Consistency vs Intensity

Outside of work and family time, I have about five free hours each day to build my side projects, learn new skills, practise old ones, and enjoy my hobbies.

I wish I had more, but as someone who doesn't have kids yet, I'll take it. 5 hours is plenty.

But I've been trying to figure out how to spend those 5 hours. I'm not Elon, so I can't tackle everything. I must pick and choose.

This morning, I was immersed in a book. I didn't want to stop. Why couldn't I spend 3 hours reading instead of reading for 30 minutes and then moving onto something else? Wouldn't the intensity be better?

The same question applies to writing, coding, and my side projects: Should I focus on short daily sessions (consistency), or on all-out sprints until the work is done (intensity)?

The answer dawned on me at dusk today.

Consistency works for tasks where it's easy to get back into the zone after a break.

But for tasks that takes time to sink into, only intensity will do. Even if it means sacrificing something else.