Happy Thursday y'all,
Over the last year, I have transitioned away from school and into my own as a freelance writer. I am still getting my business off the ground, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to write.
Writing has been both a creative outlet for me and a job for the last little bit, so I wanted to share some tips on balancing your creative passions as both an outlet and a career choice.
Related Reading: 12 Tips To Help You Get Out Of Any Slump And Back In Creative Alignment
1. Be Thankful
Most people won't be able to do what you are doing.
For many, they go in every day to clock into a job that they absolutely hate.
You get to say that your job is something you are passionate about and that is more than what most people get to say.
Start a gratitude journal so that you can remember all the things that you have to be thankful for in the current state of your creative life.
You were able to profit from your passion, after all.
2. Set The Mood
You may want to create some distinctions between your creative and professional life.
Create a routine that you do to end your workday and focus on your creative work day.
For example, you may:
- Use different computers to note when you are working on your job or your creative outlet
- Create different playlists for work and creative time
- Work in different spaces as you work on different parts of your creative and professional life
- Cleanse the air of certain energy when you get ready to work on a different side of your professional/creative life
- Use a certain candle or scent to denote when you are working on your job or creative outlet
However, you choose to set the mood, taking the time to do so will help you get focused on the task at hand.
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3. Work Smarter, Not Harder
This one truly applies to your professional life.
When you are able to minimize the amount of energy you dispense at work (without minimizing your production) you can spend more energy on pursuing your personal creative endeavors.
So, when you are at work, be at work. Get rid of distractions and focus on the tasks at hand. I love using the pomodoro technique, setting my phone to do not disturb, and even using a site blocker like Freedom to get in work beast mode.
Do whatever makes you most productive so you can stop slacking and get in the zone.
4. Don't Stop Creating Things Off The Clock
When you are creatively drained it's easy to put your personal projects on the back burner. This how you let your creative pursuits die a slow death. Don't do that.
Instead, take it slow, ease back into your creative outlet.
If you write all day, give yourself just ten more minutes of writing as a creative outlet.
Yes, it may feel extra-draining at first, but you will thank me later.
The same with any creative outlet you have whether it's reading, painting, singing, dancing, etc. claim some of your time doing these activities each day to yourself.
Do it for you, even if you can only do it for 10 minutes.
5. Find Other Creatives To Work With
Sometimes you just need a little accountability.
Spending a few hours a week working with local creatives or even checking in with creatives on a Facebook group will hold you accountable.
Your creative buddy will help you focus on creating at least a little bit for fun each week. This will keep your creative side ready to rock and roll.
6. Relax + Don't Take Things So Seriously
It may seem counterproductive to tell you not to take your job seriously, but I am just being honest with you.
Some people take things way too seriously and it sucks the fun out of everything they are doing.
Yes, you should take your job seriously, but you have to stop somewhere. Don't let your job stress you out unnecessarily or make you associate something you love with something you hate.
I have seen how stress can take something I love, crumble it up, and make it something I despise. Don't let stress from work or stress from trying to be creative make you hate both your career and creative outlet.
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7. Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone Creatively
If you are struggling with your outlet, it may be time to get out of your comfort zone a bit in terms of creativity.
Try something new. For example:
- If you write nonfiction blog posts, try getting creative and writing fiction short stories
- If you like painting pictures of food, try your hand at portraits
- If you like singing pop songs, try your hand at country
Anything that will shake things up and get you out of your comfort zone is a thumbs up in my opinion.
8. Find Something Else That Relaxes You
Last, but not least, you may have to find another outlet to get your creative juices flowing while you spend more time creating for work. That's okay!
Find something else that stimulates your mind whether that's painting, music, reading, or some other random hobby.
It's okay to be multi-passionate, and you never know how important the talents you are developing right now will be later on.
Hopefully, you can balance your passion as both a career and a creative outlet, but if you can't know there is no shame in picking up something new.
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About Today's Look
Today I am styling this amazing dress from JustFab called the Ruffle Off Shoulder Dress. This particular color gave me total Beyonce vibes, but it also comes in a pink and green color. This dress comes in sizes XS through 3XL and it seriously looks amazing on all body types.
I ended up pairing the shoes with a pair of Lorica Heeled Mules from JustFab, although I don't think you could see the shoes in any shot because of the grass we shot this look in.
To finish off the look I added a few of my favorite Metal Marvels bangles. Did you know I have a coupon code that saves you 15% off any Metal Marvels purchase? If you use the code THA15 you can save and I will get a commission from your order. I truly appreciate you supporting the businesses that support me.
Conclusion
Being creative is spectacular, especially when you get to be creative for a living. I hope that today's article has given you some food for thought if you are lucky enough to do what you love for a living.
What's your best advice for being a creative full-time?
