We’re quick to label preparation as procrastination, and easily overlook that things take the time they take. Do you push yourself to do more and more, but somehow no matter what you accomplish, you still feel disappointed and guilty at the end of the day?

But I missed something actionable or some kind of self-reflective practice that would help me to get this perspective to posterity. If I had a quarter for every time the author uses the words, “we,” “our,” or “us,” I could live off that for a few months.Whether it’s romance, friendships, career paths, or new interests, we never saw most of the things that give our lives meaning coming. There’s the work thing, the catch-up thing, the laundry thing, the creative thing, the exercise thing, the family thing, the thing we don’t want to do, the thing we’ve been putting off (despite it being the most important thing).

It’s in tensions, problems, and mistakes that we learn; it’s one of the most important things about being alive. Letting go of your productivity guilt and embracing the unexpected creative moments that each day brings you can broaden your definition of a day well spent, bringing deep connection and fulfillment to your daily life. Madeleine Dore has produced a book that is both practical and inspiring; that recognises the tensions in life, that we can’t always do all the things, but also that sometimes those things are still important.Even on days where we get a lot done, the thing left undone can leave us feeling guilty, anxious, or disappointed. Obviously the "pro-productivity" genre contains its share of gems, doozies, and lots in between as well. Even on days where we get a lot done, the thing left undone can leave us feeling guilty, anxious or disappointed.

the term 'day artist' didn't jive with me, but otherwise i found myself smiling and nodding as i turned the pages. I also just find a source of endless frustration when authors make an active choice to name drop- and even more so when the name dropping comes from situations and interviews they weren’t even involved with. It was inspired by my conversation with a farmer who started his day with a dollop of clotted cream on his porridge. There's the work thing, the catch-up thing, the laundry thing, the creative thing, the exercise thing, the family thing, the thing we don't want to do, the thing we've been putting off (despite it being the most important thing).She regularly conducts life experiments and hosts events to examine how creativity isn't just something we do, but how we approach our lives. It’s perfect for people like me, who are a little too driven, slightly OCD, and have some Catholic guilt!