There's Work and There's Art: Making Time for What Matters

I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone say, "I can't wait to retire so I can write/start my photography business/take up guitar again." With all that money I'd be able to retire. It's easy to fool ourselves about how easy it would be to blaze ahead with that great freelance idea or fun project if only we didn't have to work.

 However, while watching friends go through long periods of unemployment  I've noticed that even people without anything on the daily to-do list don't necessarily use all that free time to work on a long-held dream. I've found that for me, jobs pose problems when they involve a lot of overtime or are emotionally draining, but most often, the job isn't what's keeping me from writing.

It isn't necessary to have huge blocks of free time in order to work on your own projects. Even the most ambitious project can be broken down into small chunks. Here are some ways to fit those small chunks into your work day:

• Use 10 minutes in the morning before leaving for work to do one small thing. For example, if you write, do a brainstorm for story ideas or draft one paragraph. 
• Depending on how you get to work, use your commute time. If you drive, take your MP3 and listen to an audiobook about your particular field. If you take the bus or Max and are lucky enough to get a seat, take your iPad along and work on something. If you walk or bike, use the time to sort out ideas.
• Try to figure out how your job can help your art. You might be in a position where you meet people who could become valuable contacts or mentors. If you're in retail, maybe you're eligible for deep discounts on supplies. I work in a library and find that having access to all kinds of information is invaluable. 
• Even if you like to relax or socialize during lunch break, try devoting 1-2 breaks per week to working on your project. 
• The evening before your day(s) off, work on your project for half an hour before indulging in a second glass of wine and tuning out in front of the TV.  Starting your weekend (whatever days it falls on) this way will give you a shot of creative energy that'll keep you going all weekend. 
• If you have a lot of vacation time available, take several days off just for writing or whatever you do. If you have kids, choose school days so that you'll have 6-7 hours of free time during the day. 

If you try 2-3 of these suggestions, you'll find that you gain several hours' worth of writing (or art or...) time every week.  And any gain gets you a little closer to your goal, whether it's publishing a novel, having your own exhibit or launching a business.