E24 Transcript
Let’s talk about something we don’t often hear in the world of creative entrepreneurship—sustainable productivity. I know, I know, productivity can feel like one of those buzzwords we’re all tired of hearing. But what I’m talking about here isn’t about cramming more into your day. In fact, quite the opposite.
Instead, it’s about building a rhythm that keeps you moving forward without the headache. Here’s the thing—consistency, productivity, and downtime are key to making it all work. But here’s where I want to take a different approach. Forget about the typical “hustle harder” mantra we hear in every productivity circle. You know, that “push through the discomfort and grind until you get there” advice.
I want to talk about building a creative business that works with your natural way of thinking and working. This isn’t about forcing productivity or trying to make every minute of your day super-efficient.
If you're a fabric creative, you know that finding a steady flow of work that feels good—without it feeling like a constant race—isn’t always easy. In today’s episode, I want to show you how to be productive, not just for the sake of being busy, but in a way that builds consistency naturally into your creative process.
We’re going to talk about how to create a balance between consistency, productivity, and taking the downtime you need without feeling guilty about it.
We’ll explore how to keep your creative energy flowing while also setting up the systems that help you stay on track. I’ll also share how you can stop battling between the two and start making your systems actually support your creativity.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to refine your workflow, this episode will give you actionable tips to keep your business moving forward while still leaving space for creativity and growth.
So, if you’re ready to stop running in circles and instead make your work flow, stay tuned. We’re going to break down a way to create a rhythm that feels good and helps your business thrive, all without burning you out.
When we hear “consistency,” we often think about a rigid routine, right? You know, that “set your schedule and stick to it no matter what” approach. And yes, for some people, that works. But for creatives, it can often feel like the opposite of freedom. It can start to feel like a never-ending treadmill, and before you know it, you’re overwhelmed, or just plain uninspired.
Okay, yes it is still very important to show up – consistently. Do the work- consistently.
but here’s a new way to look at it: instead of focusing on rigid routines, let’s talk about intentional consistency. It’s about being mindful of how you work and when you’re most aligned with your creative flow. It’s recognizing when you need flexibility, and when you need structure to stay on track.
This isn’t about the same thing every day—that’s the key. It’s about aligning with the natural flow of your creative process. Some days, you might find yourself in a creative zone, just pouring out ideas and making things. Other days, you might need to take a step back and handle more administrative tasks, like marketing or planning. And that’s okay! The key is to be intentional about when and how you dedicate time to each. When you do this, you’re not forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all routine. Instead, you’re building a pattern of work that works with your natural energy and rhythms.
The trick is to be intentional about how you use your time, so you’re putting in the right kind of work at the right time. On days where your creative flow is strong, you give yourself the room to really create. On days when it’s not flowing as easily, that’s when you tackle the administrative stuff.
Remember, consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing every day. It doesn’t mean you have to work on the same project, or even at the same time. It’s about showing up for yourself and your business in ways that feel sustainable and true to your creative process. When you honor that, consistency becomes a practice—not a chore.
And speaking of consistency…how many of you would call consistency a constraint-something that feels like it holds you back more than helps?
Here’s a thought: what if consistency isn’t something that locks you down, but something that gives you freedom? I know, it sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out.
When we think of consistency in the creative world, we tend to think of it as a rigid routine—something that feels like a drag. We imagine having to do the same thing every day, and that’s where the resistance comes in. But what if consistency could actually be the very thing that gives you the freedom to move forward with your big ideas?
The truth is, consistency isn’t about following a set of rules that you can’t break. It’s about creating reliable patterns and habits in your business that let you breathe easier. When you know that marketing is handled, that your workflow is structured, and that there’s space for both creativity and business, you can focus on what really matters—pushing your creative boundaries.
It’s like building the foundation of a house—you don’t spend all your time thinking about the foundation once it’s there. It’s done, and it gives you the freedom to do the rest. Similarly, consistency in the essentials gives you a sense of security that you’re not constantly scrambling to catch up. It’s in those spaces of security that creativity can truly thrive.
So when you allow yourself to set a rhythm for the parts of your business that don’t require constant tinkering, you’re not just avoiding the grind—you’re actually creating room for more freedom in your creative work. This is the key: consistency lets you stop worrying about the small stuff so you can focus on the big, bold creative moves that really excite you.
Now Let’s talk about something that may feel uncomfortable for a lot of creatives—downtime. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Downtime? That’s just wasted time, right?” Didn’t you just say we needed to be consistent? Yes, I did. But hold that thought
I used to think the same way. If I wasn’t working or making, or marketing, or selling-I’d feel like I wasn’t doing enough. But what if I told you that downtime, when used right, is actually one of the most productive things you can do for your business?
Here’s why: downtime is necessary for long-term creative productivity. It’s easy to get stuck in the grind of constantly making and doing, but if you’re always in motion, you’ll burn out. It’s in those slower periods, when you allow yourself to rest, that your brain has the space to reset. That’s when new ideas can start to form, when your creativity begins to evolve, and when your body gets the recharge it needs to keep going strong. And here comes that word again -consistently!
