Do What You Can in Your EXTRA Time – Above is Priority

Let’s be real—life gets hectic, especially when you’re trying to juggle a creative passion like photography with everything else. Finding extra time can feel like a rare thing, but it’s what you do with that time that counts. And here’s the truth: it’s not just about doing more—it’s about knowing what needs your focus and what can wait.

I’ve learned that prioritizing isn’t just a fancy buzzword; it’s how you avoid burning out while keeping your business moving forward. So, if you’re wondering how to use those little windows of free time, let’s talk about what really matters and how to make every moment count.

Why Prioritization Matters (More Than You Think)

Before we get into the whole “extra time” part, let’s start with why prioritizing is a game changer. It’s easy to get caught up in doing all the things that feel important but don’t actually move the needle. If you’re a photographer, you probably know what I mean—things like tweaking your website design, rearranging your studio, or even re-editing old photos for the third time (been there, trust me).

But here’s the deal: your client work, meeting deadlines, and staying on top of inquiries? That is what keeps your reputation solid and your business thriving. These tasks are the foundation, and when those are covered, that’s when you can dive into the extras. It’s not about ignoring the little things; it’s about knowing when they come into play.

Making the Most of Extra Time

So, what do you do when you’ve checked off the must-dos? That’s when you can lean into your extra time—and make it work for you in a meaningful way. Here’s how:

Sharpen Your Skills
Even after years in photography, I’m still looking for ways to improve. Use your free time to explore new techniques, try out different editing styles, or watch a tutorial that’s been sitting on your watchlist. It doesn’t have to be a deep dive—just a little something to keep your skills fresh. It’s like keeping your creative muscles in shape, so you’re always ready when inspiration hits.

Tidy Up Your Workflow
When things slow down, take the opportunity to streamline your processes. Maybe it’s cleaning up your Lightroom catalog, setting up some email templates, or creating a more efficient file naming system (seriously, this saves so much time in the long run). These aren’t flashy changes, but they make a difference when things pick up again.

Invest in Learning
Learning isn’t just about mastering new gear or software. It’s also about staying up-to-date with trends and understanding the business side of things. You don’t need to enroll in a big course—just spend 30 minutes reading an article, listening to a podcast, or experimenting with a new feature in your editing software. Those little bits of knowledge add up over time.

Build Connections
Networking can feel like a chore, but think of it as just being a little more social. Use those free moments to engage with other creatives on social media, reach out to a mentor, or simply reply to comments thoughtfully. You’d be surprised at how many opportunities can come from a simple conversation or a thoughtful DM.

But First, Focus on What Matters Most

Even with all those ideas for using your extra time, you’ve got to keep your priorities clear. It’s tempting to spend time on the things that feel satisfying right away, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of what really drives your business. Here’s where your focus should be:

Client Work Always Comes First
Client deliverables should always be at the top of your list. Editing those galleries, responding to inquiries, and keeping up with deadlines not only keeps your clients happy but also builds your reputation. And let’s be honest—happy clients are the best marketing there is. So before diving into side projects, make sure your main work is done and done well.

Keep the Core Running Smoothly
The basics—like managing your bookings, updating your portfolio, and making sure your website is working—are what keep your business open and ready for new opportunities. It’s not glamorous, but having these things in order means you can focus on being creative when the time comes.

Don’t Forget About You
It’s easy to fill every extra minute with tasks, but sometimes the best use of your time is to recharge. Whether that’s taking a walk, doing a little yoga, or just having a quiet moment with your coffee, taking care of yourself is a priority too. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right?

Balancing Your Priorities with Extra Time

So how do you find that sweet spot between getting the important stuff done and making time for those “extras”? Here are a few things that help me:

• Follow the 80/20 Rule: Spend 80% of your time on the tasks that directly contribute to your goals—like client work and business essentials—and use the other 20% for the extras that make you better at what you do.
• Set Boundaries for Side Projects: It’s super easy to get lost in passion projects, but setting a time limit helps keep things in check. For example, if I’m tweaking my website, I’ll give myself an hour and then move on to the next priority.
• Reflect and Adjust: Take a little time each week to look at what you accomplished and where you spent most of your time. If you notice that you’re getting distracted from your priorities, adjust for the next week. It’s all about staying on track without being too rigid.

Final Thoughts: Use Your Time Wisely

Making good use of your extra time isn’t about cramming in more tasks—it’s about being intentional with the time you have. Focus on what truly matters first, and let the extra moments enhance, rather than distract from, your core goals. You’ll find that those little moments of effort can lead to bigger results than you might expect.

Whether you’re learning a new skill, tidying up your workflow, or simply taking a moment to breathe, make sure it aligns with what you want for your business. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating balance—knowing that you’re moving forward, even when time is tight.

Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Your Extra Time:

Write down your top three priorities each week and make them non-negotiable.

Schedule “power hours” for side projects—these focused bursts of time can help you make progress without taking away from your main goals.

Reflect weekly on how you’re spending your time and make adjustments as needed.

Feel free to drop a comment or reach out if you have any questions about making the most of your time—I’m always happy to chat about finding that balance!