5 Ways to Make Time for Your Passion

Everyone has a passion, a hobby, a side business, or something they long to make more time for. Even if it's working out–everyone wishes they could have more time in the day. You may be working full time, have a crazy work schedule, or take care of the kiddos at home. Let's face it, you're exhausted! At the end of the day, you want to kick your feet back and relax.

But come morning, you'll regret that you didn't work on your passion or hobby. It's okay. It's a cycle we are all familiar with. The good news is there are easy steps you can take to create a new routine that will involve making time for what you love to do.

Block Your Time

This might seem like an obvious one, but this is a huge action step that will set you apart from the rest. When you block time on a calendar or devote one hour a day (at the same time everyday too) to your passion you are allowing the rest of the world to take a backseat so you can focus. This blocked time is sacred and will safe guard you from other distractions.

If you have a family with kiddos don't sweat it. Kids are adaptable. Read that again . . . Kids are adaptable. Communicate to your family that you need this special time to get work done. Explain to them that this brings you joy and it's something you really want to work towards (if they are old enough to understand). You can also orchestrate something for your kids to do while you are busy doing what you love. Maybe this is the perfect time for them to clean their rooms, finish their chores, work on homework, play outside, reading time, etc. Make it fun for them too!

Once you have your time, silence your phone, do not hop on social media or youtube, put on your favorite music and focus on what you want to accomplish. The world can wait and I promise you won't be missing much even in one hour.

Community is Everything

Surround yourself with the right people. A huge motivator is to be centered around other people who are interested in what you are passionate about, are already doing it, and have advice / wisdom they can share. Creativity abounds when you’re surrounded by motivated people.

Depending on your passion, finding a co-working space is a great way to meet community and make friends. You can also find social groups via facebook or instagram in your area! And don't let other's progress defeat yours. Everyone's path is different. When you meet someone who is advanced or far a long in the game, take the opportunity to learn from them! This is great chance for wisdom and friendship you won't regret.

Set Healthy Boundaries

This is a tough one. Sometimes saying "no" can be very intimidating or it may seem like it's not an option. Well, knock that silly lie out of your head. "No" is always an option. No is not always a negative, especially when it can open so many positive doors because you set healthier boundaries.

Maybe you've agreed to too much: walking dogs, social clubs, book clubs, helping with school events, volunteering too many hours at church, etc. You don't have to say "no" to everything, but you can re-asses your time and say "I can still help, I just need to do less." And if you do need to completely cut something out, do it!

Personally, I am a "Yes" man. I just love helping people. It's not that I have FOMO if I'm not involved. Instead, I fear that they won't ask for my help in the future if I don't commit in the present. Any 2w3's on the enneagram relate?

It was hard for me to say "no." I thought I would hurt a lot of feelings and friendships. So, I practiced. I told a group of friends I wouldn't be able to join the book club anymore but let me know what you're reading. And you know what their answer was? "Okay! Come back whenever!"

I was shocked and relieved. So I did it again. I said "no" to an amount of work at my previous job that I knew I would have to take home to finish every night. Instead, I provided a solution on how to get the work done during work hours. Their response? "This is great! No worries."

I began to set healthy boundaries so that I could still have the energy to do what I wanted. It was a hard pill to swallow at first, but then I realized I was the pill. I was blocking my way.

So set those boundaries! Say "no", or "maybe some other time" or "I can still help, but only in these areas."

Your passion awaits.

(an incredible book that I highly recommend is Boundaries by John Townsend)

Invest In Yourself

Shooowieeee, who's ready to get deep?

What will it take to pursue your passion?

What will it take to build confidence so you can pursue your passion?

Often times, resources aren't always the blocker in getting started. It's lack of confidence.

In order to build that confidence, you need to first knock down some walls that have been built in you, but not by you.

- I'm not good enough.

- I'm not capable.

- I don't have years of experience.

- I've never taken a class for this.

- I'm a beginner.

- I'll never keep up with it.

- They are all way more talented than me.

- No one will pay that much for my work.

Who told you this? I'll tell you these are not words of love. This is not what God thinks of you. These are words that are meant to prevent you from doing what you were made to do. You have to counter each lie with a positive response:

- I am good enough because I was made in His perfect image.

- I am capable because I know this is what I am called to do.

- Years of experience doesn't define my talent. I love what I do even if I'm just getting started.

- I can start taking classes if I want to. I have resources at my fingertips at all times.

- I'll block time for my passion and actively pursue what lights my soul.

- This is not a comparison game. I don't know their journey and they don't know mine. Plus, I can learn from others to help grow in a positive way.

- At the end of the day, it's not about the money. It's about doing what I love. If I love what I do, people will see the worth in my work.

You need to have this honest conversation with yourself. Knock down those walls. Come to terms with you and no one else.

Please know that there are resources out there for you if you are looking for more encouragement and motivation.

Create a process that works for you and get started. Find classes in your area, virtual classes online, get certified through online learning, talk to people, watch videos, follow experts, read articles/books, listen to podcasts, etc. Write it all out and start with one item at a time.

Invest in yourself emotionally to build that confidence. Then invest in yourself through resources that can lift you up. You deserve it (if you haven't been told that already).

Acknowledge Your Worth

One thing I have to constantly remind myself is, "Not everyone can do what I do."

Sometimes, I have created original paintings or I have worked on commission pieces and felt a complete lump of fear in my throat. Lies would creep in and tell me it's not good enough or someone else could do better.

But I am uniquely made. Sure, there are millions of artists in this world, but they are all uniquely apart from me. I do not compare to them or them to me. One big thing I noticed was that I would give into this fear by setting my prices low. But the lower they became I realized it made the quality of my work, my time, and my resources seem less. The price was reflecting how I viewed my worth.

I realized I need to acknowledge my worth and price my work adequately. Clients won't take me seriously if my paintings are cheaper than prints from Hobby Lobby (not a slam to HL, I love that place). So, I adjusted my prices and, in doing so, adjusted my confidence.

Understand that not everyone can do what you do. Even if it comes easily to you, it may be a challenge for others. Be proud of your work and let it be reflected in how you market yourself. You are valuable.

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All of these items will help you get started in finding that precious time for your passion. If it's truly what you love to do, you will always make time for it. I hope this is helpful, I hope you can takeaway something positive from this post, and I hope you can give yourself some grace.