The only way I get our annual Cabaret written in time is by ritualizing the writing. Every song is completely different, but at least 1/3 of the time I spend preparing the arrangement is identical from one song to the next.
I’ve learned a ritual and stuck with it. By ritualizing those portions of the writing process, I estimate that I’ve shaved off 10 minutes or more per song. Without that time savings, it would be impossible to finish with my limited writing time.
But at the end of each Cabaret season, I take a few minutes to reflect on the rituals.
What worked, what didn’t? Can I be more successful doing it in a different order? How can I provide more information to my musicians without adding more time to my work?
Ritualize, yes. It’s the best way to get more done without adding more time. But also question: it’s the only way to ensure that your ritual still works.