Good ol’ Merriam-Webster defines the word routine as “a habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure”. Doesn’t exactly channel inspiration and creativity, does it? Oftentimes, we associate routine with boredom, drudgery, and dullness. Routines lack charisma. Routines fail to motivate. Routines wreak of stunted growth and deflated dreams. But how many of us came off our year-end vacations longing for our established routines? (At least until the incessant cackling from two cubicles over reminded us why we went on vacation in the first place!). But seriously, the reality is that our routines provide a sense of normalcy that allow us to not only cope, but to eventually thrive and conquer. While we must be careful not to let our routines sap our creativity and motivation, these routines can firmly establish the building blocks to launch our own success and happiness.
Building the Airplane While Flying Rarely Works!
In our work lives, productive routines provide us with a baseline for prosperity. Salespeople have a formula to follow in order to make their numbers. Managers have a set of reports they need to master to stay on top of the business. Teachers have a basic lesson plan. Coaches have a game plan. Entrepreneurs have a business plan. Each path to success relies on establishing a routine to provide structure for achieving the ultimate goal. Building the airplane while flying rarely works!
Routines Should Not Stifle Creativity
But establishing a routine does not mean we need to stifle our creativity. The best salespeople make the requisite number of calls but also explore unconventional avenues for revenue. The best managers devour their reports but find creative ways to motivate the team. The best teachers have a lesson plan but prepare to pivot depending on the dynamic of the class. The best coaches demand structure but take risks and trust their instincts at crunch time. The most successful entrepreneurs understand the business plan but constantly test the boundaries of the market. Routines provide the foundation. Creativity and flexibility build the house.
Personal Routines Must Allow for Growth
The same is true in our personal lives. Establishing routines in our family life and our relationships provides structure and sets expectations in our everyday lives. A defined routine for going to bed. A general time for dinner and family gathering. A mutual understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each spouse with corresponding action items. Clear communication is vital. While these routines are necessary, if we are not careful, the mundane nature of family life can overwhelm us. That is okay. Once established, don’t be afraid to shake up the routine. Don’t be afraid to try new restaurants. Don’t be afraid to explore new hobbies. Don’t be afraid to mix up responsibilities and reset expectations. We must continue to grow even within our set routines. Flexibility is the key to success!
Routines Can Be a Lifesaver in Turbulent Waters
But what happens when our world is rocked by adversity? A lost job. A failed business. Financial chaos. A messy divorce. The loss of a loved one. How can we stay resilient when everything we know has been turned upside down? These are times when the security blanket of our routines help the most! We must get back on familiar ground. We must keep our bodies moving forward. We must hearken back to those routines that helped us prior to the turbulence. Even the most tedious routine provides mental stress relief and necessary distraction. The key to resiliency is action. And, while they may not be sexy or exciting, our established routines can get us moving in the right direction. Once moving, our confidence will be restored and we will once again appreciate all the blessings we have in our life.
Routine is the momentum that keeps us going. –Ben Nicholas
We were put on this earth to think big, act boldly, love deeply and change our little corner of the world. We don’t always have to color within the lines. But we still need to take out the trash on Tuesdays and turn in our time sheets on Fridays! Establishing a productive routine keeps our hearts pumping and provides a blueprint for our future success. Once in place, we can always take risks, test the boundaries, and improvise in the moment.
Create a routine. Establish a baseline. Then go out and make it rain! No one seeks a routine life. But our healthy routines provide the foundation for our future success!
Until next week, keep smiling!