Why rituals help more than inspiration alone
In my creative life, I’ve learned that persistence usually beats inspiration. Amateurs wait to feel ready; professionals build systems that make the work happen. Still, I don’t have it figured out. My routines are fragile, and I fall off them often. The point isn’t perfection—it’s getting back on track and constantly improving the system.
The problem: time and distraction
A problem I have been dealing with for a long time is the feeling of not having enough time. My lists are long, and distractions are plenty. However, learning how to prioritize and accept that I can’t get everything done has helped me a lot. I have identified a handful of daily jobs that need doing, and everything else is secondary.
The keystone habit to get stuff done: a 90-minute morning block
Last year I started a daily 90-minute sketch/design block every morning. No phone. No email. Just pen, paper, and the current problem. On the days I keep this habit, my creative output jumps. On the days I don’t, I feel it immediately. It’s not magic—just practice. And yes, travel, family, or pre–knife show stress often throws it out the window. Then the fight is simply to start again.
A new lever: earlier start
Recently, Karina and I began getting up at 5:00. We make coffee; I head to the shop while she preps the morning with the kids. This is completely distraction-free time—sometimes I work strictly on one task, like fitting locks on the next batch of folders. Other mornings I close a number of smaller chores that have been piling up. I keep a list of these chores, and putting a check in those boxes always energizes me. The extra 90 minutes makes a big difference by Friday. It feels like gaining an extra workday without touching the weekend.
One non-negotiable: delayed screens
I have found that my number one distraction is my phone. It is too easy to end up constantly checking emails or scrolling on social media. A rule I have enforced for a long time is no social media before 3:00 pm. A more recent rule is to avoid checking emails outside my dedicated office hours—and I only read an email if I actually have time to respond. This keeps me from being distracted, but it also means I only read each email once rather than having it occupy my mind for hours or days before responding. You may have experienced waiting for a reply from me by email; this new rule should help reduce that problem. My last rule regarding emails is to maintain a zero inbox. My goal is to clear out every single email each day. Previously, I would leave several emails sitting in my inbox “for later” as reminders or for information. Now I move that information into Trello for easy access, and I create small tasks for myself in Trello instead of leaving the emails unresolved. This has been a huge time saver, and I tend to miss far fewer items on my to-do list.
My current weekday rhythm
05:00–06:30 — Shop: hands-on knife work
06:30–07:30 — Breakfast with the family
07:30–09:00 — Studio: focused creative/design work
09:00–09:30 — Team meeting: align on the day’s goal
09:30–12:00 — Shop: hands-on knife work
12:00–13:00 — Lunch with Karina
13:00–17:00 — Office & shop: admin, logistics, finishing
Of course, it rarely plays out this neatly. Interruptions, deadlines, and family life constantly reshape the plan. The outline just gives me a track to return to.
“Legal distractions”
These are not failsafe routines by any means, and I constantly try to improve, change, and adjust to get better. I’ve found that having a small list of things I consider “legal distractions” keeps my head in the right space. Reading is allowed anytime. A chair in the studio is my reset point. Even five minutes with a book changes the tone of the day. I don’t always use it, but it’s there when I need it. Always be knolling. I allow myself to clean and tidy up the shop or studio, or rearrange furniture and tools if it creates a better flow. Clean shop – clean mind. Sketching and note-taking is king. Any time a new idea or thought comes along I make sure to document it right away—preferably with pen and paper rather than my phone. No need to risk getting distracted.
What I’m still learning
Routines break—holidays, events, or just low-energy days. I’m learning not to beat myself up but to be happy about what I did get done and restart the very next morning. Getting the hang of routines and working around living a creative life is a constant battle. But I am here to win.
Try this
Pick one high-value block (60–90 minutes). Protect it daily. Decide your screen-free window and guard it as best you can. Add one small recovery habit (a short read, a walk, a stretch) that doesn’t involve a phone. When routines break—and they will—reset quickly, without guilt.
Your turn
I don’t share this because I’ve found the perfect system. Far from it. I share it because I’m curious: how do you balance routines and distractions? Hit reply and tell me what works for you. I read every response.
