Late Night Owl - Who? You?

Do you burn the midnight oil? Are you often awake into the wee hours of the morning?

Actions that are repeated regularly become habit. And so, it has become a bit of a habit of mine to be working late into the might painting. I know I am not the only creative person to do this. This I discovered very early on when I was still in high school. I would sit up late reading and most often writing. It was a time of peace, everything was still and I could be left alone with my thoughts, until one of my parents ordered me off to bed.

Now it is a matter of daytime distractions and finding my flow with painting. Even when I have the best intentions of retiring to bed at a decent hour, a loaded palette of paint implores me to finish off what I have laid out and not leave to dry and waste.

Sometimes it is simply a matter of me just being so consumed with the progress I'm making I just don't want to put the brush down.

However, it does set me up for vicious circle of late rising and late to bed. Then breaking that rhythm requires some effort. Why would I want to do that if I am being productive anyway?

What I discovered, was that if rose early, and started early with my work, the amount I achieved by lunch time equalled that of a full days work. After lunch I still had then rest of the day to continue or attend to other things. But, the most important thing is not to allow myself to be distracted first thing in the morning by other things. Then the morning is lost. My biggest distraction is... the internet. (Hello Stemmians, here's looking at you! Too much interesting content.)

So, just like a reformed alcoholic avoiding their addictive fixation, avoiding the internet when I start my day does wonders for my productivity.

I have the following quote fixed to the wall above my desk.

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.

The above image is the current painting I'm working on. Stay tuned for the final piece in the next couple of days.

work in progress, Leo Plaw, 24 x 30cm, oil on canvas
Leave a comment below, upvote and resteem if you like it.
More of my artwork can be found on my website. LeoPlaw.com
And if it takes your fancy, subscribe to my newsletter.