Struggling to balance your full-time job with a passion project? Discover five practical strategies that can help you pursue your dreams without compromising your professional commitments. Let's delve into the art of juggling responsibilities while keeping your passion alive.
Creative hobbies boost productivity and happiness
Studies show creative hobbies have numerous benefits for our happiness and well-being, and they can even aid in boosting productivity at work
- Spending more time on a hobby that’s unrelated to our work has the power to boost our confidence at our jobs
- When we go through tough times, having a hobby may help us cope
Practice the 5 of 7 rule
Flexibility allows you to decide how many days you can realistically work on one project per week
Track your progress
Make appointments with yourself in iCal, Google Calendar, or whichever calendar app you prefer
- After you complete whatever task during each designated passion project time, make a note about your progress within the appointment
- This will help you be proud of your accomplishments and dedication and boost your confidence
Create a morning routine
Stephanie Hendrick, a certified business coach and time management expert, recommends getting up an hour or two early to work on your passion project.
- Your mind is the clearest, there are no distractions, and you feel accomplished before your day begins.
Get enough sleep
“If you’re chronically sleep deprived, you won’t have the energy or the creativity you will need to pick up that side gig at the end of a long day,” Maura Thomas, M.B.A., productivity, work-life balance and attention management expert, reminds us.
Work in increments
Instead of setting unrealistic goals, start small.
- “Work on your passion project in 15-minute increments,” says Debra Eckerling, a productivity coach and author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals.”
- Consistent working in small pockets of time adds up.
