Working in an office setting, or any other job that is not really where you want to be, can be draining for those with creative interests. The monotony of data entry or answering the same questions in a call center are creativity killers. One of the best things I’ve done to re-energize my creative focus is utilizing the internet for courses that will help me improve as a writer.
One such course was from best-selling author and blogging guru, Jeff Goins. This week, he is hosting a seven-day blogging challenge. I don’t normally post to my blog every day, but decided this challenge would be fun to keep my creative focus going while my team at work undergoes changes. (As in, we’re changing teams and I have a new manager). Each day, there’s a new prompt that should help keep the creative juices flowing during this time of transition.
Day One – Write a Manifesto, or in other words “What do I believe?”
We all have obligations pulling us in all kinds of directions, meaning time and financial resources are limited. For those interested in creative arts, whether that’s writing, painting, singing, speaking etc…, finding time to pursue creative goals often gets put on the back burner. Eventually, we give up on those dreams altogether. Society tells us we should stop dreaming and focus on building job security and a 401(k), even if that means doing a job we don’t like. We’re told to “just be happy” rather than consider the possibility of something greater.
I believe that a person with creative goals can continue to pursue those dreams regardless of job and/or life circumstances. Believe it or not, you can still pursue creative dreams while working in another field and/or raising a family, but you will have to make some decisions.
- What are my goals? – Decide what it is that you really want to do. Are your creative goals merely a hobby, or do you want to pursue them full-time?
- What are my priorities? – There are obviously some things you shouldn’t give up, like family and having a job to pay your bills without having other financial options. In order to make time to pursue creative interests, there will most likely be other activities you’ll have to consider giving up. Think about each commitment and/or activity that you can do without. Is an hour of reality television more important that finishing your novel or practicing a speech you want to give?
- When can I schedule time for this? – When something isn’t work related or centered around family, that event/action can get pushed to the side if not careful. Establishing a regularly scheduled time to work on your creative projects not only provides the time needed to create, scheduled time also shows you, and everyone else, that you are serious about what you’re doing.
Ultimately, a publisher or art dealer is not going to come knocking on your door without you putting in the time and effort first. You have to create your own opportunities to develop your skills and to present your work to the public. There are countless courses in creative arts through local schools, and an indefinite amount of online options. Some are free, but others require some financial investment. Find one that works for you. Start a blog about your interests. Connect with other artists through social media. Use Instagram to feature your paintings or YouTube to share your music. Whatever it is you do, the only way others will know about it is by sharing it. Take one step today that can show the world you are a writer, or a musician, or a speaker.
** What creative goals have you given up on because of the lack of time and/or resources? What would your life look like if you could pursue those goals regularly?
Reignite your creativity!
Subscribe to get new content, monthly newsletter, and important updates. You'll also receive a free download - "30 Days of Creative Inspiration."
