Optimize for Creative Work - By Jason Heath

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I am thrilled to share my first GUEST POST! Jason Heath is the host of Contrabass Conversations, a highly regarded podcast and blog dedicated to exploring all ideas and music related to the double bass. He has incredibly insightful ideas and here he shares his secrets for staying productive and reaching his creative peak! To learn more about Jason, you can visit his website and find him on Facebook / Instagram.

Enjoy!!

Optimize for Creative Work

by Jason Heath

Maintaining a musical career takes a lot of creative energy. Here are some tactics I employ nearly every day that ensure I am optimizing for peak creative work.

1. Know your biorhythms

I like waking up early, going to the gym, and making a high-protein breakfast. These two daily rituals set me up for great morning work.

My most complex tasks are scheduled in the morning. This is when I write, record podcasts, sketch out project plans, and practice my instrument.

Afternoons aren’t as creative for me, so this is when I handle my calendar, answer emails, and do work that doesn’t require as much creative spark.

2. Use a timer

I’m a huge fan of the Pomodoro Technique, and I work in 25-minute chunks throughout the day with 5-minute breaks between each session.

Whether practicing, writing, or even responding to email, this timer keeps me focused on the task at hand and keeps me fresh with frequent short breaks.

3. Change your surroundings

Throughout the day, I quit working at home and head to a coffee shop, library, or other working space. Changing my environment rejuvenates me and improves the quality of my work.

Also, I’ll schedule in a 20-30 minute walk during the middle of the day, which gets my body moving and clears my head.

4. Reward yourself

For me, 5 pm is my cutoff for any kind of work. After 5, I spend time with my wife, play around on my iPad, or allow myself to just sit and zone out.

I find that grinding out work too late into the day reduces the quality of my work the next day. Rewarding myself with some fun at the end of the day is a great technique for keeping my energy up during the mornings and early afternoons.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you find these strategies helpful!

time management, mindsetMKI Artists