The Pre-Routine

Scheduled procrastination

As often as I can, I will do a Pre-Routine before I start my daily routine.

I get into the studio early. I eat all my meals in the studio. Not having to think about food helps me keep focused.

I do all the things THEY say you shouldn’t do first thing in the morning. Social media, youtube, emails. I’m everywhere at once.

This is the time I’m most likely to reply to your text.

Creativity is a two-step process.

Step 1 is Divergence.

Step 2 is Convergence.

This is the first step.

I’m not forcing myself to do anything. Not yet, that comes later.

I’m letting my subconscious and my monkey mind take turns taking the lead, I’m coming along for the ride.

I make notes. Catching ideas as they emerge.

A comic idea. A cover idea. Noted.

Creativity is the non-obvious connection between ideas. This pre-routine is a blender of ideas.

I might take a nap.

Or a shower.

I might remember I need to do something, and I might do it.

Or I might make a list.

My pre-routine is scheduled procrastination.

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On the other side of this pre-routine is an absence of distraction, not exactly focus, but an opportunity or readiness to focus.

This is why I prefer to work in long uninterrupted chunks.

It’s why I start my day between 2-4 am, whenever possible.