It was nice to have a week off from work. I thought I’d do a ton of book writing. I did a good amount, but on day three, I felt exhausted. So I rested. And rested. And rested. On day four and five, I spring-cleaned the house and garden. Then, we went on a two-day trip, and the holiday was almost over.
I felt bad for a minute, but I had to admit: I did need the rest, and the house needed the cleaning. Perhaps it’s better to arrive at work fully charged than completely spent. The more I thought about it, the more I looked forward to my workday routine again. Half an hour to an hour each morning isn’t as much creative time as a big block on a day off, but it’s predictable. Reliable. And it happens every day.
It’s tempting to blow air into small routines until they’re big balloons meant to carry us to our goals. When you can find the space, the occasional attempt is worthwhile. But remember that big balloons burst easily, and when you spend your time picking up scraps off the floor instead of flying, you might as well stay on the ground.
Big time means big potential, but its potential for chaos as much as for success. Cherish your small routines. In time, they’ll take you anywhere.
