Sometimes working a full time day job is more than a drag; it’s paralyzing. Not for your body, perhaps, but for your creative energy. When you get home from work, you don’t want to do anything but stare into space, or at most, absorb things like TV, movies, or internet. Below are some ways to structure your time so that you’ll never lose touch with your artistic side.

Make the time:

Arrange time to get creative each day. Do it in an unusual spot like the train or the shower or even right before you go to bed.

Even if it may only be 10 minutes, have your mind just go through ideas. Try using a voice recorder instead of writing; this usually helps you throw more wild questions out that incite you to dig deep.

Hold onto a 3X5 card wherever you go:

Ideas may pop out of nowhere and in the unlikeliest places. By carrying a 3X5 card, you are able to note down those ideas. Take this note card with you to work utilize them at work.

Get up earlier for creative thinking time:

Just because you love to sleep, doesn’t mean that ten minutes lost in the morning is going to ruin your whole day. If you rise and shine a little earlier than usual, you can put your best foot forward into your own projects before you’re forced to apply your fresh morning brain to someone else’s routine.

Ask yourself inquiries:

Ask crazy questions like, “What exactly would I do if I had no limit in spending that I now have and would still succeed?”

Simplify your USP:

Make sure your businesses USP is stated in a clear and brief manner. Even if you may have great ideas, it may not address the USP if it’s unclear and ambiguous. If it’s clear, then your idea will stand out for all to see.