Why You Don't Need a Routine

Rethinking Your Limits & Routines

Ever feel boxed in by the idea that you must have a strict routine, do everything perfectly, or cling to every habit—even when it no longer serves you?

This week, we’re challenging that mindset by exploring why routines might be overrated, why perfection is a myth, and why sometimes letting go can lead to unexpected gains.

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In This Week’s Issue

📌 Art 123: This Week’s Biggest Creative News
– A curated rundown of what’s happening in the art world.

📌 Why You Don’t Need a Routine
– Discover how flexibility can spur creativity and enhance productivity.

📌 Exclusive Insights from Our Writers
– Explore personal style, the future of local theaters, Sean Baker’s fight for indie cinema, and Paris Black’s take on art and culture.

📌 You Can’t Do It All
— Learn why the pursuit of perfection across every area is setting you up for burnout. What to let go, and what to focus on instead.

Art 123: The Week's Top Creative News

1. Visual Arts | Piglets “Rescued” Amid Controversial Exhibit
   A provocative art installation in Denmark—designed to spotlight the cruelty in mass meat production—took an unexpected turn when three piglets, originally set to starve as part of the exhibit, were stolen by animal rights activists.
   
   Why It Matters – The incident fuels debate on the ethics of using live animals in art and forces us to reconsider the limits of artistic expression in raising awareness about animal rights. Read more here.
   
2. Music | iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 Celebrates Industry’s Biggest Stars
   The iHeartRadio Music Awards took place last week, honoring major artists like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Sabrina Carpenter. Standout performances included a high-energy set by Post Malone and a surprise collaboration between Doja Cat and Billie Eilish.
   
   Why It Matters – The ceremony highlighted the evolving sound of mainstream music while reinforcing the growing influence of genre-blending collaborations in today’s industry. Read more here.
   
3. Design | The Collect Craft Fair in London Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovation
   London’s Collect Craft Fair at Somerset House brought together over 400 makers, pushing the boundaries of contemporary craftsmanship. The fair offered a compelling mix of tradition and innovation, featuring Lee So-ra’s jogakbo textiles, which evoke the elegance of stained glass, and James Trundle’s sculptural furniture, blending digital precision with time-honored woodworking techniques.
   
   Why It Matters – At a time when mass production dominates, Collect reaffirms the power of the handmade. The event highlights how craft is evolving—embracing new technologies while preserving cultural heritage—proving that artisanal mastery remains as relevant as ever in our tech-driven world. Read more here.

Breaking Free from the Routine Trap: A Creative Professional's Perspective

We've all been there—dreaming up the perfect future. Success, time, money, notoriety, and the freedom to create the art we love. These are valid goals, worth pursuing with passion and dedication. As a recording artist and newsletter creator, I intimately understand this journey.

Our team has made significant progress, and I'm proud to share our ongoing story with you. However, I want to challenge a pervasive myth in the world of productivity: the idea that success requires a rigid, unchanging daily routine.

The Myth of the Perfect Routine

You've likely heard stories about successful people who meticulously structure every moment of their day. Famous CEOs who wear the same outfit daily, entrepreneurs who eat identical meals, and productivity gurus who swear by their precise morning rituals. While simplifying certain aspects of life can create mental space, not every path to success looks the same. In fact, studies have shown that rigid schedules can sometimes hinder creativity and productivity. For instance, research from Stanford University found that employees with flexible work arrangements reported 50% less stress and were 55% more engaged in their work compared to those with rigid schedules.

Embracing Creative Chaos

As an artist, I've learned that creativity doesn't conform to a strict schedule. My life is gloriously unpredictable. Some days, I'll spend hours diving deep into research and writing for this publication. Other days, I'm lost in my home studio, crafting musical landscapes. And yes, there are days when I do neither—when life's complexity demands my attention or inspiration hasn't yet struck.

This non-linear approach isn't a weakness; it's a strength. Creative minds often function in what might appear to others as a haphazard way. Our productivity isn't measured by a checklist but by the depth of our work, the authenticity of our expression, and our ability to adapt. Research supports this flexible approach: a study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization found that employees who had control over their work schedules were 20-30% more productive than those with rigid schedules.

