I’ve been posting a lot about how to re-claim your creativity and account for your creative time. The following exercises are a great way for you to really dig in and be honest with yourself. What are your priorities? How does your use of time reflect those priorities?

Exercise #1: Your Priorities and Your Time

Step One: List the first five things you spend your time on. Don’t censor just write it down quickly (i.e. surfing the internet, sleeping, etc.)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Step Two: Write down the five most important things in your life (i.e. family, health, writing, etc.).

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Step Three: Now compare and contrast your lists. What is important to you and how are you really spending your time? This will be very illuminating.

Exercise #2: Account for How You Spend Your Time

For a whole week, carefully account for your time. Use a timer that goes off every 30 minutes. Write down what you’ve done for those 30 minutes. Do it every 30 min, for every day, for one week. See what you really do with your time! Now compare that with your priorities from exercise #1. Make the adjustments you need to create time for creativity in your life!

These exercises were shared by author Laurie Halse Anderson at the 2011 LA SCBWI Conference. Be sure to check out these other notes from her talks:

• Nine Tips for Finding and Re-Claiming Your Time and Creativity
• Three Writing Myths that Hurt Us
• Attitudes to Grow Into Your Soul

Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous ALA and state awards. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award Finalists. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snowfall as she writes.

Tags: Creative Life, Exercises, Priorities, Time Management