Routines are good for some, they help with organization and workflow. For others, they’re problematic, an inconvenience that gets in the way of creativity and the ability to act on a whim.

I fall into both categories.

I’ve spoken of my morning routine in the past. It’s something that’s become completely engrained in my life. The days I skip my routine, things feel off. This is, of course, due to the actions taken rather than the routine itself. However, making it a routine keeps me from having to put a lot of effort into the planning of actions.

At 3:30 in the morning, the last thing I want to do is think.

While working, on the other hand, I can’t stand routine. Every day is a blank slate and, depending on the project at hand, my schedule is wildly flexible. Because of the work I do, I need the wiggle room that routines stifle.

Maybe I’ll work from a cafe one day, or meet a client for lunch on another. Some days an idea for a design or article will materialize in my mind and I need to stop everything to get something down on paper.

I need that freedom to alter course.