They say that the hardest part about writing, or painting, or doing any kind of creative work (and I'd say it's true about most things) is getting to the desk, or easel, or to whichever space it is that the work needs to be done. I've found this to be true in my life, and one of the ways I've been able to get over myself enough to be productive, is through the use of this exercise. I did not create it, but I've adapted it for my own personal use, and it's been life changing. It's especially useful if you happen to be one of those creative people who's goals seem a bit spread out. You want to write a novel, you want to paint, you want to improve your dancing skills. Some people tell you you need to cut away all but one of those dreams. I say, "why limit yourself like that?" All you need to have is an hour of time set aside, and a timer. When you've got that...
1. List four or five projects that you really want to get done.
Maybe you want to organize the space where you live and create. Maybe you want to create something. Or maybe you want to share something you've created. These can be big projects. Big dreams. In fact, if its a big dream that's been needling away at you to do it and that you've responded to by avoiding it, then it's perfect for this exercise.
2. Look at each project and list a couple of steps that will move it forward. The tasks you choose will depend on where you are in the project and what you need in that moment. Don't overthink this part, just jot them down.
To continue with the novel writing example, you may want to begin writing the first draft, or keep writing it, or explore and come up with ideas for a particular character or plot point that you want to understand a little better.
3. Next, get a wind-up kitchen timer, or get ahold of your phone and open up the timer app. Whichever option you like best is perfect.
4. Set the timer for ten minutes.
5. For ten uninterrupted minutes do the task that most needs to be done in that first project. If you are able to finish that task within the allotted time, move on to the next one.
6. Once the timer goes off, stop what you are doing immediately, then reset the timer and move on to project 2.
7. Keep doing this until you've worked for ten minutes on the final project you listed.
8. Celebrate!
What I love about this exercise is how little time it takes, proving that you don't need hours of time to work on something. You can do more in ten minutes than you ever thought possible. And it will give you experience in the doing, which is the only way to get better at the doing. Want to be more brave? You can read all you want about bravery, but the only way to be better at being courageous is to do what courageous people do. Take a risk.
Now, having done this once, you can do it again and again. Anytime you are having a difficult time prioritizing one project or task over another, or you just want to be reminded how good it feels to achieve something. Big tasks happen, more often than not, through the achievement of many small tasks done in multiple steps.
If you've tried this exercise, I'd love to hear about how the process went for you, as I'm sure it will inspire and encourage others to join in.
Happy creating!
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