Writer Madeleine Dore discusses rethinking writing routines, embracing imperfection in creative processes, and her unique approach to Substack. She explores the importance of embracing micro-ambitions, flexibility in daily routines, and overcoming writing challenges in the creative process.
Rethinking ruts as transformative moments for reflection and growth in creativity.
Infusing routine tasks with creativity to deepen engagement and personal growth.
Utilizing anchor points for stability in routines while allowing flexibility for spontaneity and creativity.
Deep dives
Rethinking Ruts: Embracing the Pause in Creative Progress
Rethinking the traditional view of ruts as negative, the podcast delves into the idea that ruts can be transformative moments when we pause to reflect on the patterns that no longer serve us. It emphasizes shifting from rigid routines to allowing space for exploration and change. By embracing the rut as a natural part of the creative process, individuals can evolve their perspectives and find new inspiration.
Creative Living: Using Curiosity and Creativity as Tools for Daily Artistry
The podcast explores the concept of living artfully by reframing productivity as a lens for creativity rather than a strict measure of success. It encourages individuals to infuse creativity into mundane tasks, using curiosity to deepen their engagement with daily activities. By approaching life through a creative lens, individuals can transform routine tasks into opportunities for self-expression and personal growth.
Anchor Points: Balancing Flexibility and Structure in Daily Practices
Discussing a nuanced approach to routines, the episode highlights the use of anchor points instead of rigid schedules. Anchor points offer a flexible framework that provides stability and consistency while allowing room for adaptability. By incorporating anchor points into daily practices, individuals can strike a balance between structure and spontaneity, fostering creativity and personal growth.
Developing a Flexible Routine for Productivity
Embracing the concept of a flexible routine, the podcast highlights the example of an author and artist, Austin Clay, who integrates creativity into his daily activities without rigid constraints. Clay's approach involves identifying key anchors like writing, walking, sharing in his newsletter, and reading, allowing these activities to fit around various obligations, ensuring a good day. These anchors travel with him through different settings, showing how small consistent actions have compound benefits. By maintaining flexibility and not being tied to a fixed schedule, individuals can witness the momentum these small actions create for larger career milestones.
Navigating Time Management with Splodges of Time
The podcast delves into the concept of 'splodges of time' as a means to manage time efficiently, drawing inspiration from the artist Becky Orpen's approach of making use of even short time intervals productively. By embracing the idea of seizing moments of time rather than waiting for extended periods, individuals like Orpen can make progress consistently. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the subjective nature of time and adapting to different environments or schedules, showcasing how utilizing 'splodges of time' can lead to significant accomplishments amidst varying circumstances.
Madeleine Dore, author of ‘I Didn’t Do The Thing Today’ on rethinking writing routines and ruts, how to rid ourselves of the pressure to do more, embracing imperfection in the creative process, and her unique approach to her Substack newsletter.
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ABOUT MADELEINE DORE
Madeleine Dore is a writer, interviewer and author of I Didn’t Do The Thing Today'. As a labour of love, Madeleine spent over five years exploring how we can broaden the definition of a day well spent in her popular blog Extraordinary Routines and podcast Routines & Ruts. She continues to write, speak and explore themes of creativity and connection—but mostly tries to hold things lightly.