I’ve come to appreciate downtime as a crucial part of the creative process. It’s not about “doing nothing.” It’s about giving your mind time to relax, wander, and process everything that’s been going on. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not forcing yourself to create. Downtime could look like journaling, reading, taking a walk, or even just staring out the window. And believe me, all of that is as much a part of the creative process as making something with your hands.
Think of it like this: your creative work is a marathon, not a sprint. If you keep pushing and pushing without allowing for recovery, you’re going to run out of steam. Downtime isn’t a break from productivity—it’s part of the cycle that keeps your ideas fresh, your energy up, and your creative process flowing.
So here’s the key: start planning for those breaks. Don’t feel guilty about them. Embrace them as the essential reset button that helps you come back stronger, more energized, and with a fresh perspective on your work.
And Here’s one more thought that might challenge what you’ve been told about productivity: what if you stopped forcing yourself to work when you’re not feeling it? Let’s face it, as creatives, we can be our own worst bosses. We tell ourselves we should be working all the time, no matter how we feel, because “that’s what it takes to succeed,” right? Not entirely untrue-But I’m here to tell you that working against your natural energy cycle can actually hinder your creativity, not help it.
The truth is, we all have natural energy rhythms. Some days, you’ll feel like you can conquer the world—your ideas are flowing, your work feels effortless. Other days, you’ll feel completely drained, and trying to force yourself to create can feel like running into a brick wall. Instead of trying to push through those moments of fatigue or low energy, why not work with them?
Here’s a simple tip: track your energy levels for a week. Pay attention to when you feel most inspired and when you feel most drained. There’s no right or wrong, just notice your patterns. Maybe you’re more energized in the morning and need the afternoon to rest. Maybe you hit your creative stride late at night. Once you start to notice these patterns, you can plan your work around your natural energy cycles. This way, you’re not fighting yourself, you’re working in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms.
The beauty of this is that it doesn’t just help you avoid burnout; it actually makes you more productive in the long run. By aligning your work with your energy flow, you’re ensuring that when you’re creating, you’re doing so at your best. And when you need to rest, you give yourself permission to take a break, knowing it’s not “wasted” time—it’s part of the process.
So, let’s make this a new habit: Instead of forcing productivity, start listening to your body. Honor when it’s time to work and when it’s time to rest. By doing so, you’ll maintain high levels of creativity, avoid burnout, and set yourself up for long-term success. Need help figuring this out? The Maker’s Path will help you identify your natural rhythms and use them to your advantage.
Now let’s talk about accountability, but not in the way you might be used to hearing about it. Often, we hear that accountability is the key to success—someone to keep you on track, to check in and make sure you’re doing the work. But let’s be honest—sometimes that feels more like a weight than a tool for success, right? Like you’re being watched by a “taskmaster,” constantly reminding you of what you’re not doing. That pressure can make creativity feel more like a chore.
But what if accountability didn’t have to feel like that? What if instead of someone hovering over you, it felt more like a supportive partnership where you get to celebrate your wins and move forward together—no judgment, just encouragement?
I’ll be the first to admit that, as creatives, we can be really hard on ourselves. We think we should be constantly producing, and when we’re not, it can lead to feelings of frustration or guilt. But working with someone who understands your creative journey—someone who gets that sometimes you need space to breathe or work through a block—can be one of the best things for your business. The right accountability partner won’t push you to meet unrealistic expectations, but will help you stay on track and keep the momentum going in a way that feels good.
So, if you’re looking to build that kind of accountability, find someone who gets your process, who can help keep you on track when you need it, and who’s there to celebrate every small win with you. That’s the kind of support we need in this creative journey—someone who’s rooting for you, not stressing you out.
And this is exactly the kind of thing we’ll be working on in my upcoming membership, where we’ll have an incredible community of creatives helping each other stay on track, share wins, and move forward without the pressure. So check it out, because we’re about to make accountability fun, supportive, and, most importantly, productive!
We’ve talked about creative productivity and business that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing life for success. Instead, it’s about being intentional with your consistency, honoring your creative flow while still keeping a grip on your business tasks. Taking intentional downtime isn’t a “waste” of time—it's actually part of the creative process, allowing you to recharge and come back even stronger. And most importantly, we’ve explored how working with your natural energy can keep you productive without the burnout.
Now, I want to encourage you to evaluate your current workflow. Are you balancing creativity and business in a way that works for you? Are you giving yourself permission to take time off without guilt? And how are you managing your energy to keep that creative spark alive?
If you’re feeling like you could use a little more structure, support, or guidance in these areas, I’m now accepting founders into my new membership. It’s designed to help creatives like you build a sustainable business with the tools, resources, and community support you need to thrive. Trust me, it’s going to make balancing these sides of your business so much easier and more enjoyable.
Until then, take a moment to reflect on your business and where you can start making small shifts toward a more balanced and sustainable approach. You’ve got this—one intentional step at a time!
