Coffee Shop Routine

        I have re-instituted a routine in my life. Writing at the coffee shop. I’d like to be able to go there every day, but neither my schedule nor my budget can afford that. I can afford to spend one day away from home. So every Thursday, I put dinner in the crockpot and leave home. I attend a Bible study with a group of ladies in the morning. By noon, I’m on my way to the local coffee shop.

        Once there, I order a chai tea (with caramel and whipped cream), maybe a muffin and open up my laptop and start writing. The first 20 minutes or so, while I eat my muffin, are spent preparing to write. Usually that means freewriting in my journal, but here I don’t limit myself. This is my transition time. I have until the last bite of the muffin to get focused on whatever writing project I’ve chosen for the day. If that means I read emails or surf blogs for that twenty minutes, that’s fine. When I take that last bite, though, I pull up the project of the day and get busy.

        I usually spend about three hours writing, with short breaks if needed. Sometimes I get on a roll and don’t need a break, completing all the planned work. Other times I have to “bribe” myself to work for 30-45 minutes before allowing myself 5-10 minutes of surfing or email or whatever is niggling at my mind. (Sometimes it’s another writing project, one I’ve decided is lower priority.) Occasionally, not nearly often enough, something (a phone call from home) jerks me out of ‘the zone’ and I realize I’ve gone way past the time allotted and need to get home.

        I have found my local coffee shop is the best place for me. You might work best in your local library or bookstore or sidewalk café or even the park. I’ve tried all those places and more, but I need a place where I can sip from a drink. I’m not sure why, but I have discovered that is an absolute must. Something about leaning back and taking a sip unlocks the next thought. The chatter going on around me becomes white noise, allowing me to focus on (and catch) what is running through my mind. The singular purpose of the coffee shop (to drink, visit or do computer work) keeps me on task.

        Yes, it is pricey, but I’ve found the free venues not nearly as productive. The library tempts me to read (my first love . . . writing only entered my life after years of fascination reading the written word); the park tempts me to walk or swing; a restaurant or sidewalk café is too busy, too chaotic, causing me to people-watch instead of write. For me the coffee shop is best. There is enough activity going on around me to bring relaxation to this people-person soul but not so much I’m lured out of my mind to watch and participate. And my coffee shop owner expects and welcomes customers to sit and work or study, even for hours. I’m always greeted with a smile and friendly small talk.

        So it takes more planning than staying home and costs more than going to the library, but I have found my productivity and well-being are benefits far weightier than the cost or slight inconvenience. This is a routine I’ll keep. Maybe you’d like to try it?