How to Start a Routine

It’s so easy to waste a lot of time without a routine. For those who dread doing certain tasks or are void of meaningful goals and direction, distraction can waste away the hours. For those who are perfectionists (many times with an all-or-nothing approach), time can be wasted both on being unproductive, but also not being able to fully relax and recharge either—which is like being in a constant state of stagnant anticipation.

Setting a routine can also seem limiting and like adding more obligations.

However, a routine can be quite simple and can include tasks that need to be done anyway, tasks that are actually enjoyable and/or tasks that bring a sense-of-confidence upon completion.

Start small. The idea is to make the routine not seem daunting, and for it to be realistic. Just taking the first step in the simple route tasks tends to be the hardest part; so it’s important to establish the routine as a habit and to set yourself up for success.

Come up with three tasks to complete upon waking in the morning and three tasks to complete in the evening before bed. If one task involves several steps, consider breaking that task into more than one task. Coming up with a start and/or end time for the tasks can be helpful to stay on track.

The routines should be in hard-copy format so you can hang them up where you will see them.

Morning Routine
1. task one
2. task two
3. task three

Evening Routine
1. task one
2. task two
3. task three

Spend 30 days following the routines. Consider adding more tasks after that. During the thirty-day time period, in a notebook or a designated area on your phone or computer, jot down ideas for other tasks as you think of them which you’d like to eventually add to your routine in the future.

Do you need coaching? Please contact me. I’d love to help you.