Look, I’m not selling anything. Or posing as any kind of self-help guru. Nor am a pushing a lifestyle change that may be unattractive or unfeasible. But I wanted to write about a huge shift I made in my routine, and, gah, how it’s transformed my productivity and overall mental health.
6am starts. Simple. Except it isn’t. Especially if you’re not a natural early riser. Or if you’re a night owl who likes to stay up late into the wee hours. Me, I’m a lazy sod. King of the Lie In, Lord of the Snooze Button. But something’s been nagging at me for a while: the time that’s being taken away from me.
Not just in terms of ‘getting older’ (although that’s a factor). But in the day-to-day distractions that regularly drag my to-do list into the mud. Emails, meetings, phone calls (hah, what are they? oh, hold on, the phone’s ringing, oh, spam), chats, commissioned work, interruptions, commuting, banking, admin, eating, exercise. HOW AM I MEANT TO GET ANY OF MY OWN WRITING DONE?
Once 2025 got underway (call it a New Year resolution if you want), I decided I’m going to steal Some Me Time. Uninterrupted. Write what I want. Get shit done. Perhaps in the evening, post-work? Nope, too tired and spent. How about 5am? Too early. 6am? OK. Some Me Time. Uninterrupted. Write what I want. Get shit done. Here’s how it goes:
6am The alarm. I’m usually already awake, which I take as a good sign, my brain anxious or eager to get going (or guilting me out if I DON’T budge). But I snuggle in bed for a few extra minutes anyway.
6.15am Kitchen. I drink a homemade smoothie (kale, spinach, any kind of fruit, pre-made the night before; been doing this for years, massive benefits). I make a cup of tea. I flip open the laptop. Check news and basic social media, just to ease myself into fully awake mode.
6.30am Internet cut off. Launch Final Draft (screenwriting software) and begin writing (based on previously worked-out treatments).
8am. Have another cup of tea, with some breakfast, typically Ryvita smothered in peanut butter & honey; I’m totally addicted.
8.30am. Revise, review or finish the day’s pages. My goal is 5 pages, which is usually a scene or small sequence. I’m also a fast touch typer, that helps a LOT.
9am. I shower, dress and open up shop for the rest of the day. Sometimes continuing to WFH, other times in a shared office with friends/colleagues.
When I started this routine, I had no idea how it would go, or how damaging or beneficial it would be. I was wary of the early starts, and how tired it would make for the rest of the day, or if I would be a zombie by nightfall.
Almost six weeks later*, I can tell you that it’s been transformative. I’ve never felt so energised or productive. I’ve completed a first draft of a new feature screenplay, and have already started another. The creative buzz feeds into the rest of the day’s work - which includes other writing and/or feedback to others, plus my ongoing freelance filmmaking exploits. If I’m at home, and feeling an afternoon hit, I may take a nap to catch up with myself. Hey, I said I was getting older.
Now I know, this positive transformation is REALLY ANNOYING. I’m annoyed with myself. I’m annoyed with the amount of time I’ve wasted or procrastinated over the years. (I’ve never really beat myself up over procrastination, embracing it as part of the process, but now there’s no excuse.) Time, as we all know, is the greatest thief of all. We think we have plenty of it but HAHAHAHA sorry you were saying? Don’t waste it. Hustle yourself to do something about it.
It doesn’t have to be an early start. Anywhere you can steal two hours of your day from everyone and everything else will work. If you do, your writing will open up in ways you didn’t think possible - progress running like a bullet train.
And hey, treat yourself to a Ryvita smothered with peanut butter & honey. You can thank me later.
*Can I make it last?? Will I crash & burn eventually???
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