Okay, let’s be honest, I hate the notion of time management. It used to give me the ick. It always felt off-putting to me. As a creative entrepreneur, I thrive on flexibility. So, you can imagine my dismay when I realized that running a successful photography business would take more administrative effort than simply creating art. Initially, I struggled with time management, but then I reframed the issue in my mind. What if I use time management techniques to prioritize what I truly love, photography, over the aspects of business management that I dislike? Aka everything about running an actual business. Time management as a creative entrepreneur became more of a tool, a means to an end, than a weird concept that organized people push on ADHD people.

As a creative entrepreneur, time management is essential for balancing the demands of running a business and nurturing your creative pursuits. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your time!

Set Clear Goals

I didn’t realize until I was diagnosed with ADHD, that people with ADHD struggle to break goals down into simple, actionable steps. This nugget of knowledge changes EVERYTHING for me. So here is what I do now to override my brain and actually accomplish goals:

Define your long-term vision for your creative business and break it down into actionable goals. Prioritize your tasks based on these goals to ensure that your time is spent on activities that align with your objectives. Read more on my blog about How to Balance Goals With Mindfulness.

Create a Structured Schedule

Ok, I am bad at this whole “structure” thing, but I try, and it does work. The time saved allows for more space for creativity. 

Establish a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated blocks of time for different activities. Such as client work, marketing, creative projects, and personal time. Stick to your schedule as much as possible to maintain consistency and productivity. 

Use Time Blocking

Allocate specific time blocks for different types of tasks. Such as answering emails, brainstorming new ideas, and working on client projects. This helps you focus on one task at a time and prevents distractions from derailing your productivity. 

Prioritize Important Tasks

Identify the tasks that have the greatest impact on your business success and prioritize them accordingly. Focus on completing high-priority tasks firstthen move on to less critical tasks to ensure that you’re making progress on your most important goals. 

Limit Distractions

Minimize distractions during your work hours by turning off notifications, setting boundaries with friends and family, and creating a dedicated workspace that’s free from distractions. Use productivity tools or apps to help you stay focused and on track with your tasks. 

Delegate or Outsource Non-Essential Tasks

I outsource as much as I humanly can for my business, especially the tasks that I feel ADHD resistance to doing. Currently, I outsource accounting, blogging, and Pinterest management. As well as editing, ads, and various website tasks. What I didn’t realize is that though you’re outsourcing, you still have to manage all of these people which is a job in itself! But I’ll take it over managing those hats myself. 

Here is how you can do it. Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced to free up your time for more high-value activities. Whether it’s administrative tasks, graphic design, or social media management, outsourcing can help you focus on what you do best while others handle the rest. 

Take Regular Breaks

Schedule short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. Stepping away from your work for a few minutes can help prevent burnout and improve your overall productivity and creativity. 

Continuously Learn and Improve

Invest in your personal and professional development by seeking out learning opportunities, attending workshops or conferences, and staying updated on industry trends. Continuously improving your skills and knowledge will help you stay competitive and innovative in your field. 

Implementing these strategies enables effective time management as a creative entrepreneur! This will allow you to achieve your business goals while nurturing your creativity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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