I know how frustrating it is when you want to make art, or pursue your dream but things get in the way. It might be kids, family, pressure from friends, a job that sucks the life out of you. You want to do something you love but you just don’t have time.

I want to share some of my tips for carving out more time. These have helped me in the past and I hope they help you.

Tip 1) Stop saying the words..

I remember back to when my babies were around 2 and 3. I had a job and I was busy. There were always things I wanted to do and people I wanted to see, but ‘I never had time’.

I remember reading somewhere that the more you focus on the lack, the more you will see the lack. At that moment I stopped saying I don’t have enough time and wrote on my board, I have plenty of time. I have the same 24 hours as everyone else. It’s what I choose to do with that time that’s important, which leads me to the next tip.

Tip 2) Review your every minute and get clear

Get clear on what you want to say yes to. Keep track of everything you do for 3 days. Get really clear about how you want to spend your time and be realistic. Make sure you don’t fill your days ‘doing’. Take some time out.

Equally, maybe there is too much time out and not enough doing? Everyone is different and our circumstances change, so this is a great exercise.

Tip 3) Carve out none-negotiable time for your art 

Start small and grow. It might be 1 hour a week to begin with. Ask, how can I find more hours for my art and what I love? If something crops up and you can’t commit to that time, borrow it from somewhere else.

For example, Friday 11-1 is my art time, but if I have to go and see my dad as he is sick, I treat those hours as ‘stolen’ hours that I need to find for somewhere else. Such as, getting up 2 hours earlier.

Tip 4) Create structure and habits.

When you carve out your time, make sure it is the same morning, afternoon, day or week. If you are making art, wear something that reminds you of making or, play some music. These triggers help you get into the zone, so you don’t waste your precious minutes.

Plan in advance what you want to achieve and turn off distractions, if possible. I have kids and for me I wear headphones, so I am not distracted.

I hope you find these tips helpful, 

Michelle xo.