Do You Have Any Interesting Work Habits?
I’ve just come across this fascinating website (thanks, W), which explains the daily routines of various writers, statesmen, filmmakers, musicians etc.
It’s quite reassuring to be told that most of them, even the geniuses, don’t find it easy.
Some get up early and work like bastards until 10 then take the rest of the day off. Others seem to drink a fair bit or fit things around their kids, or both.
But hey, whatever works for you.
The person whose daily lifestyle I envied most was Winston Churchill:
Despite all this activity Churchill’s daily routine changed little during these years. He awoke about 7:30 a.m. and remained in bed for a substantial breakfast and reading of mail and all the national newspapers. For the next couple of hours, still in bed, he worked, dictating to his secretaries.
At 11:00 a.m., he arose, bathed, and perhaps took a walk around the garden, and took a weak whisky and soda to his study.
At 1:00 p.m. he joined guests and family for a three-course lunch. Clementine drank claret, Winston champagne, preferably Pol Roger served at a specific temperature, port, brandy and cigars. When lunch ended, about 3:30 p.m. he returned to his study to work, or supervised work on his estate, or played cards or backgammon with Clementine.
At 5:00 p.m., after another weak whisky and soda, he went to bed for an hour and a half. He said this siesta, a habit gained in Cuba, allowed him to work 1 1/2 days in every 24 hours. At 6:30 p.m. he awoke, bathed again, and dressed for dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Dinner was the focal-point and highlight of Churchill’s day. Table talk, dominated by Churchill, was as important as the meal. Sometimes, depending on the company, drinks and cigars extended the event well past midnight. The guests retired, Churchill returned to his study for another hour or so of work.
I love the fact that he returned to work after a day of drinking Champagne, whisky, port and brandy.
And Hitler still couldn’t outsmart him.