One really hard lesson that I am trying to learn (rather unsuccessfully) is about sustainability and pacing. You see part of sustainable creativity is how do you pace yourself to avoid burnout.
Sustainability and habits (especially bad ones)
I have got into really bad habits of working seven days per week. This means that I don’t work as hard as I should during the week and then I compensate by working all weekend. So during the week I feel guilty that I am not working 8-10 hours a day and on the weekend I am pissed off that I am working instead of relaxing or having fun.
Vicious circle this.
Weekends are really important. Or even just a day off.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
It also makes Jack burnt out and grumpy – and ultimately uncreative.
Creativity needs downtime
Creativity requires a spark of life. If you are tired and grumpy there ain’t going to be any creativity coming out of you.
I am going to vow to start taking at least one day over the weekend off. To loaf around, get out in the fresh air, to wander some markets or sit under a tree and read a book – anything that doesn’t involve sitting in front of my computer (wait, I’m sitting in front of my computer on a Sunday writing about not sitting in front of my computer on a Sunday….. there’s something wrong with this…. clearly my bad habits still need attention…). Okay, I’m not perfect. We’re all trying to implement better work habits in a bid for sustainability.
That said, I’m going to try and get a night off out the deal.
Don’t work weekends.
It’s a bad habit and it doesn’t make you any more productive or creative.
A proper rest and a fresh attitude to Monday will make you both more productive and creative.
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