Did you ever think that in order to get to the creative process you’d have to do something absolutely boring?
Creativity doesn’t begin with that inspirational feeling —it’s all about showing up, even if you don’t get the fairy-tale ending.
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When everything is just “meh”
Is it natural for a creative person to have a hard time turning off their “need to get something done” button? I had an entire week off from my day job and I spent most of it planning or playing catch up. One of the things that I realized, though, is that the creative life, especially if I want to continue to grow my business into a full-time gig, is going to require finishing the boring stuff.
The “meh” moment
In order to keep my business running smoothly when I have minimal extra money for an assistant or coworker, I get very creative. I use AI to help me brainstorm all of the scheduling and even to set up ideas that I have such a hard time trying to keep straight. If I did not have such determination to see this business grow, my natural instinct would be to spend every evening scribbling in my notebook or sketching out new ideas. That doesn’t help me get a foot into the business world. Instead, over the last month I have developed a plan that I hope will help me stay organized over the next six months (and beyond!—but I can’t get ahead of myself). I am reading The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber as my first business book of this growth series, reworking my budget, and aiming to only say yes to the projects and opportunities that will grow my business. The book pointed out that most people have a tendency to be one of three personalities: 1) Manager, 2) Entrepreneur, or 3) Technician, and yet, you need all three to work. I am most definitely the entrepreneur, but I am teaching myself to manage the business aspect and take time to plan as I go. My weakest area is the technician; it’s hard for me just to put my head down and see a product through to the finish line. But if I want to enjoy this business in ten years, I’ll have to do it!
Sometimes it takes a checklist
One of the best things that I’ve done to stay on top of my priorities is to make a checklist of absolutely EVERYTHING that needs to get done. Then I prioritize them by which I can get done quickly, and which will need some serious concentration. I’ve previously used a grid method for this in other jobs, but for me, the checklist is so satisfying. I love to cross off things as they get done! Find the process that works for you. Then I work on one or two “bigger” projects each day while filling in down time with a small project that can be completed in 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion:
It doesn’t have to be all fireworks to give your creativity a boost. Sometimes you just need to actually take the time to get organized. You’ll be surprised at what just comes to you when you’re taking a break from the creative push. Plus, when you get your creative space in order, this frees you up for future projects without getting overwhelmed. I’m still working on this with you, so expect some follow-ups in the near future!
Creative prompt:
Every week I’d like to share a prompt for you to try, and the following week, I’ll add a snippet from my own story or picture! Let’s create together!
The Prompt:
Write about a character who collects small beautiful things.
Next week I’ll share my own short story from this prompt!
Creating together,
Hannah Marie.