Five Ways to Get the Most from Your Daily Routine
It is important for me to experience the beauty of each day, and I accomplish this by creating a daily routine with activities I enjoy. Why wait for weekends, for vacations, for sabbaticals? There is power in finding small moments on a random Tuesday to fill me up, give me energy, and bring me joy. The idea that a routine could lead to fulfillment is something I learned through time and experimentation. Five things stand out to me to guide the routine creation process.
Understand your energy ebbs and flows.
The morning is my favorite time of day. I am a person who wakes at an early hour and accomplishes her workout and meditation before most rustle out of bed. This is when I have my best ideas, when my mind is open to the possibility of the day ahead, when I feel strong. Conversely, if you call me after 7 pm, you'll get my voice mail as I am tucked into bed with a good fiction read preparing to close my eyes for the evening. Not for everyone, yet for me it works. How about you? Watch yourself throughout the day and note how you feel. Do you become more energetic as the day goes on, or do you slowly feel your energy deplete? Organize your routine accordingly.
Determine how much variety you need in your life.
One of my core values is minimalism. I prefer to have less options and choices. Therefore, my routine largely centers around doing the same things each day, especially when they bring me happiness. For example, enjoying morning tea is one of the best experiences of the day for me. From filling the kettle to feeling the warmth of the mug to experiencing the flavor of the beverage, I look forward to it all. Every day. What parts of your day bring you that kind of satisfaction? Hint: Often they are the simplest pleasures.
Identify the things that bring you feelings of contentment and peace.
We could all use a little more peace in our lives. Yet, we often choose the activities and commitments that are anything but peaceful. I needed to look at my life and daily practices to realize I was deficient in finding time for quiet and rest. Making time for silence each day took time and commitment. I still struggle to find time for those 5 to 10 minutes of meditation, which sounds ridiculous as I type this, but when I do, the entire day unfolds with increased calm and decreased stress.
Understand what must hit the bricks.
The visual of something that does not serve me crashing against a wall of bricks allows me to part ways with it. When we want to bring something new into our lives, tradeoffs are inevitable. I realized this when I added Wordle to my morning routine last year. It meant I either had to get up earlier, shave time off my meditation or workout, or complete the puzzle at the same time I ate breakfast. I adjusted accordingly and get up just a little earlier now. 100% worth it.
Repeat, evolve, repeat, evolve.
When you find something fulfilling and add it to your routine, continue doing it until you are no longer served by it. I make the same lunch every day (minimalism!), and until I tire of it, it will be on the menu. Conversely, I previously lifted weights more than I did cardio. That changed while I train for a half marathon. Once you design a routine that works, reflect on it quarterly to see what must change as you evolve. Adjust and welcome the new pattern. Part ways with what needs to go.
To get started creating your own routine, think about what you do now. Watch yourself go through a 7-day week and reflect on the things that brought you the most fulfillment and the least fulfillment. Take those lessons and proactively create a daily routine for the following week with specific outcomes. Continue to reflect at the end of each week until you find yourself with a healthy, productive routine that is achievable most days. Enjoy the satisfaction that follows.
Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching can have on you and your leadership.