Chapter 1: The Struggle to Create

Have you found yourself reading numerous articles on Medium, admiring the creators who seem to effortlessly share their work? You might be left wondering how they manage to do it, even after reading countless stories detailing their processes. I, too, have grappled with the challenge of establishing a routine for writing and publishing regularly, often feeling frustrated with myself. However, I've finally discovered a method that works for me.

In every moment, I seize the opportunity to create.

For instance, while waiting at a red light is not the best time to brainstorm, once I’m parked and have a few spare minutes before picking up my kids, I pull out my phone and jot down some bullet points in Roam Research for an article idea that just came to me. When my partner and I grocery shop together, I let him drive while I take the time to write ten headlines for the day. Even when my children are playing independently, I find a corner in the room, open Typeshare, select a template for my next atomic essay on Twitter, and start filling in my ideas—not necessarily from beginning to end, but wherever inspiration strikes. I often put in my AirPods and record voice notes while washing dishes.

Sure, interruptions from my kids can happen, but even in those fleeting moments, I still create something. And that’s what truly matters.

Chapter 2: Seizing Short Moments for Creativity

More often than we care to admit, we find ourselves caught in the cycle of consuming content rather than producing it. This is largely because we convince ourselves that the available time isn’t sufficient to accomplish anything meaningful.

While it's accurate that crafting a 280-character tweet may require 1-2 minutes—time we often feel we don’t have—what if you have just 20 seconds? Open Twitter, hit the "+" button, and start typing your initial thoughts. Leave the window open for when you next pick up your phone, allowing you to continue from where you paused.

The advantages of starting something, even if it’s small, are significant. Seeing your unfinished work can motivate you to return to it. In fact, taking breaks can benefit your creative process: your mind continues to work on your idea, generating new sub-ideas, alternative word choices, and tweaks to your title.

Consider how often you aimed to watch just one TikTok or YouTube video, only to lose track of time for half an hour—and regretted it afterward. The same can happen with your creative endeavors, but unlike mindless scrolling, creating will leave you feeling accomplished. You might feel a moment of shock as you find yourself needing to manage your time better, yet you'll also experience a sense of pride for having produced something. You may even be pleasantly surprised at how engaging the process was, making time feel irrelevant.

So the next time an idea strikes, take action. Write a few words, sketch something, select an image, or record a brief video clip. Repeat this process, and your project will gradually come together. Completing one piece will give you a sense of accomplishment and inspire you to start another.

Every moment of your life holds potential. Embrace this by filling your days with small, rewarding activities that bring you joy. You can create anytime, anywhere, with whatever tools are at your disposal. Just take advantage of the moment.

Did this resonate with you? Explore more inspiring content on Medium. Join a community of committed readers and creators, and support myself and countless other writers for just $5 a month. Your journey starts here: