Routine Vs Creative Freedom: The Endless Struggle

Have you ever felt stuck in a routine that was meant to help you but ended up stifling your imagination? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, we explore how dyslexic adults balance the comfort of structure with the thrill of creative freedom.

Many of us crave a solid plan to keep on track. Yet we can feel bored or stunted when that plan becomes too rigid. Today’s conversation dives into why we bounce between these two extremes, what it means for our creative lives, and how we might find a happier middle ground.

The Allure of Routine

Routine can be a lifesaver. It carves a path for us to follow, especially on those days when our minds wander elsewhere. Think about a morning routine that sets the tone for your day—sometimes it feels like a superpower, holding everything together.

As adults with dyslexia, we’re often told that routines will solve many of our problems. They help us remember tasks and stay more organised. The idea is simple: if we repeat the same steps every day, eventually it sticks.

But that’s easier said than done. Life changes. We encounter new challenges, and we fall out of sync. That once-shiny routine can quickly lose its sparkle if it stops working or limits our creativity. We start to wonder if we’re even doing it right.

The Creative Spark

Much of our dyslexic advantage lies in creativity. Our minds jump around, and this jumpiness can reveal fresh insights or lead to exciting projects. That’s where the need for freedom comes in. If we get stuck following the same routine, day after day, we might feel like we’ve clipped our wings.

I often speak with dyslexics who say they feel bored when forced into an inflexible schedule. One of them put it this way:

"I have a routine in place, but it keeps changing. I’m getting bored by this routine, my creativity is getting stifled because I keep forgetting something."

Many of us recognise that scenario. We get comfortable for a while, then crave something new. That twist of forgetting tasks can also trigger us to change everything again. It can feel like a never-ending push and pull.

The Pendulum Effect

Imagine a pendulum that swings from one side to the other. On one side, we have a well-established routine. On the other side, we have spontaneous creativity. Most of us end up swinging between these two extremes over time.

We search for a structured plan because we want control and focus. Yet once we get that structure, we yearn for freedom again. We miss the spark that lights up when we allow ourselves to improvise and explore new ideas. When the pendulum swings toward creativity, though, we might lose track of tasks or obligations, and then we’re back yearning for routine again.

This swing can feel exhausting. It can also make us doubt ourselves. We question why we always shift between these two worlds without finding a permanent sweet spot. But perhaps the sweet spot is not permanent at all. Maybe it’s a delicate place we can only visit for moments at a time.

Embracing the Middle Ground

We might not find the perfect routine that works forever. Still, there are ways to soften the swing and make it less dramatic. One approach is accepting that routine and creativity can exist in the same space.

Try weaving creative sparks into a simple structure. Instead of a complex daily schedule, consider anchors that guide your day while leaving room for spontaneity. For instance, block out a small window for “creative brainstorming,” even if it’s only ten minutes. That way, you’re nurturing creativity without tearing apart your routine.

Also, remember that routines can shift over time without losing their purpose. It’s perfectly fine to tweak things along the way. In fact, it might be essential. If we see routine as fluid, we don’t get stuck feeling guilty when changes happen. We can adapt with less stress.

Practical Tips for Your Day

Here are a few simple ideas to help you keep a balanced routine without giving up your creative flair:

• Start Small: Pick one habit you can practise daily, like a brief morning journalling session or a phone reminder for hydration.
• Use Visual Cues: Post-it notes or simple lists can be lifesavers. Stick them somewhere you’ll see them (fridge door, mirror, or near your computer).
• Add Mini-Breaks: Schedule two or three short breaks to daydream. Let your imagination run wild for a few minutes, then return to your tasks refreshed.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to change your routine if it stops working. Adaptation is often the key to staying engaged long term.

The goal is to keep your mind alive without feeling buried by endless structure or drifting too far from the things you need to accomplish.

• Balance between structure and freedom is a personal journey.
• Embrace small changes instead of overhauling your whole routine.
• Mix creative elements into your schedule to stay inspired.
• Visual aids or reminders can smooth the daily flow.
• Routines are not set in stone. Adapting them is normal and healthy.

Thanks for reading. If this pendulum swing resonates with you, check out the full episode at the top of this page. Give it a listen and see if any of these insights spark new ideas in your own life.