In a world full of responsibilities, deadlines, and distractions, it’s easy to put off the things that matter most to us. A new creative project, spending time with people we love, or even just a haircut… These are things that soooo many of us have a hard time prioritizing because we are so used to putting others first. I can’t tell you how many years it took me to realize that it’s actually okay for me to set aside time and space for the things I care about! Whether you’re 14 or 40, I hope that I can show you how to prioritize your passions in order to live a fuller life.
You may be waiting for the perfect moment, for things to calm down, or for someone to give you the green light before embracing your passions but here’s a little secret: You don’t need anyone’s permission but your own.
Why You Struggle to Prioritize Your Passions
Before we dive into all the reasons why we put aside our passions, the most important thing you can do right now is to let go of any shame or self-judgment you may be holding onto. This list isn’t an accusation, it’s just a suggestion; a way to highlight the hidden reasons why so many of us struggle to find time for the things we love.
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- Guilt.
When I’m talking to my coaching clients about why they haven’t made time for what they love, guilt is the number one answer I get. Guilt due to the belief that our time should be spent serving others instead of serving ourselves. I am here to remind you that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time to prioritize your passions will allow you to fill up that cup so you can support those you love. - Fear of Judgment
We often worry about what others will think of our choices. What if people don’t like my decision? What if they judge my priorities? These fears can paralyze us, but in reality, life is not about pleasing others. It’s about becoming the best possible version of ourselves. - Time Constraints
We live in a busy world! If you’re like me then you wear a lot of hats (and I’m not just talking about my favorite painted accessories) —parent, partner, professional, caregiver, friend— and with so many roles, it’s easy to put our passions on the back burner. - The Myth of Productivity
Society often equates productivity with success. Personal passions, however, aren’t always seen in the same light. Things like spending time on art, writing, and even self care can be considered “frivolous” when compared to more “practical” tasks. But true productivity isn’t always about output—it’s also about balance. - Perfectionism
If your passions lean toward the creative, like me, then you might fall into the trap of believing that your work has to be perfect before it’s worth doing. The fear of not being “good enough” can prevent you from doing what you love, especially if you already feel guilty for taking that time to yourself in the first place.
- Guilt.
The first step to breaking through these barriers is to acknowledge that they exist and that they are normal. We all deal with them in some form or another! Hopefully this has given you some insight into why you don’t prioritize your passions because now it’s time for the fun part…
How To Prioritize Your Passions
Here’s how you can start giving yourself the permission to thrive:
Create windows of time. Start small! Maybe it’s ten minutes in the morning before the kids wake up, or twenty minutes after dinner, but set a timer and dedicate that time solely to whatever brings you joy.
Set boundaries. Boundaries aren’t just about protecting your time—they’re about protecting your energy and creative spirit. Prioritize your “me” time and let others know it’s non-negotiable.
Be kind to yourself. It’s easy to fall into self-criticism, especially when perfectionism comes into play. Celebrate your efforts, no matter how small they seem. Remember that you’re doing this because it feeds your soul, not because you need to meet anyone else’s expectations.
Surround yourself with supportive energy. Whether it’s a community of like-minded creatives, a supportive partner, or an online group like my Creative Connection, surrounding yourself with people who encourage and uplift your creative spirit can make a world of difference. You don’t have to go it alone.
What Happens When You Give Yourself Permission to Prioritize Your Passions?
Let’s be honest—giving yourself permission sounds simple, but it can be one of the hardest things to do. The idea of fully stepping into what matters to you, especially when it’s linked to creativity, often stirs up fears of rejection, failure, or being misunderstood. But when you give yourself that permission, something magical happens…
You reclaim your time. When you consciously choose to prioritize your passions, you reclaim your time from the endless demands of daily life. Whether it’s painting, writing, crafting, or any other form of self-expression, you are saying to the world, “This matters to me, and I’m going to make space for it.”
You strengthen your self-worth. Making time for what you love is a radical act of self-love. You stop looking for external validation and start validating yourself. That confidence builds, and with it, a greater sense of self-worth and empowerment.
You open up new possibilities. Even something as small as an act of self care gives you an opportunity to try something new. Just getting out of the house for a haircut means you’ll get to meet new people. Trying new art supplies means you’ll expand your creativity. Saying yes to your passions means opening yourself up to new possibilities.
The Power of “Yes, And”
It all boils down to this: you are the only one who can give yourself permission to live a creative, fulfilling life. No one else can prioritize your passions for you. You are worthy of the time, energy, and effort it takes to nurture your creativity. So, the next time you feel like pushing that project aside or saying no to yourself, remember: you’re allowed to say yes.
Need some proof that there’s power in giving yourself permission to prioritize your passions?
Here are all the things I’ve given myself permission to do:
- Spend money on my own self care and wellness.
- Reinvest my earnings to learn something new
- Treat myself to a new paintbrush because even the little things create a big shift in the studio
- Change the colors in my home because a refresh offers a whole new perspective
- Read a lifestyle magazine because other people’s stories inspire me
- Spend my first 15 minutes journaling everyday.
- Go to a retreat where I can spread my wings.
- Wear a hat because I love to feel pretty
- Paint an old dress because I love beautiful things
- Ask for help because I cannot possible know everything
How will you make time to prioritize your passions today?
Reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram to let me know!
