The Process Ritual: Tharp and Anzaldua Response

In reading both Tharp's and Anzaldua's pieces, I was struck by the fundamental difference between the two on the issue of habit and ritual.  While Tharp advocates a very structured, every day habit to get the creative juices flowing, Anzaldua seems to describe a process in which she engages in some repetitive behaviors over the course of her project but none that are a set part of her everyday doings.  In fact, she doesn't seem to have much a set structure at all.  Rather than, like Tharp, using a ritual to prepare for and jumpstart the creative juices, Anzaldua instead seems to have rituals that are jumpstarted by particular triggers during her process of creation.  For example, Tharp might use a taxi cab ride/workout to motivate her into her creative zone, whereas Anzaldua seems like she would instead sit down to right, and, in finding herself unable to produce, might decide to go on a walk along the water.  In a way, it seems that both support a certain level of repeated action, but differ on the timing and purpose of it.
When viewing these different approaches through my personal lens, I must confess that while Tharp's approach seems far superior, my process tends to end up looking more like Anzaldua's.  I don't really have any particular starting habit, though there are certain things that are always the same... my pencil for example.  Not a specific pencil mind you, but a particular model:  the Pentel P207 0.7mm mechanical drafting pencil.  I use it for everything, and I feel wrong without it.  A test without that pencil is far more stressful than it otherwise should be.  I write with it, I draw with it, I take notes with it.  It may not be the best tool for the job in some cases, but the right tool just doesn't feel right.  Otherwise, however, I just kind of jump right in to the creative pool and try to swim; if I can't produce with one stroke, I'll change something and try it another way.  Can't seem to write tonight?  I'll move to another room... or try writing upside down... or play music... or make it silent... or go for a walk.  Everything is a response to, not an impulse for, the creative process.  Perhaps I should try Tharp's approach?; it makes more sense; structure is good in every other part of life, so why not apply it here?  I say that, but I doubt I'll change.