A New Chapter in My Professional Life
For the first time in my professional career, I’m not receiving a flat salary regardless of how many hours I work. As a consultant and business owner, my income is now directly linked to the amount of time I put in. This change has led me to (begrudgingly) track my hours and tasks for the first time in my life. (Apologies to my husband, who’s had to listen to me drag my feet and complain about it.)
Discovering My Optimal Work Rhythm
Tracking my time has been enlightening. I’ve realized that I prefer working on one project or task for 1 to 1.5-hour chunks before switching to something else. Additionally, I’ve discovered that I have about 2 to 3 hours of really good creative work each day. Beyond that, creating anything starts to feel forced and draining.
Interestingly, this aligns with AJ&Smart’s Workshopper Master program, which suggests that people only have about 3 hours of focused creative energy daily and recommends planning accordingly in workshops.
Researching Creative Productivity
Being a curious person, I decided to do some research on this topic. I found numerous anecdotal references to famous writers and inventors, particularly Charles Darwin. Darwin reportedly worked in 60 to 90-minute blocks and spent the rest of his day walking, reading, and spending time with his family—a routine that sounds quite lovely.
I also came across many references to the book “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less,” which cites a 1951 study. Has anyone read it?
Designing a Balanced Schedule
One of the reasons I started my own business was to have the freedom to create a schedule that allows for creative time without leaving me feeling burned out. My experience with burnout has always been more related to the type or quality of work I’m doing rather than the quantity of hours. The data I’m finding from my own life and others’ experiences supports this.
Implementing a Productive Routine
Given these insights, I plan on dedicating 2 to 3 hours each day to creative work. The rest of my working hours will be filled with activities that complement my creative energy. These activities might include reading or learning, sharing my work and getting feedback, discussing projects with others, or handling administrative tasks. And let’s not forget the value of a good old-fashioned walk.
Adding to My Reading List
Of course, I’m adding “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less” to my ever-growing list of books to read. 📚
Navigating this new phase of my career has been a learning experience. By understanding my work habits and energy levels, I’m creating a balanced schedule that maximizes both productivity and creativity. This journey has taught me the importance of aligning my work routine with my natural rhythms, allowing me to achieve more while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
