact on creativity. Do you listen to the same people in podcasts or radio stations? Do you listen to the same genre of music every day? Perhaps trying to listen to something or someone new could be the mini-jolt you need to propel you into more creativity. Does what you hear build you up or discourage you? Are you listening to voices from your past that cut down your dreams? Or are you listening to voices from your past that spur you on? Do you have a destructive train of thought that you hop on to be distracted or do you intentionally choose to listen to affirming voices? What are you reading? Reading is a habit that encourages creativity. Learning via reading non-fiction or learning via reading fiction, we can see the world from a different point of view. Examining our reading habits and how we fill our mind is crucial to safely harbor creativity. I make it a habit to regularly be reading a few different types of books at any given time. If I find myself stuck in one genre, I ask for recommendations or simply pick up a random book from the library, bookstore, or friend’s bookshelf. Poetry teaches me about writing and communicating succinctly.Fiction novels and short stories introduce me to characters that often think about the world differently from me and it can be a release of fun getting to travel around the world, space, and through time from the comfort of my own yellow, winged-back IKEA chair. I learn how to create stunning setting, believable characters, and how to develop a story arc that make sense and is entertaining.Life stories, biographies, or memoirs are fascinating to learn about history and to get to know “famous people” when I’d never be likely to meet them. It’s an inside look at someone else’s point of view. It feels like a privilege to be invited in.Books that challenge my faith and beliefs. The challenge happens either because they are living in a compelling way or their experiences are vastly different from mine. I don’t want to be stuck in my own worldview.Non-fiction entrepreneur, business, mindset, creativity, wellness books of many varieties–even travel stories–which keep my head in the game of being and becoming more of who I want to be and believe I’m meant to be. 4. What are you eating? Garbage in, garbage out. When I eat junk, which I love to eat so many snacks and “fun” foods, I often don’t feel good. I feel a bit sludgey and grumpy and not creative at all, but on the worst days of junk food eating, I feel sad and unmotivated. When I eat primarily fruits and vegetables and other foods that I know aren’t junk, I’m lively, spritely, and full of creative energy. I’m excited and inspired to create and I feel happy to take action. 5. What are you creating? Asking myself what am I creating is an intentional present continuous verb. What am I physically, actually, tangibly making right here, right now? I can easily get stuck in my thoughts and action never leaves my imagination. This can be disappointing and unmotivating. It can also reinvigorate my fears, fueling the fires of disappointment and stagnant living. I believe we humans are made in the image of a creator God, so we are all creative. Whether you build physical bridges because you’re a civil engineer, or you build relational bridges because you’re a good neighbor, everything in between takes creative effort. When we are creative, we are more like the selves we’re meant to be. When we are not creating, then we are not living life as truest self. Try asking yourself these questions and see what happens. #creativityisahabit Want some email inbox inspiration to help develop your creative habits? Sign up here.