Do you love a good routine? Routines have saved my sanity more times than I can count – both personally and professionally.
I am a stickler for routines when it comes to my kids. For example, bedtime is a non-negotiable routine for me and they know it.
For myself, I make sure I have things built into my routine that will move the needle. To me, it is important to set myself up for success and to hit the ground running. I dread walking into my office in the morning and thinking, “wait, what is it I needed to do today?”
I approach my work and home life routines the same way I do my kids’ bedtime: with a list. Outside of their bedroom, there is a whiteboard with a calendar and a handwritten list on it. The tasks are simple:
- Brush your teeth
- Brush your hair
- Pick out your clothes for tomorrow
- Fill your water bottle
- Pack your lunch
That’s it. Nothing earth-shattering; nothing out of the ordinary. This list will keep them on track so we will have a less hectic morning, especially as we’re trying to get out the door.
I approach my own routine the same way. (Did you see that coming?!)
No matter what you need to include in your routine, start with a list. Think of things you need to do on a regular basis and incorporate them into your day.
My favorite part of the day
Want to know the BEST part of my daily routine? Here’s what you do:
- One hour before you work day ends, set an alarm on your phone that simply says “Move the Needle“.
- Stop what you’re doing and focus on a task (or tasks) you can complete in that hour that will make tomorrow start smoothly.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate.
Or detailed.
Or earth shattering.
It just has to be strategic.
Get started: make a list of things you can do to make tomorrow start smoothly. Here are some things I do regularly:
- Make tomorrow’s to-do list
- Send or respond to emails
- Look at your calendar and prep notes for early meetings
- Print documents you may need for tomorrow
- Fill your water bottle and leave it on your desk
This helped to guide me into building a routine I could stick to.
Have you seen my Weekly Routine for Content Creators yet? This is my exact formula and worksheet I use to plan out my content. It’s completely free and just waiting for you to download!
