This. I'll also add: people suffering from various levels of executive dysfunction, e.g. from ADHD. In those cases, the routines externalize executive functions, helping people who'd really love to write, except their own brain isn't cooperating.
> the routines externalize executive functions, helping people who'd really love to write, except their own brain isn't cooperating.
I've observed that an externalized executive function is helpful for nearly everyone, not just those compensating for a dysfunction, BUT: routines, like extrinsic motivation, are vulnerable to situational disruption. Choose the external trigger for the routine with care, and be prepared to defend your routines from competing triggers (particularly social ones).
The phone rings, or you receive a text message, or there is a knock at the door. Either you block these disruptions, or you may need an external trigger to resume the routine (which is harder to establish because disruptions are typically infrequent and irregular). Repurposing an existing trigger (like a pomodoro timer, if you use one) can help.
