Time, Money, and Organization: Finding Time For Creativity

Last year, I began asking readers what their greatest crafting and creativity frustrations were. As responses began rolling in, three main frustrations kept on coming up over and over again: lack of time, lack of money, and organization issues.

From young women to retirees, we all seemed to be struggling with similar problems. I’ve since created a few resources that can help you navigate through these struggles (like this 30 day challenge ) but I thought I’d also create a series here on the blog to address these problems, because why not?

As I began to write, I realized this post would be a book in itself so I chopped it into three pieces and recorded them into a podcast of sorts. It was fun to try this new medium, and I hope you enjoy it. Below the audio recording are resources I mentioned and think you’ll benefit from as you try to find more time in your schedule for creativity.

Time: How Do Some Women Accomplish Sooo Much?

How do some women accomplish so much each day, or at the least, each week? Are they superwomen or what? I set out to discover what differentiates these women and found that many of their methods are not that far out. In other words, even a regular person like me could do them. Listen to the podcast below to learn more.

Resources for Time

Today on the podcast I mentioned several resources that may be of help to you in your time management journey. So, without further ado . . .

I mentioned how my goal (and habit) tracker in the podcast is my new best friend. Well, not really, but close. I keep mine in my journal since I journal every morning and fill it out then (in other words, I make sure it’s in a place where I’ll actually use it!) I’ve found that checking in with my goals for a couple of seconds each day really helps me to keep on track.

I’ve decided to give myself the grace to not have to fill out the tracker perfectly (and some of the habits/goals I’m working on are by nature, only once a month or once a week anyway.) That said, it’s still really motivating to see it fill up with a colorful rainbow. If you tend to forget your goals a few weeks after setting them, meet your new best friend. I created one that is 8.5 x 11 for those who use a family binder and another that has two trackers per sheet of paper (the one I use). Print them out for the year and have fun!

My The Creative Retreat book can help you make your own personal retreats throughout the year—you don’t have to have a lot of time or money to make these happen but you will LOVE them (promise!) But don’t take my word for it, check out what other amazing ladies are saying about it The Creative Retreat.

I forgot to mention this in the podcast, but Time Management Mama is a great resource written by the ladies of Brilliant Business Moms. It’s a quick read but packed with great information. I definitely tweaked a few things in my routine after reading it.

Chasing Creative is a new podcast that’s all about “how everyday people can make creativity a priority in their daily lives.” Hmm, sound familiar?  This podcast is brand-new but I’m really looking forward to gleaning wisdom from these ladies. I was honored to be interviewed on one of their episodes. 🙂

As you’re working on time management, keep in mind that you are free to experiment. If something doesn’t work for your schedule, drop it. Time management systems are just that, systems. They don’t mind if you adapt them to your lifestyle and they won’t pout if you get rid of them. They’re supposed to help you, not fill you with guilt and make you feel like a failure. Ugh, who likes to feel like a failure?

Also, remember that there is no shame in “creating on the side”. If you’re only able to write in the early morning, craft during nap time, or sketch during your lunch hour, know that that’s what most of us do. You’re in good company!

I hope you enjoyed this podcast, and I’ll see you here next week when we talk about MONEY. Whoohoo! 🙂

Have a lovely {and creative} day, friends!

P.S. If this post/podcast was helpful to you, I’d love it if you would share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or wherever you share. Thanks!