What if you physically can’t follow a daily routine?

Advice for a writer and multiple sclerosis patient whose days are unpredictable

Welcome to the latest issue of Subtle Maneuvers. Previously: Renata Adler’s nap-filled writing routine. Today: the latest installment of my monthly advice column. Weigh in with your own advice here.

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Dear Subtle Maneuvers,

I have read your books and many others on routines, schedules, and habits to check if anything in them suited me. Although I am much better organized than before, I still have trouble sticking to a routine/schedule. (I know routines and schedules are not the same.) My main issue is that I have been a multiple sclerosis patient for 26 years now and no two consecutive days are alike in my life. One morning I may get up at 6 am all fresh and ready to tackle anything. The very next day I might be able to get out of bed only by 8 (or even 10). 

I have been working as a writer since 2003. Until 2011, I was working at various offices—newspaper, e-learning company, etc. My schedule was based on that. From 2011 onwards, I have been a freelancer. So, unless there are tight deadlines, there is no structure in my life. That said, I have never missed a deadline until now. 

Three years ago, I moved to the countryside. I want to be involved in activities like gardening. I try but then it doesn’t work out the way I expect. Either I am really tired or I am not doing something right. I want to understand which it is. So, I want to know if others face similar issues and how they design a routine/schedule.

I am coping well with everything but I want to improve. Can you suggest anything that might help me establish a routine? Do you know of any artists/writers who have similar conditions and yet are managing to stick to a routine/schedule? If so, will you please share their methods/experiences? —SS

Dear SS,

I really appreciate you writing in with this question. I’m always advising writers to adopt a daily routine—but of course not everyone is able to do this, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to explore some alternative solutions.