I still struggle with routines but getting to a point where I can share a few tips on creating one is WILD! You probably know by now that setting goals is all fun and games until it’s time to do the work consistently over a period of time also actually enjoy the process. Guilty much?
Well, it’s one thing to get out of your comfort zone, limit distractions and multitask but I think it’s a whole other flex to have a life you want which I don’t think is possible without systems. I used to get bored with routines until I understood their value.
It’s impossible to build anything without a routine — PERIOD. I don’t care how good your intentions are or how much of a visionary you truly are. If you can’t be consistent you can’t build anything substantial. Definitely read on for some tips.
Let’s get to it:
- Consider your mindset around goal setting
Are you the type of person that only sets goals on your birthday or at the start of every year? Keyword — ONLY. If so, this is your sign to consider how difficult it is to change. It takes failure and consistent effort to try again and grow until you can get things somewhat right (the ghetto – trust me I know).
Try giving yourself grace rather than subscribing to the ‘new year, new me’ concept, failing miserably two months later, and resorting to trying again the next year. Bad habits are hard to drop and that’s just the reality. Don’t get me wrong — you can trust me to set some new goals every year or whenever my birthday comes around.
I just think that you should be able to work on goals and make changes as you go. This way you can get better faster, optimize your mental resources, begin achieving some goals, hopefully setting new ones to scare you until it’s nothing — and the level up process continues (easier said than done).
2. Determine how effective you actually are when setting new goals
How you set your goals is EVERYTHING. The level of clarity you need regarding where you are now, where you need to be in any particular area and everything in between (particularly your step one) has got to be unmatched.
I recommend auditing yourself so you can clearly see what you’ve been doing up until this point, decide what’s not going to fly then determine the way moving forward. It’s hard to be on top of everything but I can guarantee you that with a routine you’re going to be on top of the things that matter to you NOW.
Even if you don’t follow through fully you’ll make progress, perhaps for the first time, and that’s a step. If you can get to doubling down on even just one thing that’s working, there’s your starting point right there.
3. Create new routines that facilitate your goals
Most people are neither here nor there when it comes to routines. I’ve been most people — having routines just to feel like I have them even when I could care less. If you almost hate routines by this point I’m talking to you.
The way to hack this is to think of your routines as a system. On one hand there’s your goals and the other, your routines. Cues and treats brings these moving parts together.
Living my life on my terms is an all-time goal for me. I’ve found that slow mornings do the trick for me. I don’t like to think about everything at the same time so giving myself that time in the morning usually sets me up for the day. I get the most out of myself each day when I do this so I made it a crucial part of my routine.
4. Aim for prioritization not perfection
Having a routine you like might look like getting it right on some days and not so much on others but whatever you do ensure you accomplish your top tasks the next day depends on every single day. Your routine eventually becomes your way of life. You just have to stick with it long enough.
Prioritization requires that you focus on first things first. Try your best to schedule in time for all your priorities so you’re at par with everything.
5. Balance is key
If you’re like me and you work from home and even if not, your best bet is to ensure that your routine supports different areas of your life. Depending on what you do, the season you’re in, or what’s going on with you this may or may not sound practical but hear me out.
I remember not having much of a social life when I first started doing me. Did I have much of a choice? No. Could I have handled that period better? Absolutely! If you don’t take anything from this blog, take the balance. I hope this helps 🙂 Happy new year!
This is a masterpiece….very insightful
Thanks Matthew! Happy to be of help 🙂