Quitting your job ≠ this writing routine (get balance)
Balance paid work & writing with this
In a world of noise and multitasking, there’s an approach that’s a radical yet powerful way to honour your creativity.
It asks one thing: withdraw.
Step back from the clutter of daily demands and offer your full attention to one creative pursuit. If you’re a writer trying to juggle creative work with a day job, this can be your key to two important things.
This method involves dedicating long, uninterrupted stretches of time to one pursuit while removing as many distractions as possible. Think of it as a creative retreat—without needing to escape your life entirely.
How to Make It Work With a Day Job
You don’t need to quit your job or vanish for weeks. This approach can be adapted into your schedule through intentional, periodic isolation:
1. Create Monthly Creative Retreats
Set aside one weekend a month (or even one full day) dedicated solely to your art.
Let others know you’re unavailable.
Turn off your phone. Log out of email.
Use this time to complete a painting, write a short story, or dive deep into a sketch series.
2. Claim Early Mornings or Evenings as Sacred
Choose one day a week where you wake up early or stay up late and devote that block to a single project.
Set up your space the night before—paints laid out, journal open, pencils sharpened.
3. Designate a Creative “Hideaway”
This might be a room, a shed, or even a spot in the library.
Make it a no-distraction zone, even if it’s just for 3–5 hours at a time.
Why It Works
I’ve been reading Cal Newport recently, and in my next article, I’ll share my insights on using this routine, which he calls Monastic mode.
The two important benefits from Cal’s exploration with this mode are depth, and clarity; I’ll let you know how my experience goes.
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