6 Ways to Set Up Your Creative Day

Since creativity and self-development are two of my most important things, I am always researching how to foster a better relationship with them. One of the best ways I have found is to start a morning routine. After months of experimenting, here’s what I learned.

1. The night before, list the top 1-3 things you need to complete the following day. I pick three things that will move me closer to my main priorities for the week.

2. Try to wake up at the same time every day.  

3. Make your bed. Having an accomplishment first thing in the morning sets you up for more during the day.

4. Morning writing. Sit down and write one page of whatever comes to my mind. It helps clear your mind for the day.

5. Move. For me, it’s yoga—at least 10 minutes. I usually do more, but ten is the minimum I accept for myself.   

6. Meditate. I typically take 20-25 minutes to clear my head. I try to do this twice daily (it’s busy there!).

Research has shown that tasks requiring the left brain are best done in the first couple hours of the morning. I carve out the first two hours of my morning with the things I don’t want to do, usually the left-brain things, and do them first. Examples are researching general business housekeeping and any other non-creative thing. 

After this, I usually take a break with meditation, a walk, or both. Then I get to my FAVORITE part of the day: the right brain things. Research has also shown it is best to do these tasks later in the day. I do all my creative stuff for the next 4-6 hours. With my mind freed up from my “have to but don’t wanna” things, I can focus all my attention on the loves of my life: Painting and writing. How I split this time depends on what projects I am currently working on. 

Here are a few more tips:

• If you don’t have much time to spend in the morning or are just starting out, wake up ten minutes earlier than usual and start with a morning writing exercise. 

• Make a list the night before of three things you need to get done. Do those first. 

• Set your workout clothes out the night before.

• Experiment with what works for you. We are all so different in what we do, our skill levels, challenges, and strengths. I am known for myself; I had to try many ways to motivate myself. 

A confession: I have a hypercritical voice in my head, so when my feet hit the floor, I first think about what I am not. It’s not a great way to roll out of bed. So, to combat this, I do affirmations. I am also a doer and have a hard time sitting still to read them. To combat this, I recorded my affirmations, playing them and repeating them to myself as I made my bed. 

It felt kind of hokey when I started doing this over five years ago. It also felt like one more thing to do on an ever-growing list. But what I have found to be true for me, without a doubt, is that putting myself first is paramount for my daily success. It keeps me on track and allows me to be more present for every other situation, person, or task that comes my way throughout the day. 

I hope these were helpful! Let me know in the comments.

Until next time…