Healthy routines win over divergent thinking

Hey, it’s Michael. To get us started today, I want to introduce a new thesis. It may seem like disparate fires of passion influence us to pursue new ideas or hobbies. However, compelling evidence has proven that consistent routines are far more effective. This morning, I was reading Rest by Alex Pang. Alex works as a business consultant while holding a PhD in the history & sociology of science from the University of Pennsylvania. His consulting firm, dubbed Strategy and Rest, helps clients find balance by implementing 4-day work weeks. 

Rest by Alex Pang: Why you get more down when you work less

In chapter 4, Morning Routine, Pang presents studies of famous creatives such as Stephen King, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Scott Adams, the illustrator of Dilbert comics. Scott Adams found that by waking up around dawn or between 4 and 6 am, he was able to block out distractions and lock in. Additionally, sticking to strict routines like writing daily instead of when “inspiration strikes” helps creatives get more done. 

This way, you only have to spend a few hours per day working to complete critical projects. Adopting similar habits may allow you to reap intelligent rewards as well as free up more time later in the day for restful activities such as walking, riding a bike, or catching up with friends. 

How have clean energy initiatives affected solar farms?

For today's business headline, I researched solar panel farms. Solar can be a cost-efficient way to conserve energy, but it comes with challenges such as policy changes, lack of skilled labor, grid defection, and financing risks. All of these circumstances dampen the industry's outlook for 2026. One major catalyst for the industry has been Joe Biden's landmark climate bill, passed in 2022. Since Trump took office for his second term, over $14 billion in clean energy initiatives have been canceled. Renewable energy companies rely on tax credits to operate profitably.

Big projects typically require high upfront investments to set up solar farms. One way firms offset costs is by receiving substantial tax credits at the end of each fiscal year. Reduced tax savings may make it harder to find investors willing to fund solar projects. Building out new farms also requires skilled teams of engineers, construction workers, developers, electricians, and analysts. Finding people to fill each role can be an uphill battle. Lastly, “grid defection” or individuals choosing to install panels themselves rather than relying on others threatens the viability of enterprise solar providers. 

 Morning mantra for peace & joy

On a more mindful note, today’s mantra is I am grateful for all that I have. Begin by repeating the mantra a few times in your mind or out loud, then list out specific things or people in your life you’re lucky to have. By the end, you may find that you feel a genuine sense of peace and joy. 

Thanks for tuning into today’s volume of the Serenity Saga. Hopefully, you learned something new or feel a greater sense of clarity. Visit our contemplative books & bazaar page to order Rest, or browse our selection of products. Subscribe to our email blasts to receive alerts for new podcast episodes. You can also connect with the show by following us on our social media pages linked in the top right corner. Namaste.

other reflective texts:

• Bezonomics

• The Bond King

• The Bhagavad Gita

• Atomic Habits