Mastering Productivity: Why You Need a Daily Routine
If you've been with me since my initial post, you'll notice that each post builds off the last. In my post about "The Power of Early Starts," I encourage you to start your day early. I provide a list of questions you should reflect on to determine how you want your day to start and how much time you need. The answers to these questions will be the basis of your routine; if you’ve yet to read that post, I recommend you check it out before continuing.
Let’s be clear; the goal of early starts isn’t so you have extra time to be aimless or on social media. The goal is to craft a routine that maximizes your day. You may have noticed a theme here: Your productivity directly correlates to your thoughts and how you manage your time.
To my more free-spirited friends, the idea of a routine might initially seem dull and rigid, but it doesn't have to be! If we think about routines from a productivity perspective, the more you stick to routine and accomplish the activities you've deemed important - the more free time you’ll have. And no one said that date night can’t be part of your routine.
How does creating and sticking to a routine help you? It helps because you’re completing tasks and activities out of habit - rather than impulsively. This means you won't actively think about your actions; it’ll be second nature, and with consistent effort, you'll find that following a routine becomes easier over time.
Sticking to a routine also ensures timely task completion, prevents oversights, reduces worry and stress, and, most importantly, saves energy and boosts productivity!
The routine you establish today won't necessarily be the one you follow for the rest of your life. Nor is this a one-size-fits-all type of thing. It is very personal to you and your life situation.
Take, for example, the routines I have had over the years. When I was in college, working (sometimes two jobs) and raising a toddler, my routine was non-negotiable. I didn't have time not to follow it because I had so much on my plate. I think back to that time and wonder, "How on earth did I manage that?" I had to be very disciplined. Every activity had a specific time. Take homework, for example; I started after my son went to bed. At that time, he was in bed at 7 pm. I was not playing around. I had to run a tight ship.
Then, I had a job that started at 6 am. I woke up at 4 am to get ready and drive to work. There was no way I was waking up earlier than 4 am, so I had to maximize the hours after I got home and on the weekends. I prepped every meal on Sundays, did all my chores and errands on the weekends, and exercised while my son was at practice.
In those days, we were a very busy little family. But we followed a daily routine, and because of that, our lives ran smoothly, and we still made time to have fun.
Nowadays, my life is significantly less complex, even with a full-time job and a blog. But I still stick to a tight routine because it helps keep me on track.
What is your current routine? Do you have one, or do you just wing it? Can you think of ways to improve your routine? Do you have any suggestions for making a great routine? Let me know in the comments.
Lastly, it’s vital to watch your well-being. While following a routine is very important for a productive day, there will be some days when you don't have the energy to follow your routine perfectly. If you can still wake up early, use your extra time to relax or do mindfulness activities before you have to start getting ready for the day. Use your judgment; sometimes rest is more important than pushing through; sometimes you won’t accomplish all you intended to. Allow yourself the space you need on those days. Remind yourself the world isn’t ending because you didn't follow your routine - today.
If you’re interested in additional reading about routines, I found a few interesting articles you may enjoy.
The Power of a Morning Routine
