A friend who's just about done drafting his dissertation, recommended a PhinisheD post on daily habits for working on a dissertation. Basically, the guy writes for 4 hours a day--40 minutes of focused writing, a 20-minute break in which he can do anything he wants but sit down (or lie down). At the end of every 40 min, he assesses what he's done and sets out a specific writing task for the next 40 min. He also does 3 pages of freewriting first thing every morning (a la Julia Cameron).
Any thoughts on daily habits that work for you?
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The advice on 40-minute cycles reminds me of when I was writing my grad school paper on Yeats's "Byzantium." I wrote that whole paper to Joni Mitchell's "Ladies of the Canyon" CD. Basically, I'd play the album and write constantly. Then, I'd dance to "Big Yellow Taxi." Then, I'd sing to "Woodstock." Then, I'd get a snack or cup of tea/coffee during "Circle Game." Then, I'd start the album again and start writing again.
I'm glad I have sabbatical again next fall. I think I'll have more wisdom about how to use my time.
Speaking of time, when I have more of it, I'll post some of the habits that have worked for me.
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