How Time Management Transformed My Creative Journey (and My Life)

The Art of Time: How Time Management Transformed My Creative Journey

I wanted to touch on a subject that isn't necessarily seen as sexy but has been one of the most impactful aspects of my career and overall life: time management. In my field, we often talk about creativity, output, and the "hustle and grind." Still, we rarely address how crucial it is to manage our time effectively and intentionally. Mastering time management is one of the most vital pillars of any successful career. Contrary to the myth that time management stifles creativity, controlling your time can unleash your creative potential. You can plan all you want, but without execution, those plans are simply dreams. Proper execution requires understanding where and how you are spending your time.

Managing time often feels like trying to catch smoke in the music world, where creativity has no on-and-off switch. As a record producer, composer, and music executive, I've navigated this challenge for over two decades. The early stages of my career were chaotic, with an ever-growing to-do list that left me feeling overwhelmed and constantly chasing deadlines. It wasn't until I discovered the power of effective time management that I began to find my rhythm—not just in music but also in my personal life.

The Chaos of Creativity

Organized chaos

Early in my career, I struggled to juggle the various demands of being a professional creative. I was a young producer, fresh out of high school, and ambition was my driving force. However, a career cannot be built on ambition alone; discipline was a harsh lesson I quickly needed to learn. From writing and recording to promoting and touring, each day felt like a marathon without a finish line. Moments of intense creativity were often overshadowed by the stress of unfinished tasks and looming deadlines.

At times, when I attempted to take control of my calendar, it would work for a while, but I'd soon revert to chaos. This, in part, was due to needing to be clearer on my purpose, goals, and priorities. I knew I needed a change, but I wasn't sure where to start.

A Turning Point

While working at one of the three major music labels, many of my co-workers were surprised to see how I could not only be a successful and influential executive at the label but also carry side projects like producing Pinto Picasso's album, writing my first book and balancing the hustle with a healthy personal life. This balance was achieved through a process of self-discovery and practical application.

I started reading books on the subject and listening to podcasts, diving deep into the science of time management. It became a mini-obsession of mine. I gained a profound interest in how time management applied to being a creative. After all, it's impossible to predict when inspiration will hit, so it was essential to adapt those strategies to fit my lifestyle.

Brain Dumping and Purpose Identification

One technique that became invaluable to me was brain dumping—getting your thoughts out of your head. If they live in your head, they're not real; you must bring them out to play in the physical world. This process helps declutter the mind and set a clear path for action.

Before you identify your "how," you must first determine your "why." Understanding your purpose is critical to staying on track. Your daily tasks must be connected to bigger goals, your goals must be connected to a larger purpose, and your purpose must align with your values.

• Purpose: You can find your purpose by identifying what brings you joy. It could be making music, drawing, helping others, playing sports, etc.

• Values: These define who you are. What do you value? Family, money, success, fame, etc.

• Goals: Your goals answer the question, "What do you want?" Ensure they align with your values. For instance, you may want more free time, but spending your days idle may not align with your long-term objectives if you value financial independence.

• Tasks: The "how"—how do I get what I want? These become your to-do lists. Significant tasks can be broken down into smaller ones. For me, the idea is that every single week, I must accomplish at least three tasks toward each of my goals. This doesn't mean I won't do more, but each goal needs weekly attention. The key is to show up and be consistent.
  

Here's an idea of what a "task batched" day can look like

Prioritizing and Planning

Of course, prioritizing your tasks is essential. It is much easier for me to prioritize when I'm clear about my purpose, values, and goals. Do not skip this step! It helps identify the "busy work" and time-wasters in your week.

Once you have clarity, it becomes practical to schedule these tasks. A calendar alone won't make you more efficient; you need to understand what and why things are going into your calendar. Planning allows you to allocate time for important activities while ensuring you have space for creativity and rest.

Finding My Rhythm

Through trial and error, I learned that time management isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter. It's about prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and finding a balance that allows for both productivity and rest. One of the most significant changes I made was adopting the practice of time blocking. Time blocking is the technique of dedicating specific blocks of time to different tasks. For example, I would allocate a block of time in the morning for creative work, another for administrative tasks, and another for personal activities. This allowed me to focus more intensely and avoid the distractions that often derailed my day.

I also embraced tools and techniques that helped streamline my workflow. Digital calendars, project management apps, and simple to-do lists became my allies in managing the chaos. These tools helped me stay organized and freed up mental space, allowing me to be more creative and present in the moment.

The Impact on My Life and Work

The transformation was profound. By managing my time more effectively, I gained a strong sense of control and clarity. I had more space for creative exploration and quality time with my loved ones. The stress that had once been a constant companion dissipated, replaced by a sense of empowerment and direction. My projects became more polished, my collaborations more meaningful, and my personal life more fulfilling.

Advice for Creatives

If you're a creative struggling with time management, my advice is simple: start small, but start somewhere. Begin by setting clear goals for your projects and identifying the most critical tasks that align with these goals. Prioritize these tasks and experiment with different techniques like time blocking, goal setting, and delegation to find what works best for you. And remember, time management isn't about rigidity; it's about creating a structure that supports your creativity.

This structured approach to managing time has transformed my professional life and enriched my personal experiences. By understanding and mastering the art of time management, I've achieved a balance that supports my creative ambitions and personal well-being.

Finding Your Rhythm

In my upcoming book, Finding Your Rhythm: Time Management for the Creative Mind, I discuss techniques that have transformed my life and career. It's an easy read packed with valuable information, not just for creatives but for anyone looking to take control of their time and, most importantly, their life. Sign up for my newsletter below, and be one of the first to know when my book is available in paperback and Kindle E-Readers.

This structured approach to managing time has transformed my professional life and enriched my personal experiences. By understanding and mastering the art of time management, I've achieved a balance that supports my creative ambitions and personal well-being.