How to Balance Life & Creativity: Secrets from a Creative Coach

Creativity is a powerful force but let’s be honest, balancing it with real life can feel impossible. Between work, family, and responsibilities, making time for your creative passions can seem like a dream that always takes a backseat. But what if you didn’t have to choose?

In this episode of Creative Living, Jane Clauss chats with Lauren Spangler, a creative coach and multi-talented artist, to break down how you can make your art work for you - without sacrificing stability, sanity, or the things that matter most.

Lauren shares her own story of overcoming a seven-year creative block and how she finally found a way to weave creativity into her busy life. She gives us practical tips on time management, mindset shifts, and reframing the link between creativity and financial security so you can stop debating and start doing.

Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just dipping your toes into artistic expression, this conversation will empower you to ditch the fear, embrace your passion, and make space for creativity, even in a jam-packed schedule. Lauren introduces game-changing strategies like “golden hour” and “sprinkle time” to help you integrate creativity into your daily routine.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between your creative dreams and real-life responsibilities, this episode is your sign to take-action. Tune in and redefine what it means to be a creative powerhouse!

Every part of this conversation is packed with insight! But if you’re looking for something specific, these timestamps will guide you.

 

[0:02:17 - 0:07:31] Meet Lauren Spangler! Jane introduces Lauren, a creative coach and multi-talented artist. They dive into the meaning behind “happiness is homemade”, the biggest creative blocks—like fear, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome—and the struggle of feeling like an artist inside but not actually living that creative life.

 

[0:07:31 - 0:14:40] Can creativity and financial stability coexist? Lauren shares how to move past the fear of financial risk, reframe stability and creativity as partners—not opposites, and her personal story of breaking free from a seven-year creative block.

 

[0:14:40 - 0:21:16] Strategies to make your art "work" for you! Jane and Lauren explore how to balance creativity with real life—on your own terms. They discuss how self-reflection can help you discover what drives your creativity and why defining success for yourself is a total game-changer.

 

[0:21:16 - 0:26:04] Mindset matters! Creativity starts in the mind, and Lauren shares why a mindset shift is key to overcoming blocks. Plus, her take on vision boards, choosing a “word of the year,” and other creative goal-setting techniques.

 

[0:26:04 - 0:32:50] What does creativity really mean? Lauren redefines creativity and explains why it’s something everyone should embrace—whether you think you’re an artist or not.

 

 [0:32:50 - 0:43:42] Coaching, inspiration, and next steps. Lauren reflects on the most rewarding part of her work and shares ways listeners can connect with her, access resources, and start taking-action on their creative goals.

 

Creativity isn’t just something you do—it’s part of who you are. And as Lauren Spangler shared, you don’t have to choose between your passions and your responsibilities. With the right mindset and strategies, you can make your art work for you. So whether you start with a golden hour, a sprinkle of time, or just a f