2 Simple Tips For Busy Professionals To Maximize Their Time In The Workshop, Create More Projects, And Tap Into Their Creative Side

Time is a struggle for just about everyone, but especially busy professionals juggling work, family, friends, and other responsibilities ahead of hobbies.

I've been there and it is challenging to keep all the balls in the air while still having time for what you are passionate about. You can't burn the candle at both ends and only Make things after the kids go to bed or in an hour or two on the weekend.

Fortunately, I found these 2 simple tips helped me get more out of my limited workshop time, which helped me create more projects, and gave me the time to think creatively as well.

Tip 1: Make A Paper Checklist

Starting of basic, but before you skip this tip, hear me out.

I resisted making a paper checklist for my projects at first because I thought I was too good for it. However, by making a checklist, you let yourself separate the thinking of the build from the physical build. You can make your checklist anywhere, then in the workshop, you don't get as sidetracked and waste time.

As basic as a checklist is, it will help you get more done in less time, which lets you create more projects (or reclaim the time for other things).

Tip 2: Sweep Up Before You Leave The Workshop

In his book, Every Tool's A Hammer, Adam Savage talks about the importance of tidying your workspace before you leave and he's completely right.

If you have things everywhere in your workshop, the next time you come in you won't know where to start and "productively procrastinate" by cleaning. Instead, take a couple of minutes when you're done in your workshop to put whatever tools you have out away, charge the batteries, and tidy things up. That way, when you get back in the shop, you can get straight to making things.

By keeping an accurate checklist and a clean(ish) workshop, you'll maximize your time pretty much every time.