How to Live a Creative Lifestyle

“I want to spend more time creating but I have too many distractions!”

We frequently hear that complaint. Creative people are intelligent people. As a creator, you are naturally innovative and you love to learn. You see possibilities everywhere. So many opportunities, not enough time. If only there were 48 hours in a day! Prioritizing your time can be the difference between a creatively productive week and one that falls short of the mark. We want to help you get and stay organized. Here are some strategies to help you make the best use of your time, as well as your life: 1. Set Priorities

Priorities are not the same as goals. Priorities enable the achievement of goals. Put the most valued things first. Set priorities to open the pathway to an enduring, creative lifestyle. You can successfully prioritize your lifestyle even if it seems unnatural for you. Let us help. Time-Stealers Write down time-stealers you wish to avoid and how you will do it. For example, your time can quickly disappear if you spend too much of it on social media. Choose a certain time to spend on social media sites and limit that time. Set aside when and how long you will spend on texts, emails, and scrolling. Be aware of your daily need to unplug. Mission Focus You most likely have some sort of business plan if you are self-employed. Do you have a personal mission statement? Have you assessed your values? Have you written down your short and long-term goals?

Prioritizing your time begins with knowing who you are, who you want to become, and what is important to you. Make time to follow our guidelines. Set daily priorities that will impact every area of your life. Take your priorities and create a daily routine. Life Priorities

A) Develop a Personal Mission Statement. This should concisely and clearly state your overall, unique purpose in life. Your values, characteristics, goals, and priorities are formulated into this focused statement. B) Assess Your Values. Answer the following questions: What brings me joy? What and whom do I value? What are my unique characteristics? What am I to contribute to the world I live in? If I don't do _______, I will not be satisfied with my life. C) Write down your short-term and long-term goals. Long-term goals are the driving force of short-term goals. Your short-term goals are the steps you take to reach your long-term targets. We recommend setting your goals the SMART way. The acronym SMART is a proven method of setting and reaching goals. S – Specific M – Measurable

A – Achievable R – Relevant T- Time-based

Now you should have a clear picture of what is important to you. Keep these ideals in the forefront of your mind as you prioritize your daily tasks. Daily Priorities In a pretty, new notebook or on your computer, make two columns. In the first column, dump the tasks from your head onto the page. Freely list all the things to do today. A) Prioritize 1. Circle the tasks that are urgent and most important. 2. In the second column, rank the tasks in order of importance. You have your day's to-do list. B) Organize 1. Check off the tasks when completed. 2. Draw an arrow next to any tasks that are not completed at the end of the day. 3. Transfer the unfinished tasks to your task list for the following day. 2. Creativity Date A creativity date is a set time for you to get out of your normal environment and be intentional to enjoy being inspired.

Get outside into fresh air and exercise. Read. Listen to music. Travel. Be creative with your creativity date. Be childlike and go roller skating. Lay in an open field looking up at the sky. Share your experience with a friend or go it alone. Either way, adventure awaits.

Journal in a particular place of solitude. Go to the park and paint. Sketch a cow in a nearby field. Visit a museum. Take in a live symphony. Create a new culinary dish. Browse the fabric store, noting colors and patterns that catch your eye. Read an exciting new novel.

Mentor & Be Mentored Accountability generates triumph. Mentoring is just as crucial as being mentored. As you plan to grow in your creativity, partner with others. Ask someone you admire to mentor you in the skills you want to develop. In turn, offer to help others who are just starting. Remember to contemplate and write down your values, principles, mission, and goals. Set daily goals based on your purpose and desires. Creativity is a lifelong gift to be cultivated. Work smart, and create more.