I miss my commute.

As a full-time remote employee, I miss something about my daily commute.

Now, let me be clear: it's not the 50+ minutes of sitting in Atlanta traffic to travel less than seven miles. It's the process—the downtime between the rush of getting ready and the bustle of a busy work environment. That almost hour of sipping coffee and driving up 85 prepared my brain for the day ahead. Depending on the day, I could be a Revisionist History listener, a Celine Dion karaoke queen, or a silent contemplator, each routine gearing me up for a different aspect of my week.

Mondays often called for learning, with podcasts filling my mind with fresh ideas. Tuesdays and Wednesdays were for hype, belting out power ballads to energize me. By Thursday, I needed quiet time to reflect, putting myself in the headspace to close the week successfully and plan how to bring my A-game on Monday morning. Who knew those 50 minutes could be instrumental in guaranteeing my productivity and creativity?

Sounds suspiciously like the creative process, right? Just like my commute, there's a time for everything: a time to learn, a time to reflect, and a time to burst forth with creativity. When deep in the work phase of work-life harmony, I like to start with a template. This structure guides me, while the blank spaces offer the freedom to fill in the day's specifics, blending strategic time management with creative expression.

Planning for success and visualizing exceptional experiences don't just happen. They require deliberate preparation and the right mindset. Whether gearing up for a productive day or tackling a creative project, working the problem methodically while allowing space for spontaneity can make all the difference. Embracing the process, much like those 50-minute commutes, helps me navigate my tasks efficiently and creatively, making each day not just about getting to the destination but enjoying the journey.