We all say it: “I wish I had more time to sew, but I can’t.” “I’m too busy.”    

Does it sound familiar to you, too? So many of us wish that we had more time for the things that we want to be doing, rather than the things we feel we should be doing.

But how?

While it might not be easy, there really is only one solution. To MAKE time. 

Read on for six ideas on how to get started:

1. We have to do things differently. 

There can be no change unless we change something. This can be uncomfortable because change is often not easy. But it is essential if the goal is finding more time in your day.

That may mean waking up an hour earlier to sew before everyone else in your family is up or before you head to work. 

It might mean giving up television at the end of the day and using the time to sew instead. 

Or it might mean sneaking into your sewing room for 5-minute micro-moments in between taking care of kids, aging parents or other duties. 

It will probably require some sacrifice, but once you get used to your new routine, it will become your new “normal.” Which brings us to #2. . . 

2. Make creativity a habit. 

Just do it. Day after day, rain or shine. Eventually, you will feel weird if you don’t do it.

3. Remember that perfect is the enemy of good. 

Don’t get paralyzed by possibility. 

Don’t let the fear of wasting your time making something bad, keep you from making anything at all. Just get in there and make something. 

Even doing something half-best is better than doing nothing at all.

4. Start small.

Aim for 15 minutes of creative time each day. It might not seem like enough time to even get started. 

You will find even such a small dedicated practice will add up to real results. 

If you can’t commit to every day, aim for 15 minutes every other day or twice a week on set days.

5. Focus on the process, not the finish.

Keeping your eye on the prize isn’t necessarily what it’s about. While sharing a finish on Instagram can feel rewarding, try to focus on what it feels like to be doing something that you want to be doing.

Find joy in the fact that you made the time for yourself to create, and relish in the act of doing, rather than worrying about the end result.

6. Schedule creative time like a meeting.

Put it in your planner. Schedule it on your smartphone. Set it as a daily reminder.

Sometimes we say yes to things we don’t really want to do because we don’t have a firm reason for why not to. 

But if your creative time is a scheduled priority, it will be easier to say no to unexpected requests that arise. 

“Thanks so much, but I’m sorry I can’t. I already have plans that night.” No one has to know its with your sewing machine.