The Importance of Habits and Routines for Creative People

As a child, I used to detest routines.

They felt like the antithesis of creativity. I believed that creative geniuses could produce brilliant work spontaneously, without the constraints of a structured schedule.

My father, a disciplined man and a Ph.D. holder, embodied the opposite approach. His life was a testament to the power of routines, habits, and an achiever’s mindset.

When I was seven or eight, I watched him juggle a full-time job and his Ph.D. studies. He would come home after a long day at work, spend some time with the family, and then retreat to his study for hours. As a kid, I resented his busyness and couldn't grasp the significance of his professional pursuits. To me, it felt like his rigid schedule was stealing precious moments from our family time.

He often said, "If you want to achieve something truly worthwhile, you need the right attitude, routines, and discipline to pursue it relentlessly."

It took me many years to appreciate the wisdom in his words.

Today, as a Professional Coach, I thrive on my schedule and routines and help my clients—C-suite executives, athletes, and performers—enhance their performance through effective habit and routine management.

As a creative individual, I employ effective habits and routines to improve my performance in these four ways:

1.???? Prioritization and Boundaries: I’ve learned to say no to people, proposals, and projects that don’t align with my vision. Clarity about my priorities—family, health, mental well-being, work, and passions—enables me to focus on what truly matters. Anything outside these key areas receives a firm No. #establishboundaries

2.???? Structured Creativity: My calendar dictates my creative hours. This structure allows me to enter a flow state, where I’m fully immersed in my work. Before diving in, I prepare mentally and physically: I tidy my desk, gather my materials, have water on hand, and play ambient music to enhance my focus. #whatgetsscheduledgetsdone

3.???? Routines for Mindset and Focus: My morning, afternoon, and night routines are designed to prime my mindset, improve focus, and challenge myself daily. These routines help me transition smoothly from one state of mind to another, ensuring I’m mentally prepared for each task. #mindsetroutine

4.???? Purposeful Living: Living with intention means using my time mindfully to achieve my goals and become the person I aspire to be. While not every moment can be perfectly orchestrated, maximizing my time for meaningful pursuits is, in my view, a life well-lived. #intentionallife

Ultimately, all creatives, including you and me, seek to feel accomplished, happy, and content with our lives.

Embracing habits and routines does not stifle creativity; it provides the foundation upon which our creative genius can flourish.