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 Taking that first Small Step
Sometimes people avoid pursuing their creative dreams because it just seems too overwhelming. They may choose to stay blocked because they think moving in the direction of their creativity will involve changing their whole life all at once. They over-analyze and scare themselves out of moving forward or they tell themselves they don't have the time. It seems much easier just to turn on the television than to make a creative commitment--and so they stay stuck.
Taking Just One Small Step
No matter what you want to create, you don't have to turn your whole life upside down. There is almost always one small action you can take daily to move forward with your creative goals.
First, put aside any internal debate about whether or not you have a good idea. Next, break the project down into small steps, and then do what comes first. Want to write a book? Maybe you'll create an outline or just write the first few pages of chapter one. Want to create beautiful watercolors? Sign up for a class, rent a video or buy a kit and just start painting. Dreaming about starting your own business? Begin by getting your ideas down on paper. The point is to get started--today!
Found Time
If you really want to create, you will have to stop telling yourself you don't have the time. Evaluate where you're spending your time now and make creativity a priority. Chances are there's something on your schedule that could shift a bit--waking up 30 minutes early so you'll have time to write or forgoing that social obligation (the one you really weren't excited about anyway) to take that drum lesson. My friend Bonnie who keeps the most amazing art journal tells me you can accomplish a lot in "15 found minutes."
Avoid Future Thinking
Staying in the present moment is essential to the creative process. If you're focusing on where you're going to sell your photography and wondering if people will like it while you're taking a picture, you're probably going to miss the best shot. Create first for the sake of self-expression, not for the marketplace.
Avoid Distractions
You've set aside a whole morning to work on a beaded masterpiece and then you remember there's no milk left in the refrigerator. There's a pile of laundry too. Let it go for now. You'll have more energy left for the mundane tasks when you've allowed yourself time to create.
By taking one small step, you're saying "Why not?" instead of asking questions that will keep you stuck. I don't know about you, but I'm starting that book today! | 
Ideas and Tips 
I received an email this morning from David Nack who was in my Artist's Way class last fall. David, an engineer, had never done any drawing beyond cartoons in high school--and he had certainly never put brush to canvas before last November.
