This question from a reader stopped me dead in my tracks. 

I feel it deep in my bones. 

And maybe you do, too.

It went a little something like this:

How do I have energy for creative and personal projects after a full day of work? 

I work in the office everyday from 8–5 and have so many ideas of stuff I would like to do when I get home, but most days by the time I get back, eat, make dinner, and take care of a chore or two.. I have nothing left in me but to doom scroll or watch some TV before bed. It’s not necessarily just about time. I usually have some time between like 7–9 that I could do stuff… but my motivation and energy levels just feel shot. It’s not even hard stuff. For example, I’ve been wanting to do some watercoloring lately (very relaxing and chill) but it just feels easier to plop on the couch. So stuff gets pushed to the weekend, but often those are either booked up, traveling, or I’m recovering from the week still! 

The schedule she outlined above currently describes my days. Typically, I have a window from 7–9 most evenings where I can work on my blog, social content, etc, but by the time it rolls around, I’m Exhausted. Yes, capital E for emphasis, ha!

The beauty is that we recognize our creative pursuits are worth it. The challenge is that we are tired, we have other responsibilities, and sometimes we need some motivation. Today I want to explore some potential solutions for this conundrum, both practically and conceptually. Plus, I want to hear if you have any other ideas to add to the list… I’m all ears!

Prioritize My Morning Pages
If you haven’t read The Artist’s Way, I can’t recommend it enough. Julia Cameron presents the concept of Morning Pages, or writing three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness thoughts each morning. Often, so many of my blog posts, poems, or social content fall out of this time. It’s a great way to connect with God—and myself—before I’m working for other people all day. Whenever I skip a morning, I feel very discombobulated and dull. This practice often sparks ideas for what I want to make later that night, and even having a general sense of “I’m going to make a reel about THIS” or “I’m going to spend a few minutes diving into this thought in my journal” makes it easier to know what I’m going to work on later that night.

Mix and Match Work + Play
This may be bad advice (LOL), but I freaking love a good TV show. So sometimes I’ll give myself both at the same time—I’ll have a show on in the background while I’m making social posts, graphics, or scheduling blog posts on my laptop. It makes me feel like I’m still taking steps forward in my creative calling but also enjoying what I can’t do during the workday. 

Sit Next to My Husband
Sometimes when Mitch is playing his college football game on the couch, I’ll sit next to him with headphones in and write or work on my laptop. This way, we’re still together but I’m making space for my creative efforts, too. This can also foster built-in accountability: I’ll tell him I want to get one blog written or scheduled, and since he can watch what I’m doing, I’m more motivated to use my time wisely that evening.

Find an Accountability Partner
I have a friend who is in this same boat as me here, so sometimes we’ll text each other, “I’m going to create two social posts tonight, this is my call for accountability!” or “I’m going to spend 20 minutes cleaning out my closet, mark my words!” Writing it down and bringing someone else into the endeavor almost always helps. 

First, I Must Believe In My Work
More conceptually, I think believing in our creative work and valuing our efforts is really important. This can look like giving myself some time to rest and lay on the couch after work, and then after an hour saying, “Okay, I’m going to spend the next 30 minutes writing because I know it’s important and it does something important inside of me.” This simple mindset shift can make all the difference. 

Foster an Abundance Mindset
I’m preaching to myself here, but big things happen when we change our mindset from “I only have 2 hours after work and I’m tired and adulting is hard and there’s not enough time to create all the things I want to create…” to “Even 15 minutes of writing or brainstorming or painting is valuable, and it all adds up.” I’m so guilty of starting to despair or get cynical. It always goes back to Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” If I tell myself that 15 minutes is going to make a difference… it does. So much of the creative life is mindset. Everything changes when our minds change. It can be #hard, but it’s always worth it.

Implement Goal Trackers When Helpful
Sometimes it helps me to set goals or put together a habit tracker so I can check off progress along the way. On those weary days when I don’t *feel* like doing creative work after my full-time job, I can see that my rational, grounded self knows it’s good for me to do so, so I’m more likely to take one step toward it. Discipline, sweet discipline. Sometimes this (a goal tracker) is supportive for me and sometimes it’s not, so it just depends on the season and project.

Acknowledge that Creative Work is Still Work
There’s a lie we sometimes believe that creative work is always going to feel fun, or we’re always going to be mega-inspired. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. While it is deeply fulfilling and rewarding, creative work is still work. Some days we won’t feel like doing it. This isn’t a reason to quit, give up, or step back. In fact, it’s all the more reason to lean in and discover a new wind of creativity and excitement. 

Watch My Favorite Creators’ Content
Nothing can snap me out of a doomscroll like seeing my favorite creators’ and writers’ content online and feeling my spark reignite again. “Wait, I can do it, too!” Scrolling isn’t always bad—seeing other artists’ work and knowing they put in the time often motivates me to keep going, too. Even if just for 15 minutes. 

This is what I’ve got… What would you add to the list? Drop your comments below, please and thank you! xo

Post Scripts

— All the gift guide inspiration is waiting for you.

— When Hannah Brencher radically changed my life in a Zoom call this summer.

— The #1 writing (and creativity) tip that’s pushed me forward thus far. 

— My favorite thing in the WORLD is working with creatives and business owners to get unstuck and help them move forward in their work. If this is you, check out my creative coaching services here. 

— Why I Think You Should Start a Blog

— The creativity of my 13-year-old-self still inspires me. I revisit these reminders often.

Gift Guide for Your Creative Friends

Luxurious journals it’s hard to buy for yourself (the best kinds of gifts!) / My 100-page guide helps writers build a consistent writing rhythm & share their work (on sale for $10!) / The Artist’s Way is an essential creative tool / Muji pens are my favorites / Sketchbooks are always fun—brimming with possibilities!

Shop all links here!