I was putting together some new tracks in my home studio a few weeks ago. I was in such a state of flow that when I paused for lunch, I realised it was ten past four. Such days are a delight – the sort of days you are so immersed in your activity that time flies.
“Time flies like an arrow, Fruit flies like a banana” – Groucho Marx
Some days this isn’t the case. Some days suck. You might go about everything the same way as usual but you find yourself sitting there shuffling with no sense of moving forwards.
In my mission to find better ways to create, I found something that works well for me. I would be very interested to know if it works for you.
Turbo-boost your productivity by doing nothing
Having monitored my behaviour over a two year period (being my own guinea pig) I have adopted some counter-intuitive advice in exchange for quality creative time.
I now take a break from what I am doing.
This may sound counter-productive. However, research shows that when we’re stuck on a task, we have a better chance of making progress by changing focus both mentally and physically.
Imagine for a moment how a centred, rested and nourished version of you would approach your daily creative work. You’d be well balanced and fully focussed on your activity.
There’s also evidence to suggest that by stepping away from creative challenges your subconscious may come up with new ideas or a fresh approach you have yet to test. So not only is it good for your focus, it can also directly inspire your creativity.
Suggested action: Go and do something else. Get in to the habit of taking a deep breath and trying something else for a moment or two. Just let go!
When it’s going well – stop!
I have been experimenting with this approach for some time now and can vouch for positive results. For example, when putting tracks together in my home studio last week, I had been working for 90 minute bursts with 30 minute breaks to get my body and brain away from my creative work.
This complete disconnect from the priority of the day, even for only thirty minutes, resets my physical and mental energy when I get back to it.
With a clearer and sharper mind I often come back to the desk with new solutions. While I’m loading the dishwasher, a new song arrangement might pop in to my head. Or I might have a flash of insight as I’m fixing the VW allowing me to see an old idea in a new way.
In an eight hour day I’m getting at least six productive hours in the studio and two productive hours elsewhere. That’s much more productive than eight half-arsed hours chipping away with no clear direction. Let me break down an example for you:
07:45 – 08:00 – Stretched, hot water with lemon; banana (15 mins)
08:00 – 09:30 – Studio (1hr 30 mins)
09:30 – 10:00 – “Eggs de L’orenzo” (poached eggs on toast), coffee, washing machine loaded, returned a call, texts, twitter (30 mins)
10:00 – 11:30 – Studio (1hr 30 mins)
11:30 – 12:00 – Chopped vegetables, loaded slow cooker, washing hung out to dry (30 mins)
12:00 – 13:30 – Studio (1hr 30 mins)
13:30 – 14:00 – Took iPod for a walk around the block, inhaled fresh air, returned two calls (30 mins)
14:00 – 15:30 – Studio (1hr 30 mins)
15:30 – 16:00 – Afternoon tea, cake, watched a bit of snowboarding video, returned one more call, texts, twitter & facebook (30 mins)
16:00 – 17:30 – Studio (1hr 30 mins)
17:30 – Sandra returned home from a photo shoot in London, I finish tea prep, we eat, chill watching a movie.
This Saturday was rich: full of breaks, time to do small chores and I was still able to find time to interact on Facebook and Twitter. Considering, too, that my studio time could equally be exchanged for any other creativity activity: blogging, writing, building or painting.
Total – Studio time – 7.5 hours
Total – Free time – 2.5+ hours
Suggested action: Set the timer to 90 minutes and then take a 30 minute break, no matter what you are working on. Repeat.
By scheduling and taking breaks we shift our minds away from our immediate creative challenges allowing ourselves an opportunity to come back with revitalised energy levels and fresh inspiration. The unexpected yet beneficial treat from the whole day was that it felt calm, controlled and relaxed.
Have you read the previous part in this series about automation? Or why not be the first to read the next part “Get Away” by subscribing here.
Further reading:
- Part 1 – Delegation
- Part 2 – Automation
- Jonathan Fields – Is Twitter The Ultimate Creation Killer?
- A Day Without Distraction – Lessons Learned from 12 Hours of Forced Focus
Photo Credit: ©Sandra Farrow
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great job on your blog, Rob!
Time is something that we’ll never get back, so it pays to manage your time wisely! Think I’ll go take my break now 😉
Carla
(one of Ariel’s judges)
It so does, Carla. The most precious thing we have.
Thanks for the comment and enjoy your break!
Great blog, Just about to go and chill to get away from the computer…
Totally agree about creating that creative energy. Mine comes from when I am doing excercise in the gym or having a swim. I am so busy swimming that all these buzzy/creative ideas pop into my head – really helpful!
PS Love it that you took your ipod for walk, use a slow cooker and hang out the washing – a renaissance man!
Sally
Haha, thanks Sally. Welcome back from New York!
Yeah it’s good to get away from the computer, eh?
More of a renaissance soul I think – in the spirit of Nick Williams – finding and doing the different kinds of work and activities I love (except hanging out washing).
Looks like we’re not the only ones that benefit from creative inspiration whilst exercising – a few close friends tell me they do too. Often in the shower too – although that’s not strictly exercise I’m told.
I found this useful timer http://ticktocktimer.com/ thanks to Ali on this post, http://www.aliventures.com/thousands-of-words/.
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