Progress Over Perfection

Making progress isn't about following a predetermined script. It's about:

• Staying flexible
• Listening to your internal rhythms
• Recognizing that creativity doesn't punch a time clock
• Allowing yourself grace during less productive periods

This mindset is supported by findings from the American Psychological Association, which noted that 78% of employees with access to flexible scheduling options are more likely to stay with their current employer, indicating higher job satisfaction and engagement. Even if you are working for yourself as a freelance artist you can make use of these principles.

A New Perspective on Productivity

Instead of viewing your lack of a strict routine as a failure, see it as a unique approach to creating and living. Your creativity might flourish in bursts, in unexpected moments, or through seemingly scattered efforts.

Remember, some of the world's most remarkable art, music, and innovation emerged not from rigid schedules, but from moments of spontaneous inspiration and deep, unstructured work.

So to my fellow creatives: embrace your process, whatever it may look like. Your path is valid, your workflow is yours, and success doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all instruction manual.

Keep creating, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep being authentically you.

Exclusive Insights from Our Team

Personal style, the future of local theaters, Sean Baker’s fight for indie cinema, and Paris Black’s take on art and culture.

Collecting, Expressing, Experimenting: The Path to Individual Style

For as long as I can remember, I have struggled to find clothing that makes me feel like my most authentic self. I would chase trends, thinking that would make me stylish. Over time, I realized that true personal style is about absorbing the world around you and discovering what truly resonates.

The Art NewsletterAudrey Hydorn

Your Local Theater Needs You

Movie theaters are an endangered species, but they are an indisposable part of the cinematic ecosystem. If you care about film, support the ones near you.

The Art NewsletterOliver Stevens

Sean Baker’s Battle Cry: A Plea To Revive Cinema Culture

This past Sunday at the 2025 Oscars, a low-budget, independently made film took home five Academy Awards. Written and directed by Sean Baker this film won Best Picture, Best Lead Actress, and three others, undeniably consecrating its widespread success.

The Art NewsletterMilly Guemple

Authenticity and Consistency: An Interview with Artist Paris Black on Portraiture, Culture, and Film Influence

Authenticity and Consistency: An Interview with Artist Paris Black on Portraiture, Culture, and Film Influence

The Art NewsletterYukin Zhang

You Can't Do It All

This was something that took me a long time to realize, but it needs to be said: busyness isn't a strength—it's a weakness. Successful people don't pack their day with endless tasks to try to get ahead. Instead, they spend their time thinking, pondering, and calculating their next move. Warren Buffett famously spends about 80% of his day reading and thinking, a habit he credits with helping him make better decisions. He once remarked, "I just sit in my office and read all day," emphasizing the importance of deliberate learning and reflection over constant activity

At one point, I was trying to juggle school, music, work, my business, family, friends, my significant other, hobbies, and then finally… downtime. It just doesn't work. Research shows that hyper-focus on fewer priorities can lead to better outcomes. For example, Buffett himself has noted that he makes only a handful of investments each year because he prioritizes quality over quantity. This approach reflects his belief that success comes from focusing deeply on what truly matters

A few good things is all we need. It's time to be hyper-focused on the things that really matter, and let go of things that don't. Give yourself the ability to live your life in joy and peace. That alone is a better breeding ground for positive creative thought.

My strong advice, is to let go of some things that you are working on, I can realistically say that working on just TWO projects at the same time is a lot mentally when adding in the balance of juggling life and everything else. If you can take some time this week to rethink whats really important to you.

💡 Final Thought: Rethinking Routines Doesn’t Mean Losing Progress

Letting go of rigid routines doesn’t mean giving up on discipline—it means adapting to what truly works for you. Sometimes, breaking free from a strict schedule can lead to unexpected creativity, deeper focus, and better results.

"Success isn’t about perfection or sticking to the same formula forever. It’s about learning, adjusting, and finding the balance that keeps you moving forward."

What’s your take? Do you thrive with structure, or do you find freedom in flexibility? Reply and share your thoughts—we might feature your response in next week’s issue!

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Citations:

1. Stanford University Study: Flexible work arrangements reduce stress by 50% and increase engagement by 55% (Stanford University).
2. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization: Employees with flexible schedules are 20-30% more productive (Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization).
3. American Psychological Association: 78% of employees with flexible schedules are more likely to stay with their employer (APA).
4. Warren Buffett's Reading Habits: Buffett spends 80% of his day reading and thinking (Buffett).
5. Multitasking Research: Multitasking reduces efficiency and increases mental fatigue (various studies).