I thought routines were for unimaginative people. I never wanted to live by strict rules. Then slowly, I started realizing that I wasn’t getting much done in my days and kept asking myself where the time went.
I’ve tried writing out daily schedules in the past but never followed through with them — maybe I was too tired some days, too distracted other days, and simply forgot about them as well. Until I actually started creating routines because I knew how they worked instead of just reading about the benefits.
Following a routine means you don’t have to be perfect every day. It means consciously deciding to do the things you set out to do until they become habits and you no longer have to think about it.
10 Ways to Stick to A Routine
1. Know Your Why
First, you must know your why. You’re not just going to create a morning routine because blog X told you to. You have to know why you want a routine and why you need that specific habit.
What is your long-term goal? Do you want to be healthier? Have more focus? Improve your relationships? Feel less stressed? Figure out your why, and it will help you stay consistent when you don’t feel like it.
When you understand your habits align with your values, your brain recognizes that your habits have purpose, which means you’re more likely to stick to them. This idea is supported in behavioral psychology research. Spend some time writing out why you want this routine.
Read also: 9 Mental Fitness Routines for Beginners
2. Start with Small Habits and Expand
If you want to change your life overnight, you’re going to overload your mind and body with too many new habits. You will try to fit too much into your day.
Instead, choose one or two small things you’ll do daily and make them your priority. When they become automatic, you can add more habits to your routine. Building your routine one tiny habit at a time takes advantage of how your brain creates habits through repetition. Your brain is also more adaptable to small changes than extreme changes.
This way, you’ll get small wins, which lead to more momentum. Momentum is key to a thriving routine.
Read also: 15 Ways to Stick to Good Habits
3. Be Realistic
You have to be able to fit your routine into your life as it is now. If it’s going to take too much time or effort, you won’t follow through.
You also want to be as specific as possible. Instead of saying, “I will wake up early and exercise,” decide what you will do, how long you will do it for, and when you will do it. Be detailed. The less room you leave for your brain to make excuses, the better.
4. Keep a Regular Schedule
Your brain likes being in a rhythm. Having things at the same time every day conditions your mind to expect those things. They become automatic.
You don’t have to do everything at the exact same time every day, but maybe wake up at the same time and do morning tasks within the same time frame each day. Soon it will become second nature, and you won’t have to force yourself to get up and do them.
Read also: 8 Easy Practices I Use to Boost My Confidence Daily
5. Eliminate Distractions First
Distractions are one of the biggest causes of unsuccessful routines. Clear your space and your mind before your routine starts. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, clean off your desk, or tell others not to interrupt you.
Research shows it can take up to 23 minutes to return to a state of focus after you get distracted. Stay focused, and your routine will be simpler and feel less daunting.
6. Track Your Habits
Nothing is quite as satisfying as seeing how far you’ve come. Hold yourself accountable by tracking your habits.
You can track by checking off days on a calendar, using a habit-tracking app, or old-school writing in a notebook. Tracking your habits makes your brain reward you for your success, meaning you’re more likely to want to continue. Tracking also helps you notice patterns in your good days and bad.
7. Have Fun With It
A routine doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Listen to music while you work. Create a comfortable workspace. Reward yourself after completing your routine.
Your brain craves dopamine and will seek out what is pleasurable to you, If you’re enjoying your tasks, you’re more likely to keep up with your routine.
8. Don’t Be Hard on Yourself If You Miss a Day
You’re going to hit a day where you just don’t do your routine. That’s okay. Don’t give up if you have an off day.
Prepare for these setbacks before they happen. One missed day shouldn’t turn into a week. Jump back on that horse as soon as you can and remember that this day doesn’t define you. You missed a day, but you didn’t quit.
9. Have Accountable People Around You
The people you surround yourself with can either help you or hinder you in forming a routine. Make sure you are around positive people that support your goals.
Don’t let friends hang out if they’re going to sabotage your diet or workout. Having someone know your goals can help hold you accountable. You’re less likely to slack when others are watching you succeed or fail.
10. Reevaluate Your Routine
Your routine will change as you grow. Something you may need now may not be relevant in a few years. Periodically go back and reevaluate your routine.
Maybe you can add more habits, get rid of things that don’t serve you anymore, or change your mornings to evenings. Life changes, so your routine should too.
Conclusion
You don’t need to live your life by strict rules and schedules. A healthy routine allows for life’s inevitable chaos.
Know your why, start small, and make your routine enjoyable, and you will be setting yourself up for success. Before you know it, your new habits won’t feel like a routine — they’ll feel like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not a naturally disciplined person?
Following a routine doesn’t require perfection. It means consciously deciding to do the things you set out to do until they become habits.
How many habits should I start with?
Choose one or two small habits and make them your priority. You can expand once they become automatic.
What should I do if I miss multiple days?
Don’t be hard on yourself. Jump back in as soon as you can and avoid letting one setback turn into quitting altogether.
How often should I change my routine?
Your routine should evolve as you grow. Periodically reevaluate it and adjust based on what serves you now.
Save the pin for later
