Almost every artist I know will agree it’s more fun to accomplish the tedious and unartistic tasks in less time so they can spend more time creating art. Smart artists work less and create more when they apply simple laws and timeless principles. In this article you’ll find some tips on how to spend your time and focus on productivity.
The 80/20 Rule, Known as the Pareto Principle
In 1906, Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto created a mathematical formula to describe the unequal distribution of wealth in his country. He observed that 20% of the people owned 80% of the wealth. It was later referred to as the 80/20 Rule and the Pareto’s Principle.
Pareto’s Principle or Pareto’s Law is a useful tool to help you prioritize and manage the work in your life. The purpose of the 80/20 Rule is to force you to be more conscious of how you use time.
This popular principle means that in any situation, 20% of the inputs or activities are responsible for 80%t of the outcomes or results. You have probably observed this law in motion by realizing that 80% of your sales income is generated by 20% of your customers or that 20% of your sales strategies result in 80% of your sales. Based on this law, I encourage you to consider who you spend your time pursuing for sales with the majority of your time selling to your fan base.
On this topic you may want to read How to Create An Art Patron Plan. Also read A Single Art Sale Holds Tremendous Potential.
The Tale About Using The Sharpest Tools for Success
Have you heard of the old tale about two lumberjacks who decided to hold a tree-cutting contest? The first one picked up a rusty ax, quickly ran into the woods and immediately started to chop trees. Needless to say his inadequate ax was a hindrance. The second lumberjack chose to spend most of his time during the contest sharpening his ax. When it was fit to use, he quickly chopped down the biggest tree.
What’s the point of this tale and how does it relate to you? When you have a job to do, don’t waste your time using inferior tools, unproven strategies and worn out materials that won’t provide the best quality and outcome.
If you wish to master a task, focus your time on becoming proficient before you jump in. Also, don’t waste your time doing things where you know you’re not going to excel. Delegate them to someone who has mastered the skill with sharp tools.
Proficient skills and tools save time. For example, instead of struggling with trying to write your Artist’s Biography, consider hiring a professional arts writer with experience. Check out my writing services for artists.
Parkinson’s Law About Time
In an article in The Economist, in 1955, Cyril Northcote Parkinson, the famous British historian and author stated, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” This adage was later expanded in his book Parkinson’s Law: The Pursuit of Progress. Today, this law is enforced by many top business leaders, executives and managers. It is based on the fact that we tend to take more time to complete a task if we know there is more time to do it.
You can apply Parkinson’s simple law this way: Instead of focusing on being busy and doing work, focus on getting projects completed. Shift the focus and you’ll gain a different insight. Also give yourself strict deadlines. Reward yourself for finishing projects efficiently.
When you have a small project to finish set a digital timer for 60 or so minutes. As you anticipate the sound of the timer alerting you that the time is up, you’re more likely to avoid wasting valuable time.
Check below for articles on how to save time for busy artists, get organized and accomplish more success in less time.
Also Read…
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Artists.
Read 10 More Time Saving Tips for Busy Artists.
Read Simple Organizational Tips for Artists.
Read 16 Steps to Achieve Your art Career Goals in 30 Days Spending 30 Minutes A Day.
Leave a Reply