I always feel like my schedule is inadequate. There isn’t enough time in the day. I have to hurry up and wait. I always have something along to do because I have to drop a kid off at sports practice, and it’s not worth it to go home. Sometimes I forget to bring something to do.
The book I’m reading right now is Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey (not an affiliate link). It describes in detail the daily schedule that great people in the arts have had – writers, artists, composers, etc. I thought it might be a good idea to see what other people do and how other people set up their day. Maybe I could find something to help me.
I’m partially through the book, and a pattern has emerged. The vast majority of artists did most of their work from 9AM till Noon. Most of them took a walk after lunch, sometimes for several hours, and did some office work before supper. After supper, a majority of the artists either went to parties or read books. Those who were around before the 1850’s would have their social time in the afternoon and do office things or read in the evening.
So far, I have only seen one mention of television. Most of the artists mentioned are from the 20th Century, so you would think they would follow the norm and have television as one of their diversions. Not at all. The one person who watched TV was a movie producer, which makes sense.
Applying This Information
Exercising during the afternoons in the summer is a definite no-go. I’m training for a marathon. Outside. The entire month of July is usually in a heat advisory here in Omaha. Nope. That’ll stay firmly stuck in early mornings or evenings, as my schedule permits.
The 9AM till Noon portion of the average schedule intrigues me. I could change it so my work time is 9 – noon starting in the school year. I could spend that time alternating between composing and practicing.
I like to watch TV. It helps me unwind. It keeps my mind occupied while I fold laundry. My kids learned to read before PreK because they watched PBS. Maybe I should cut back on TV. I’m not sure. I do use it for good, but it’s also a time thief.
During the school year, my late afternoons and early evenings are pretty booked up. Between giving music lessons and taking my kids to sports practices, there’s not much time left. After that, I tend to crash on the couch and watch TV. Maybe I could do my office things at that time, like the pre-1850s people did in the book.
As for partying, I wouldn’t know where to start. I’ve never been a partier, even in college. I also don’t know how wise it would be for me to go out, what with having young children.
Do What Works for You
I know that I’m in the minority, being able to set up my day like this. Most of my work is in the afternoons and evenings because I teach flute and piano. If you can’t set up your schedule like the majority of the greats, don’t worry. You have a different path.
There were lots of people in the book who worked longer than this on their art. There were lots of people who didn’t start working on their art until 10PM, and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning. There were people who got up at 4AM to write until breakfast time. These were the outliers, but they can be other ideas for you. I hope this information helps you like it has helped me.