I’m learning more and more that I can’t simply copy the workflow or work patterns of other people….even highly successful people.

That sort of thing may help for a season but in the long run it’s like wearing Saul’s armor.  It will eventually hinder personal productivity in both large and small ways.

Obviously, it’s important, even imperative, to learn from others.  It is even occasionally a good idea to mimic the patterns of others for a season just to see how it works.  In the end though, you’ll need to find what works best for you.

Frankly, almost anything will work at first when you’re in the honeymoon phase of a long-term project or commitment.  At that point, you’re full of fresh ideas and the energy that comes from a new challenge.  Unfortunately, those will diminish over time and the real challenge for any lengthy endeavor is to learn how to mature into a healthy, productive, prolific worker beyond that initial burst of enthusiasm and adrenaline.

This workflow maturing process is basically one of knowing yourself.  The first step is to be very observant and aware of your productivity spikes, what drains you, what inspires you, and your own natural rhythms.  Then, with that data in hand, you must be intentional about working with yourself instead of against yourself.

Determine to do your best work when you work best.  Decide to fill your mind and spirit with things that genuinely inspire you so that when it’s time to create you’re not working with just the same old tired colors of your past experiences.  Schedule time with people that energize and encourage you.

Discover your own work flow and then own it.