“Oh dear, oh dear, I shall be too late!” 
When I work with clients or lead workshops on creativity or writing, I often here the complaint of not having time. So early in the coaching process, I have clients explore establishing a regular time to work on their creative projects, because…
Like the White Rabbit, we get so caught up in our daily responsibilities and routines, along with all the minor emergencies that pop up, that our creativity falls down the rabbit hole of our priority list, until it lands with a bump at the bottom. Often not to be seen or heard from again for months or years.
To avoid being the White Rabbit with your creative work:
- Find your most creative, intuitive time of day. Everyone has his or her own unique cycle. Some creatives like to work late at night after everyone has gone to bed and the world gets quiet. Others like to work mid-day, when the blood is flowing and the mind is clear. Others like the early morning when it feels as though the mind and Muse are still in that dreamy space together.
- Establish a routine. Pick a time when you believe that your daily routine will be uninterrupted by family concerns or travel. Then, for at least 3-5 days a week, sit down to work on that book, product, or other creative project at the same time every day. Once you’ve established a pattern, even when you have to break it, your mind and body will know something is off kilter and want to return to the previous rhythm.
- Set reasonable session goals. That is, when you first establish the routine, don’t set a goal that is difficult to meet and does more to discourage you than encourage you. Give yourself permission to do more—or less—than the goal, as well. Especially if you feel like your schedule is really tight, start with creating for ten or fifteen minutes. If you are a writer, for example, you could decide to write one page or 500 words.
- Forgive yourself when you don’t show up. Life does get in the way. You get sick—or your child does. A friend calls and needs your attention. Whatever the interruption, note it, note how you feel about missing your time with your Muse, and then re-commit to showing up at your usual time the next day.
Besides the fact that establishing this routine will prevent your creativity from falling down the rabbit hole, you’ll discover that doing your creative work on a regular basis produces results. If you are a professional creative, that’s very important for your pocketbook and for the deadlines. And even if you are not a professional, making regular time for your creativity also mobilizes a positive energy of action and success for you until your next creative session.
So if you have a tendency to be the White Rabbit, don’t be late for your very important date…with your Muse.