Creativity is such an elusive thing, but if you’re paying attention, you’re sure to have noticed a few things about the way you work.
Me, I can solve yesterday’s late afternoon/night intractable problem in the first 30 minutes of the next day.
For other collaborators of mine, it’s the late hours of the night (and even the next day) that seem to get them into the right frame of mind for working.
These are what I call “power cycles.” Unlike a machine that once started can just crank the crap out given enough fuel, the creative engine is susceptible to just about every kind of distraction there is.
So what are you, a morning person or an up-all-nite owl? And you better get more specific than that—down to the hour. It’s critical important to know when you’re naturally at your creative best—and then protect that period from distractions (e.g., don’t just avoid email, turn off your damn email client.)
The fact is, that a huge amount of your time will be spent on NOT being creative. Things like billing, conference reports (yes, you HAVE to do them), appointment coordination, and all the standard TSCODB (def.: time sucking cost of doing business) can and will absorb a ton of your energy (and here’s the point) IF YOU LET IT.
As a freelancer, the only reason people are going to seek your services is because (surprise) CREATIVE. As defend your creativity cubs like a pissed off lioness—or watch them, and your business, die.
-dp
