This posting is one I've been waiting to see discussed. I retired four years ago. I found it difficult at first to manage my time as well as I did when working and raising a family. I've finally found the schedule that fits for me by accepting that each day has to be flexible. Like the turtle, I continue on my race to the finish of what I"m working on. Some days I'm the "hare" and some days the "turtle. I enjoy quilting but sometimes have other sewing projects to work on that are not necessarily my first choice.
My mother was a perfectionist but had one piece of wisdom for sewing. You have to choose the days you sew and choose the days you clean house. The days I sew are the days I've planned leftovers to reheat and the housework is done on Monday's and Fridays. I piece my quilts in the evening in the living room when my energy levels are low. The cutting and planning I usually do in the morning when my creativity seems to be at its highest.
Try to find what works best for you. We are all so different that no schedule is a one size fits all. I haven't made a thousand quilts, but my finished quilt is one I've enjoyed making from start to finish.