“Routine is not a prison, but the way to freedom from time.”

May Sarton

We all know some form of routine is key to achievement. Set good habits, and success will follow.

Wait. 

Just scheduling the tasks isn’t enough. You have to take action and follow through on them.

Do you ever find you can’t seem to stick to a schedule? 

I find I am in a constant struggle to follow my plans. I get pulled in many directions as things come up, and my sense of curiosity gets the better of me. 

So why is it so hard?

The question is, what kind of schedule have you set?

It should be something you want to do. Something that excites you or challenges you in a stimulating way. Not something you “have” to do that ultimately demotivates you.

It’s also important to be flexible. Things come up, and priorities change. Sometimes we have to do boring tasks that suck, but the professional powers on knowing how it integrates to the big picture. 

When we design a schedule that feels right, suddenly things become much easier. We are not expending so much willpower or battling that inner resistance. 

Remember, the routine is “not a prison”. Don’t beat yourself up when you get off track. 

Tomorrow is another day. 

Reflection

• How can I schedule tomorrow to be the best possible day?
• Is it something I can wake up excited to pursue?