What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. Nothing is one size fits all, and that’s the beauty of figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But you’ll never know if you don’t ask, observe and try different approaches throughout your life.
Although many parts of my life have remained consistent, I’ve added new components (like starting yoga five years ago), eliminated others (like quitting Diet Coke), and started new chapters (like retiring from teaching at Metro State). Some of the changes are things I initiated, and family and friends inspired other changes.
What has evolved and continues to evolve is a routine that works for me. But sometimes, it gets disrupted for any number of reasons. There’s an early-morning meeting on my calendar. I’m on vacation. We have house guests. It’s pouring rain. Or I don’t feel like doing something even though I know it’s good for me.
These aren’t excuses; they are simply different days and circumstances. Better yet, they are opportunities that either strengthen your routine’s importance and value or introduce new components.
Is your routine working for you? If yes, respect and honor it. Temporary deviations are OK, even welcome, but don’t let it get you off track. However, maybe it’s time to figure out what your routine needs.
Are you craving something new? Do you need a reset? Ask others what works for them, knowing you might need to customize it.
Write down your routine like a recipe. Consider the ingredients. Think about what you could add or delete. Maybe you have some non-negotiables or curious items you’d like to try.
Change is a process—and a topic for a future post—that invites us to examine our routines, evaluate what’s working and what isn’t, brainstorm options and consider possibilities.
And, when you find something that works for you:
- Take note
- Respect it
- Embrace it
- Share it
- Smile
- Return to it
- Tweak it when needed
Don’t worry if your routine is different from other people’s – do you.
Two Links Du Jour:
How to Build a Daily Routine that Works for You – The Spruce
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Two Minutes Du Jour 