How to Create a Routine That Works for You: A Step-by-Step Guide

person Naza Leon
calendar_today November 3, 2023
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A solid daily routine might just be the secret to hitting those long-term goals you’ve set. But let’s be honest, starting can be the hardest part. Ever feel like you're just not up for it? That’s when you need your routine the most.

So, where do you begin when nothing has worked before? In this post, we'll guide you through simple, practical tips to build a routine that stays with you. Stick with us—we’re about to dive into how you can take that first successful step today.

Building a Sustainable Routine: Key Components for Success

Establishing a routine that you can stick to and that supports your goals involves the following key components:

Make Every Day Count: Doing the same key tasks at regular times. This transforms your daily must-dos into automatic wins.

Start Simple: Choose tasks you're sure you can do. This keeps your routine easy to follow and helps you avoid the overwhelm.

Put First Things First: Elevate your top tasks. When your daily actions reflect your main aims, you're bound to make strides.

1. Review Your Current Habits

Here’s your mission: grab a notebook or your phone and start a log.

Record the small things: the morning podcast, the midday snack, the five minutes spent waiting for emails to load.

For instance:

You wake up and immediately reach for your phone.
Over breakfast, you flick through the news for "just five minutes."
You set out to start work but first, a quick social media check turns into a 30-minute detour.
You plan to take a short break, which turns into an extended chat with a friend.
Evening hits, and you're too tired for that workout, opting for an episode of your favorite show instead.

Remember: Pay attention to the habits that silently shape your day. You’ll uncover where your time really goes and pinpoint where changes are due.

2. Set Clear and Measurable Goals

On a fresh page, right after your habit inventory, jot down your goals. Specify what you wish to accomplish.

For instance:

Instead of “being healthier,” perhaps “eating three servings of vegetables daily” or “meditating for 10 minutes each morning.”

3. Discover Your Energy Peaks

Start noting when you feel most awake and focused. Are you a morning person, or do your energy levels peak after lunch? Use your habit tracker to note these times over a week or two.

With your high-energy periods identified, align your most demanding tasks with these windows.

For example:

If you find you're most alert between 9 AM and 11 AM, that's the slot for your deep work—tackling complex projects, strategic planning, or creative brainstorming.

Respect Your Low Tides

Just as important as knowing when to push hard is recognizing when to ease off. When you hit a period of lower energy, don't force heavy lifting.

Use these times for less demanding activities like administrative tasks, routine emails, or a well-deserved break.

4. Break Goals into Steps

Look at each of your aspirations and divide them into smaller, more immediate tasks.

Establish Routine Mini-Tasks

Assign each mini-goal to a particular time and day.

For example:

If your aim is to enhance your knowledge in a field, determine to read a relevant article every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, or practice a new language for 15 minutes each morning.

Celebrate Small Wins

Take a moment to acknowledge your progress. This could be a mental pat on the back or a note in your journal.

5. Incorporate Flexibility

In your daily schedule, intentionally leave open periods—buffers—that allow for the unexpected.

Create a Task Menu

Prepare a menu of mobile-friendly tasks that can be done whenever and wherever.

Whether it’s listening to an audiobook during an unplanned commute or having a go-to podcast for when you’re waiting in line, keep these options handy for productive use of downtime.

Adjust With Agility

If a day gets turned upside down, don't let it spell defeat. Take a quick look at your task menu and pick something that fits into the new gap.

If your evening gym session is missed, perhaps a 15-minute home workout can fill the void.

6. Include Rest and Recovery

Rest doesn't always mean sleep. It can be any activity that allows you to unwind and recharge.

For instance:

It could be: meditation, a leisurely walk, a hobby, or simply doing nothing at all.

Schedule downtime just like any other important activity.

Listen to Your Body

Be attentive to the signals your body sends you. If you're feeling worn out despite having rest scheduled, it might be time to adjust and allow more recovery time.

7. Plan for the Unplanned

Picture what might throw you off. Busy workdays, family events, or an unexpected cold? Spotting these early means you can tweak your routine ahead of time.

Backup Plans Are Key

Think of alternatives for each daily goal. Can’t hit the gym? A 20-minute home circuit does the trick. Miss your reading slot? Listen to a chapter or two on an audiobook instead.

Keep Your 'Why' Close

When a hurdle pops up, it's your mission that'll keep you on track. Your routine has a big goal – don't let small hitches make you lose sight of that.

8. Resource Toolkit

Just as a painter needs brushes, your goals need tools.

For example:

A fitness tracker for workouts, a comfortable chair for long study sessions, or a robust to-do list app for daily tasks.

Accessibility is Key

Place your tools within easy reach.

For instance:

If morning runs are part of your routine, your sneakers should be at the door. If it’s writing, let your notebook be a constant on your desk.

Adapt and Enhance

As your routine matures, so should your toolkit. Outgrown a basic habit tracking app? Move to one with more features.

9. Track and Tweak

Chart your progress with a simple habit tracker or journal. See which habits stick and which ones slide.

Listen to What Feels Right

If a part of your routine doesn’t lift you up, it's time for a change. Trust your gut; it knows when a habit isn't fitting in.

For instance:

If you're learning a language and those evening sessions aren't quite working, try a different tack. How about a language podcast during your morning routine?