Routines are important and powerful. They allow us to save time by not having to make decisions. They can support you, your vision, and your goals, or they can work against what you actually want.
We all have routines, but few of us actually chose our routines. We just seem to fall into them, and we keep our routines unless they’re obviously failing.
Your current routines might be okay, but are they bringing you closer to your goals? Do they support your values and priorities? Examine your daily routines and determine how well they serve you.
Can you make some small changes here and there that would enable them to serve you better? Even a small alteration in a routine can make a big difference because they’re performed consistently. Over time, these actions add up.
Ask yourself these questions about your routines:
1. Morning routine. From the time your alarm goes off until you’re out the front door, what do you do?
What time do you get up? How many times does your alarm go off first?
What do you think about while lying in bed?
What do you have for breakfast?
Do you do anything besides eat and prepare for work? What do you do? Are you doing those things optimally?
How much time do you waste that you could be using productively?
2. Work routine.
Are you taking the optimal route to work?
Do you get gas before work or after?
How do you use the time in your car?
How early do you arrive at work?
What do you do first?
How much time do you waste at work?
3. Meals.