15 minutes

Here is an article I wrote for my local SCBWI a few years ago. It ties in with my post over at the PBJ blog. This weeks theme is "Back To The Drawing Board".

Fifteen Minutes
Roz Fulcher

If you are in the process of trying to build your freelancing career you may be finding it difficult to devote as much time to it as you would like.

No matter who we are, we all lead complex lives that involve more than working on our craft all day. I finally had to accept that I wasn’t always going to have a large chunk of time that I could spend entirely on my art.  Instead of waiting until I had some spare time (ha! There’s no such thing with 3 young kids) I began spending 15 minutes at a time on it. Whether you are trying to overcome artist’ block , trying to find more time to create or juggling deadlines, I believe this strategy will benefit you too.

I initially learned this concept when I was researching ways to declutter my home. Devoting 15 MINUTES to each item on my ‘to do’ list worked so well for me that I soon discovered that I could apply it to my freelancing. I began seeing substantial progress.

For example, let’s say you are ready to start submitting to publishers . Prepare  a  realistic plan and start  working on it in 15 minute increments. We all have it somewhere in our schedule. Go through your CWIM book with a red pen (selecting appropriate publishers) while on your lunch break.  Address envelopes while watching your favorite tv program. Print samples while the rice is simmering. Spend 15 minutes before bed updating your database. You don’t have to FINISH tasks in that amount of time , just get some of it ‘knocked out’.

Yes, it can be difficult to find the time but we shouldn’t let it stop us physically or mentally. We may have to be more creative with how we get there but in the end we can go to bed knowing we did something toward making our dream a reality.

Get ready, get set, go turn on your timers!

Remember * ANY energy you put toward your goal WILL promote PROGRESS.*

Suggested reading:

* The Power of Focus – Jack Canfield

* Time Management From The Inside Out – Julie Morgenstern

* www.Flylady.net  -  Organizing strategies

Comments

[ellia]

that is some wonderful advice!!!!! i have been wanting to dive into the freelance world more than ever but with us, we dont have insurance through ramel's job... so we have government insurance and they only let you make so much before they cut it off... so if i make any real money, we are left without insurance.... one day, it wont be that way, right!?! in the meantime i keep working hard at refining my illustration and charactures for THE day :)

thx so much for the tips :)

[gingerpixels]

Hey Roz.... how are you surviving the triple digit heat in Las Vegas?

I loved your article. When my kids were all home it was a 16 minute
window.. no more... and I was fortunate to have quiet nights as well. Now with the children grown up and on their own, I still use those 15 or 16 minutes to put to use on a daily exercise routine.. well, okay its more like 30 now but hopefully it will grow in increments during the coming weeks.

Stay cool....

[Frizz]

Your post came just in time - just what I needed to hear. I've got sooo much going on and I'm feeling overwhelmed. Usually if I can't find a bug chunk of time for a project I don't work on it at all. But last night I pushed bedtime back and worked for a hour. I didn't get it done but it's more complete than it was the day before. It felt good. Progress!!

[Nancy Bea]

Hi Roz, I totally agree! I realized the same principle when my twins were babies and I had a book deadline looming. I did not have
long leisurely hours of time to go into the studio and oil paint, but I could grab 15 minutes or so here and there throughout the day, to pencil a cartoon, ink a cartoon, etc. Didn't matter if I left it unfinished, although with cartooning it wasn't hard to work in small complete "chunks' of tasks completed. And I got the book in on deadline which nobody could believe. But all those little bits added up to a big bit: a book!

[chickengirl]

Great post. I really agree with just doing a little bit adds up alot. Plus, I think with any project it will feel less daunting.

[roz]

Oh good, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one!
Ellia, absolutely...it's just a matter of time and your life will be very different. You are a young family which is always a challenging time. Great that you are doing what you can NOW. Everything works together for the future. I've really come to find in my own life that "timing" is everything.
Thanks for the comments all!