We dream of pursuing our passions, writing a novel, painting a masterpiece, or starting a business. Yet, when faced with the daily grind of work, family, and other commitments, it’s easy to believe we don’t have the time to pursue our creative endeavors. But what if I told you that time is not the enemy? What if I shared the inspiring story of Jules Verne, the man who defied time constraints to become one of the most celebrated authors in history?
Born in Nantes, France, on February 8, 1828, Jules Verne was not a full-time writer. He was a stockbroker, a job demanding long hours and unwavering attention. Yet, despite his demanding job, Verne harbored a deep love for storytelling, particularly in science fiction. So, what did he do? He made time.
Every morning, before the sun had even risen, Jules Verne would awaken at 5:00 a.m. to steal a few precious hours for his writing. While others slept, he poured his imagination onto the page, crafting tales of adventure and exploration. And his dedication paid off. His first novel, “Five Weeks in a Balloon,” published in 1850, garnered such success that Verne boldly decided to leave his job and pursue writing full-time.
Verne’s story is a testament to the power of determination and prioritization. Despite his busy schedule and the demands of everyday life, he carved out time for his passion. He didn’t wait for the perfect moment or more hours in the day; he made the time because his vision was worth it. And in doing so, he transformed his dreams into reality.
You might be thinking, “But I’m not Jules Verne. I don’t have the luxury of quitting my job to pursue my passion.” And that’s a valid concern. Not everyone can—or should—make such a drastic leap. However, the critical takeaway from Verne’s story is not about quitting your job; it’s about making time for what matters to you.
Think about your day. How do you spend your time? Are there moments—early in the morning, during your lunch break, or late at night—where you could devote even a few minutes to your creative pursuits? The fact is that it’s not about having time; it’s about making time. And if Jules Verne could find the time amidst his busy schedule, indeed, there’s a way for you, too.
It may mean waking up half an hour earlier each day to write a few pages of your novel. It may involve carving out a quiet corner in your home where you can paint or sketch for a few minutes each evening. Or it could be as simple as carrying a notebook wherever you go, ready to jot down ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
The point is that creativity thrives on something other than an abundance of time; it thrives on dedication and consistency. It’s about showing up, day after day, even when it feels like there’s no time to spare. Because the truth is, the time will never be perfect. There will always be competing priorities and demands vying for your attention. But if you genuinely want to bring your vision to life, you must be willing to prioritize it.
So, to all those who believe they can’t create or write because they have no time, I challenge you to reconsider. I challenge you to take a page from Jules Verne’s book and make the time, however small it may seem. Whether it’s five minutes or fifty, every moment you devote to your passion is a step closer to realizing your dreams.
Don’t let the constraints of time hold you back. Embrace the spirit of Jules Verne, and let your creativity soar. Your vision is worth it.