Why running your business could deplete your creativity (and what to do about it)
You’ve probably heard the saying — if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life (original quote attributed to Confucius). That is just not true!
If you’re your own boss, you probably know by now that you tend to work harder when you are running your own business — there is a lot more at stake!
If you're a creative business owner, your work is inherently creative and you create for a living. Yet, as your business is growing, you may find yourself becoming more and more focused on other parts of managing the business, like doing the finances, managing people and doing quality control. You may find yourself being less involved in the creative work - that which drew you to starting the business in the first place.
Although it is fantastic that your business is growing, the creative part of you is likely to find this part of your business growth very challenging.
Here's why:
Growing your business means that you are now wearing multiple hats: HR, CEO and financial manager, to name a few. Some of these tasks may be very unfamiliar and could require more energy, and more time than you initially imagined.
You are finding less time for your own creative work and this is making you resent your business. When you do have time, you find that you want to rest, and so end up not doing what you planned to do.
You begin to wonder if it was worth it in the first place, but you cannot tolerate the idea of going back to working for an employer.
This can bring up so many mixed feelings and a love-hate relationship with working in your business.
The solution?
Make time to be creative. I know, easier said than done when you have bills to pay and a dooming deadline. BUT it is essential and actually non-negotiable. If you do not make time to be creative, an essential part of your being will shrivel and die.
Your creativity is your life force, the passion that keeps you alive. If you rekindle and nurture this part of yourself, you will regain the energy to look after the other parts of your business, and do so in a way that feels a lot better.
Here are a few simple ways to make space for your creativity:
Identify a simple creative task that you could do early in the morning, with your morning coffee. It should not require any major mental energy or planning. This could mean writing a few notes in your journal, or scribbling/doodling.
Create room for play. This means anything that feels like fun, with no specific outcome in mind. As a creative business owner, you are often focused on creating products that can be sold and there is therefore an outcome attached to your creative work. The creative part of you also needs time to just play, without any expected outcome.
If you’re a parent, you will have even less time to focus on your own creative work. Why not find a way to incorporate creative exploration with your kids? This way you get to spend time with them and also nurture your own creativity.
Any other ideas? Let me know!
In conclusion, nurturing your creativity isn't just a luxury—it's essential for your well-being and the long-term success of your business. By implementing these simple strategies, you can reignite your passion and find joy in your work again. Remember, your creativity is what sets you apart in the business world. Prioritize it, protect it, and watch how it transforms not just your products, but your entire entrepreneurial journey. So, take that first step today—carve out a little time for creativity and rediscover the spark that led you to start your business in the first place.