Does a Solid Daily Routine Help Creative People Achieve More?

Or would you rather just wing it — do whatever “feels” right?

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

I love my routine. It helps me feel secure and calm and organized.

In July of 2018, I started The Miracle Morning a book by Hal Elrod, Anna David, and Joe Polish.

There is a variety to choose from such as The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs, for Real Estate Agents, one for Parents and Families, Network Marketers, etc.

Since I planned on quitting drinking I bought the one for Addiction Recovery.

I am still following this routine today — a full four years later and I must say it is an effective plan that has allowed me to realize a much more productive day and successful life.

Of course, giving up alcohol several months later, also added to my success. 

This practice is one I would recommend for anyone who wants to achieve improvement in all areas of their life.

The routine is one-hour first thing upon waking dedicated to focusing on positive LIFE SAVERS. 

The SAVERS are Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, (or meditation), Exercise, Reading (uplifting or spiritual works — whatever inspires you), and finally Scribing (or journaling). I have found it is a perfect start to the day.

Find the volume that appeals to you for your specific field of interest and learn how it can change your morning. 

Now that we’ve looked at the morning, it’s time for the rest of your day.

One routine doesn’t work for everyone

Now for the contradiction concerning routines. The Miracle Morning routine is a wonderful one for most — albeit not everyone. 

The good news is that this routine can be adjusted depending on your idiosyncrasies. 

If you’re not an early riser but rather a night owl, move the SAVERS to the evening.

What is crucial is that we implement a daily routine and stay with it. Our minds and bodies — e.g. muscle (or mind/body) memory — will fall into a rhythm if we repeat it every day.

If you love rising early — great. 

Is that when you are in your best mood or imaginative space? Or when time is available to you to write, paint or sculpt or do whatever is your creative activity? 

After my morning routine, I typically take my Golden Retriever, Merlin, out for a jaunt, returning home to a few cups of coffee and a light breakfast. 

Often, a few games of pickleball take place several mornings a week.

Daily chores are next and soon time for lunch. 

Finally, I get to create. Right now I’m focusing most of my efforts on writing for Medium. 

Occasionally, I will take the time to design and create a collage. It’s a much different artistic process than writing — yet a challenging exercise for my brain.

Many consider mid-afternoon as a vacant brain time.

Not me. Afternoons, beginning between 1 and 2, is the time my mind conjures ideas of which to write. 

It also helps to have a few inspirations jotted down ahead of time to loosen the juices.

I will be at my computer for the next few hours until the time arrives to begin preparing dinner. (Hubby gets hungry.)

By this time I have usually completed an article, including a photo, title, and subtitle and I’m ready to hit “publish”.

This is a very satisfying day for me.

Lists

A part of my routine are lists. As I mentioned I prefer having a few ideas for articles at the ready before I settle down to write.

I also rely on a weekly to-do list. This contains items I MUST do, those I SHOULD do, and those I WANT to do.

My list helps keeps my thoughts and needed actions organized. 

Each category contains at least three items to be completed. I love crossing them off as I finish each. So satisfying.

At the top of the page is what I consider to be my most important goal for the week. For example; this week's primary goal was to do something for me. 

I buy pre-printed pads that have the categories (Must do, etc.)listed for easy access. They are available online from the Living Well Shop. 

What about “you time?”

I was spending time in California, with my son, Nick and we decided we hadn’t visited a museum in months. Nick chose the Oakland Museum of California. There was a specific exhibit he wanted to view. It was the story of Edith Heath, the founder and creative mind behind Heath Ceramics in Sausalito. Fascinating. 

I’m so glad he chose that museum even though I didn’t know I would be interested in that exhibit. 

Edith was an inspirational individual — way ahead of her time.

 I am motivated to be more creative and look for other artistic outlets to explore after seeing her story.

Taking time for oneself is critical self-care, stimulating your mind, and satisfying your curiosity. Plus, nothing beats learning something new and interesting. 

You never know what may spring from an outing. It’s imperative to stretch and grow and with a routine in place daily, you will have more opportunities to find pockets of time to investigate new areas of interest.

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By the end of the week, I easily see what I’ve accomplished and what still needs to be achieved. The left-over tasks are moved to a new list that will be prepared Sunday evening. 

My routine helps me feel efficient and effective.

Do you have a routine that streamlines your day? Do you make lists? Do you find it helpful to have either?

Some people may feel stifled with a routine. They are more easygoing and carefree than me. This is fine, of course.

We need to know ourselves, what works for us and how we are most successful and happy.