5 steps to help you spend more time creating just for FUN (without the pressure to perform or perfect)

A few weeks ago I posted a poll in my stories….loud and clear the message unanimously was that more time and space to create just for fun, without the pressure to perfect or perform is something A LOT of us are craving…

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For me painting has been my main just for fun creative outlet over the last 6 years. Though the reasons why I paint have changed and shifted one thing has remained consistent….

….this playground and space to create just for FUN always has continuously been a gateway to experience so much more...like self-discovery and more self-connection, practicing resilience and patience, rebuilding self-trust, JOY...so much freakin’ JOY to name a few.

I picked up the paintbrush initially because I was both curious about what it would be like to paint, I had a craving to try it AND because I was in need of an activity where there was no pressure to perform, it was just for the pure fun.

It then became an outlet for stress relief, hearing my intuition, detangling from striving and perfectionism in my career and fitness goals. I noticed how I got more comfortable with making messy imperfect art. This practice is also why I’m a creativity facilitator and coach. It’s what cracked open my capacity to think and be creative in ways I never thought were possible for myself.

And it's interesting to reflect on all those amazing gifts that painting, gave me, because really I never set out to receive or experience any of that.

What’s also interesting about all of that is if I had set all of those goals and intentions to build self-trust, connect to my intuition, relieve stress, untangle from perfectionism, I probably either:
(a) would never have started painting at all (HELLOOO OVERWHELM and unrealistic expectations)

or (b) started but became weighed down and frustrated by all of those expectations because they would have taken away from the pure joy of the process and the reason I was drawn to PLAY and PAINT in the first place.

I bring all this up because when we carve out space and time to play, to create just for fun, we're of course going to experience many positive side effects……. but the just for fun part needs to stay close to us. It needs to be at the core of our intention for creating.

Because that becomes the reason we show up…….that intention translates into energy that propels our hands and body into creation mode….that becomes the gateway to experiencing all those positive side effects….

So how do we go about dedicating time and space to do just that…. 

Here are 5 steps to help you create just for the pure joy of it

Step #1: Create a list or make a collage

Fill it with activities you’ve always wanted to try, things you have a desire/longing to create and activities that felt creative and playful to you when you were younger.

Notice any common themes in your list or collage.
Pick 1-2 activities that score an 8-10 on the excitement scale for you… 1=meh/boring and 10=OMG I MUST TRY THIS!!!

STEP #2: Make it a PLAYDATE

This way you can treat it like a meeting and schedule and commit to it in your calendar….BUT because it’s a PLAY-DATE you’ll show up for it with WAY more excitement because guess what it’s FUN O’CLOCK!

STEP #3: Reminders + Ditch those Unhelpful Expectations

It’s okay to have to remind your brain that making things just for fun and imperfectly is important and enjoyable to you. Lovingly let go of those unhelpful expectations and remind yourself of why creating just for fun matters to you and how it makes you feel.

STEP #4: Gather some supplies, but keep it simple

Ideally, start with what you already have or can borrow. If you need to purchase some supplies, make a list of the few essentials you need to begin. This way you avoid getting caught up in research mode worrying about buying every single colour of pastel or finding the “perfect” sketchbook.

BONUS: Keep your supplies within reach, so it’s easy for you to grab them and get CREATING.

STEP #5: Document, reflect and keep experimenting

Journal how your playdates feel, what you create and what feels particularly fun and exciting to you. Continue to make note of what inspires you, desires/cravings you have to create and activities you want to try. Introduce new activities to your playdates and notice what shifts you experience as a result of creating with no “strings attached”.

Just for fun and just because, may be the only two explanations we ever need to begin and continue creating.

Inspired to create more time in your schedule and business to create just for fun…….Download this complimentary worksheet to help you brainstorm and design your own PLAYDATES a.k.a. Just for fun creation and play time!

And because you’ve read this and from your own personal experience you also know that with consistency and curiosity, creating just for fun will become a playground for so much more. 

Tell me…. what’s one creative + playful activity you’re committed to exploring, just FOR FUN, this month?