Time

[prillalar]

When do you write? (or vid or create other creative works) How do you find the time?

I'm struggling with this at the moment. I'm trying to write several stories, work on a vid, and write intelligent posts for LJ. But I seem to be so busy with work and other commitments that it's just not happening, except at the weekends.

I'm not sure if I need an external solution -- like cut down on some of my activities -- or an internal one -- worry less about producing all the time.

What are your strategies?

Comments

[laurashapiro.livejournal.com]

This was so much easier when I didn't have a boyfriend. (:

For me, the critical thing is to schedule the things I want to do for myself. If I don't write "VID" on my calendar for an upcoming Sunday afternoon, that Sunday will be spent mucking about answering email, buying groceries, reading, and other fun/necessary things that don't put me and my creative work at the top of my priority list. And that's just wrong.

So I figure out when I can take a block of time for myself and I write it down. And I refuse all offers for that period of time. And I tell my lover "I need to spend some time vidding on Sunday afternoon." And then I stick to it.

One thing I learned from my meditation practice is that no matter how busy you are, the time exists. It's all about priorities. If you make your own creative work a priority, you'll find that you do get it done, although you may have to make sacrifices elsewhere. I think it's worth it.

[prillalar]

Oh, I'm good for blocks of time at the weekend, as my days off aren't the same as the TBUG. But I feel like I should be working on stuff *every day* and I'm not.

It's funny -- Thursdays are my only free weeknight, so I try to do some writing then. But I also feel like I'm on the computer too much, so yesterday I forced myself to sit down and watch the Simpsons when I got home. Maybe if I did that more, the time I spent on the computer would be more productive.

Anyhow, must run clean up before gaming.