In the spirit of Anthony Trollope, who famously maintained strict writing routines while holding down a full-time job at the post office, it’s time to adopt a no-nonsense approach to balancing your artistic ambitions with your day job. Trollope produced numerous novels without the distractions of modern technology, like social media or online shopping ads. He prioritized his craft, and so should you. This guide offers eight effective strategies to maintain a clear boundary between your work life and your creative endeavors.
1. Establish a Work Ritual
Start your creative work with intention. Don’t merely think, “I’ll paint for a bit while I also make my grocery list.” Dedicate specific time and space solely for your art. As my friend Clara suggests, turn this time into a ritual: set the mood with lighting and music, silence your phone, and get to work.
2. Capture Ideas on the Go
While you’re busy with your day job or running errands, keep a note-taking device handy. Jot down any fleeting ideas, even if they seem silly, like “how about a vending machine for fish?” You’ll forget them if you don’t write them down. Hum a tune into your voice memo app, no matter how ridiculous it sounds—these snippets can inspire you later when you sit down to create.
3. Identify Your Peak Hours
Determine when you are most creatively productive—whether you’re a night owl or an early riser—and align your day job accordingly. Find work that accommodates these hours whenever possible.
4. Choose a Tolerable Day Job
A job that drains your spirit, like one where you’re constantly dodging flying potatoes in a kitchen, will inevitably seep into your creative life. Aim for a position that makes you feel productive and valued, not one that leaves you fantasizing about quitting.
5. Wrap Up with Direction
Inspired by a tip from the book Writing Your Dissertation in 15 Minutes a Day, strive to end your work sessions with a clear roadmap for the next day. This prevents those frustrating mornings when you waste time figuring out how to begin, which could lead you down a rabbit hole of distractions.
6. Create Boundaries with Communication
Set up a dedicated email account (and phone number, if needed) for your day job, and only access it while you’re working. Avoid mingling with colleagues on social media to keep your professional life separate from your personal one.
7. Be Firm with Your Schedule
Especially if you have family responsibilities, block out time exclusively for your art-making. Treat these appointments as non-negotiable; no pediatrician visits or grocery runs during this time. Resist the temptation to wrap up early for household errands; your creative work deserves your full attention.
8. Limit Internet Distractions
When it’s time to create, turn off all notifications and distractions. If you need to look something up, jot it down and save it for later. The internet can be a time sink, and chances are that most of what you want to research can wait.
By implementing these strategies, you will find it much easier to keep your artistic life thriving, even alongside a day job.
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In summary, by prioritizing your creative time, managing distractions, and setting clear boundaries, you can effectively balance your day job and artistic endeavors.