The Power of Routines

I think the most successful people are those with routines that work for them. Routines are systems or habits for the things you need to do that are natural and scheduled so they become familiar and expected. This may seem boring to some, but routines work in our favour…

Firstly, they take the decision-making out of things. We don’t need to decide whether we are going to do an ab workout or a run, because our routine dictates that it’s Monday and on Mondays we do abs! Simple. You don’t need to decide what to do when, because it’s planned into your day/week/month.

Secondly, routines help us keep on track. If you’re someone with big goals, a routine will ensure you’re working towards those goals often enough to complete them. A routine habit of saving £10 a week after your grocery shop towards travel goals. A routine of coming home from work to do some yoga or the gym. These things ensure you’re chipping away at your goals or keeping healthy habits to help you succeed in your life.

Thirdly, it makes it simpler to plan everything because your life is naturally quite organised anyway. Not everyone likes plans and calendars and routines, but it can help to keep things a little less stressful because you know when things need to happen, how, and why.

What routines could you add to your life?

Work out routine: when and how you’re doing your exercise Writing routine: when and how you plan to write each weekSelf-care/ self-reflection routine: when and how you will tend to all your needsSocialising routine: when and how you will meet up with/check in on people Reading routine: when and how you’ll do your reading Morning routine: what you want to do each morning to set you up for your day Evening routine: what you want to do each evening to set you up for a good nights sleep and reset for the next day Sunday routine: what you can do to end/start your week strongNew month routineNew season routine Financial routine: when and how you will do your budgeting, savings, and expenses Leisure routines: when and how you will schedule your playtime and relaxation Cleaning routine: when and how you’ll tend to your space

(The word routine is starting to look strange!)

You needn’t go crazy and trust me, I’m not either. I simply have a note on Notion with my routines so I can check in and make them habits. If something doesn’t quite work, adjust. They can be as rigid or flexible as works for you. But routines/systems/habits/planning ahead will ensure you keep on top of what needs doing and succeed better in your goals.

How do you start a routine?

Ask yourself what you’d like to be doing regularly, and how regularly. Brain dump your week and see where everything can slot in. Be reasonable, logical and compassionate about where things can fit best (ensure you factor in your tired, low mood self not just your best energetic self). Then adjust and try things out as necessary until you find what works.

Sincerely,

S. xx