Is it a good expectation to always have a smooth and perfect routine? (What are the challenges I face with a creative routine?)

No.

I come from an engineering background so shifting to a completely creative routine isn’t that straightforward. Some days I still count the number of hours I worked when all that matters is that I managed to write 7000 or even 1000 words. I think about the time spent watching informational videos when the intangible inspiration I absorbed from the videos far surpassed the tangible time.

Whether it is a creative routine or not, we all have our challenges. The trick is to take it day by day and being okay about not having a balance.