When you begin a creative project, it’s tough to keep your momentum going. Sometimes projects sit half-finished for years…or they remain a fantasy and never get off the ground.

Life has a way of intervening. Maybe your commute took an extra 45 minutes today because of an accident on the freeway. Or you spent all day at mind-numbing work and don’t have a creative thought in your head by the time you get home.

It’s true for all of us. So how do you manage the daily grind and still manage to create?

These are three tips I found that you can try.  Here is a hint: if you find yourself saying “No, that won’t work for me,” ask yourself if there is a form of it that WILL work.

1) Learn your natural rhythms.

Use your most productive time for your creative work even if you can only squeeze in a 30 min. That could mean waking up earlier than your house so it is quiet for you and you can focus.

2) Change your focus.

You can shift your energy with light exercise, a hot shower, or even meditation when you get home. Then you can start your project.

3) Set a timer.

Keep it short try no more than 30 minutes to start with. It’s a lot easier to get started when you have an end in mind and with a reachable time goal will help you to keep going.