Embracing the Joy of Being a Slow Part-Time Creator
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Chapter 1: Finding Fun in Part-Time Creation
Engaging in creative work on the side should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. Imagine if key performance indicators (KPIs) included an additional letter: "F" for fun. If you're dedicating your personal time to creative pursuits without anyone imposing deadlines, why not prioritize enjoyment?
I recently heard a high-ranking executive at Meta assert that meetings should be fun. It made me contemplate a career change! In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the fact that life is happening right now. Therefore, when it comes to optional activities like part-time creation, embracing joy is essential.
Section 1.1: The Common Pitfalls of Part-Time Creation
Starting a side hustle is akin to launching your own business. The tasks can seem endless: brainstorming ideas, conducting research, editing, writing, marketing, and networking—all these can clutter your to-do list. The main challenge is the limited time available for these tasks; instead of a full workday, you might only have a couple of hours.
As a result, many people fall into the trap of trying to accomplish everything at once. Creating at a breakneck pace often leads to burnout. In my journey over the last two and a half years, I've realized that speed and enjoyment are inversely related.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Speed Trap
Two and a half years ago, I adopted the habit of waking up at 5 AM to work on my online projects. I read that this was a necessary sacrifice for part-time creators, so I tried it. Half-asleep, I would sit at my desk, struggling to focus for two hours before heading off to my job.
I would create extensive to-do lists and often found myself overwhelmed, focusing on volume and speed rather than quality. After weeks of this routine, I could barely remember what I had written by the time I got to work.
Section 1.2: Rethinking Speed and Productivity
Many suggest that speed is essential in the creative process. You’re told to produce quickly, scale your work, and be agile. However, moving fast doesn't mean you have to rush; you can enjoy the journey instead.
Recently, I’ve consciously slowed my pace, and as a result, my enjoyment of the creative process has increased significantly. Surprisingly, my revenue has also seen impressive growth.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Slow Part-Time Creator Mindset
The concept of the "slow part-time creator" encapsulates my current approach. My daily routine now involves: waking up at 6:30 AM, hydrating, enjoying a morning stroll, reviewing my to-do list, and selecting an article idea to work on.
This strategy is designed for my enjoyment; after all, I choose to engage in this work part-time, and I want to ensure it remains fulfilling.
Section 2.1: Focusing on Sustainability and Enjoyment
When you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing, pursuing the long-term becomes a more appealing option. This doesn’t mean you lack motivation or discipline; rather, you’re committed to a journey that requires patience.
Missing a day in the grand scheme of things is inconsequential; one day is a mere blip in a lifetime. If you aspire to excel and eventually gain recognition, enjoying the process is key. Without that enjoyment, it's easy to lose motivation.
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