What sort of routine do you have for doing your work? Are you an early riser, or a night owl? Do you do all your work in one burst, or in several short sessions throughout the day? Do you have any rituals that you follow before you start work?

Compare your answers with some of the most famous artists, philosophers and scientists at Daily Routines, a very well-organized blog that provides a fascinating, nuts-and-bolts look into how very successful individuals structured their days get their work done.

The patterns vary widely, but a theme of consistency runs throughout. Having found a particular routine, most of these folks stuck to it for many years. I think there’s an important lesson there.

Plus, if you’re a 9-to-5’er and you think that your day job gets in the way of getting your work done, take heart: Anthony Trollope produced 49 novels in 35 years while holding down a day job at the postal service. Kinda kills that excuse, doesn’t it?

(via The Very Short List)