Most days, creative work is pretty easy for me.  It has always been the kind of work where I’m most at home, most in my element, so I don’t have to drag myself to write or paint, take pictures, or make things.  Most of the time, I run to them with eagerness.

That being said, I do have lackluster days when I just go through the motions.  Today is one of those days.  So, I thought I would write about it and share how I show up anyway.

I woke up at 3:45 in the morning and couldn’t get back to sleep, so my contacts are sticky from my eyes being heavy and tired.  It’s gray outside, which only adds to the desire to get back in bed, watch a movie, and maybe take a nap.  I know I’m not at my best, so I’m going to focus on two things – stirring up some motivation and moving the needle on things that don’t require my best.

When sitting at my desk and writing felt like wading through quicksand, I got out of my chair and started moving.  I took the recycling out, emptied the skimmer basket on the pool, and replaced the chemical cartridge.  I folded laundry, fertilized and watered some of my potted plants, and opened the mail.  While doing these mundane chores, I put on one of my creativity playlists, so the music could cue my brain that it’s time to get into a creative work mindset.

Instead of sitting back at my desk, I tidied and vacuumed the studio.  I unpacked and put away a box of new 8 x 10 panels, I put away my travel painting supplies from my trip to Minnesota, and simplified my book stack.  The tasks in and of themselves aren’t stimulating, but the movement, working with my hands, interacting with my things, and improving my environment all worked together to stir up some motivation.

This is what I’ll write about today.  

With the direction of my blog post settled, I needed to plan out the rest of my day.  My days are always centered around a “big three” – three things that are the priority.  If I only get those three things done, that is a win.  Projects with looming deadlines include painting commissions and continuing to review, proof, and correct the copyedited version of my book manuscript, both of which require a sharp mind and inspiration.  Since I feel like I’m lacking in those departments today, I’ll bump them to tomorrow.  My big three today will be 1) writing this blog post, 2) going to my eye appointment this afternoon, and 3) working on a painting that isn’t for a specific client, so there is no pressure.  If I still have work time to fill, I can clean up my e-mail inbox, reconcile my business bank accounts, start planning for next week, or maybe just close shop early.

I show up to do this work because I love it.  I love that I get to write and make art for a living.  But I also show up to do this work because it’s my job.  I take that seriously.  When I started my business over 16 years ago, I knew if I didn’t take my job seriously, no one else would.  I show up to work just as faithfully as I would if I had to punch a time card.  I show up because I have made commitments, I’ve signed contracts, and I’ve accepted work from clients.  I show up because consistency is good for creativity.

And I show up because showing up is often the most important step.