Creative Hours

One of the great parts about Marko Ahtisaari’s piece was it’s balance between maximizing general productivity, well-being, and also creativity. Despite popular belief, being in the Architecture school is not dissimilar to being in the departments of Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Business School, Mechanical Engineering, etc. –you have an initial creative idea, maybe 10% of the process, and then there is a large amount of “production” or “technical” work, the other 90% of the process, to make it work and be presentable in a convincing fashion.

The main problem with this lopsided format is that the initial creative idea must be exceptional in order to have a high-quality project or worthwhile research investigation. So during my Architecture or Building Technology projects there is a temptation to constantly revert back to the initial idea and change it as new, seemingly superior ideas arrive. As I’ve gotten further in my studies I have come to the conclusion that it’s this desire to change key aspects of the original creative ideas that is the single largest hurdle in weekly productivity. If I am decisive in my research scope, and flex my will-power to keep it in-tact, success will follow.

With this in mind, I now try to use my Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings more wisely. When I wake up I try to immediately refer to my to-do list but also add *details* about how it’s going to get done. I’m not talking about simple items like laundry and buying bananas, I’m mostly talking about school assignments and larger projects. The to-do list is sort of like the creative 10%. But the sticking point is the non-creative 90%. By breaking down several bullet points about *how* my 2-3 tasks for the day are going to be carried across the finish line, it makes it easier to complete. Further, I try to break them down in the morning when my creativity is at its peak. By 8pm my creativity is frequently shot but if I have an outline it makes it more motivating to complete.

Finally, regarding interaction with colleagues, I have several group projects right now that I am struggling with. I get annoyed with meetings that go on for a long time without the group being decisive about a clear strategy. Maybe Marko’s 20 minute meetings will be beneficial in this area, although first I have to strategize about how to implement it when there are 4-people in a group. Emotions are difficult to navigate.