Freedom looks like structure

Did you know David Lynch used to eat the same thing for lunch everyday?

David Lynch, the man who created some of the wildest, creative cinema ever made.

Lynch said he was able to create such incredible work because he had such a simple life. He had routine without chaos.

So if one of the most creative men to ever live had a routine, why does it feel like we are so scared of structure?

…

After a long slump of burnout, Eden and I have been strategising for the new year.

Seems scary and daunting doesn’t it?
Maybe a bit overwhelming to think that far ahead?

You might be the kind of person who thrives on spontaneity.

Or maybe you need to know what you have planned for the day, week or month.

Or maybe, you’re like me, and we need both: structure, routine, plans, but also new experiences, surprises, spontaneity.

I believe we all need to find a routine that fits us as individuals and not adopt what everyone else is doing.

Because the goal isn’t to escape structure, it’s to design your own version of it.

So as the year comes to an end (slowly), I thought I would share how I balance this need for structure with my need for spontaneity.

Because that might be exactly what you’re missing to get ahead for 2026.

…

Here is a rough look at my routine at the moment.

Monday: Boring Studios low-level admin/planning, Pilates
Tuesday: Boring Studios development work, Gym
Wednesday: Boring Studios development work, afternoon off for personal projects + sometimes date night
Thursday: Boring Studios development/wrap-up work, Gym, video gaming with Eden
Friday: Film content, date afternoon with Eden (we alternate who chooses), Dance
Saturday: Gym, meal prep, personal projects
Sunday: Planning, relax, Dance

Some things are fixed to specific days.

Monday is always plan content.
Friday is always film content and date afternoon.
Thursday is always Boring Issues day - fresh for your inbox on Friday mornings.

Pretty balanced yeah?

“Penelope, you said there was spontaneity - where?”

The beauty of this routine is that it can be malleable. So other than those “fixed” items, I can change whatever I want.

Date days are a surprise every fortnight because Eden chooses.

Personal projects change weekly and range from sewing classes to playing Sims.

Anddddd I won’t lie to you, my workout routine changes, but if I feel lost I go by the plan.

I also have two versions of a morning routine and two versions of a night routine.

One for high energy and one for low energy - see, malleable right?

So have your base routine for structure and add things around it for spontaneity.

…

Your routine isn’t there to keep you stuck or fixed in place. It’s there to help you make LESS decisions.

It gives you the ability to use your brain power for other things - like creative outlets, hobbies, side hustles or even just new ideas.

So I don’t always follow my routine to the T, but on those days where I’m just feeling… meh, my routine absolutely saves me from spiralling.

As I said in the beginning: the goal isn’t to escape structure, it’s to design your own version of it.

And you need BALANCE.

Work: Planning, strategy, execution
Personal: Movement, projects, food, rest, hobbies
Relationship: Dates, quality time, planning

When you put it like the above, it’s pretty simple actually.

So construct your own version of freedom - because freedom looks like structure.

Your brain and your projects will thank you - I promise.

And as David Lynch said “It’s crucial to have a stable life. A stable life allows you to be free to create.”

Start building your routine ready for 2026 and remember “Art doesn’t come out of chaos.”

All great things will come from structure.

Xx Penelope