Hello Readers,
Please excuse my tardiness in posting this blog. We’ve been in the middle of a major move—back to our home in Toronto with four kids and two very opinionated cats. Add the back-to-school chaos into the mix, and, of course, we couldn’t miss our annual family visit to the EX (if you know, you know!). But here we are, settling back into something that might resemble a routine. And that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today: routine and why it’s so important in our lives.
Now, as someone who’s always been fascinated by language and literature, I can’t help but geek out over the origins of words.
“Routine” has a charming French origin, coming from the word route, meaning a regular course or path.
It gives this sense of something predictable and reliable, like a well-worn road we travel daily. A routine, in its simplest form, is a sequence of actions repeated regularly—like your morning workout or the steps you take to get the kids ready for school. It can also refer to a fixed program, like the ones established in schools or workplaces to keep things running smoothly.
But here’s the thing: routine often gets a bad rap. It’s seen as mundane, boring, maybe even soul-sucking at times.
If that’s the case, why bother with a routine at all? Why not live life more spontaneously, allowing ourselves to be swept up by whatever whim or impulse strikes?
Spoiler alert: routines might just be the secret sauce to living a more joyful, fulfilling life. Let’s unpack that, shall we?
The Comfort of the Constants
I’ll start with a confession: I used to be one of those people who equated routine with boredom. I’d think, "Why would anyone want to do the same thing every day?!" Fast forward a few years, sprinkle in a couple of kids, cats, and enough life chaos to fill a novel, and I’ve changed my tune. Routine, I’ve discovered, can be like the soft, cozy blanket you wrap yourself in after a long day.
Think of routines as anchors. They ground us in the familiar when the world around us is swirling with unpredictability.
When life feels like it’s going off the rails, your routine can be the thing that reminds you, "Hey, you’ve got this. Let’s take it one step at a time."
Especially in times of transition (hello, moving with kids and cats!), having a consistent routine offers a sense of stability. It’s like hitting the "reset" button every day, knowing that no matter what happens, certain things will remain constant. You know you’ll get up, have your coffee, and go through your morning rituals. It provides structure, and in that structure, there’s a sense of peace.
Routine Makes Space for the Extraordinary
If we’re being honest, routine can feel a bit like brushing your teeth. Necessary but not exactly thrilling, right? Here’s where I’d like to offer a perspective shift. Imagine if every day was different—no set wake-up time, no plan for meals, no idea when or if you’d work out or relax. It might sound fun for a day or two, but before long, the unpredictability would get exhausting. Our brains crave routine because it helps us conserve mental energy. When certain tasks are automated, we don’t have to waste brainpower deciding what to do next.
It’s like this: every time you follow a routine, you’re giving your brain a little vacation from decision-making.
You don’t have to wonder if you’re going to the gym or when you’ll start work. You already know. It’s baked into your day. This frees up space for creativity, problem-solving, and those big, bold ideas that come from a place of calm.
The magic lies in the mundane. By doing small, repeated actions, you create the foundation for bigger breakthroughs. For example, ever noticed how great writers often talk about their strict writing routines? They don’t wait for inspiration to strike. They sit down at the same time every day and write, whether they feel like it or not.
And in that practice, the magic happens. Routine doesn’t kill creativity—it nurtures it.
Why We Need Routine Now More Than Ever
In today’s world, where we’re bombarded with notifications, deadlines, and distractions, routine isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
When our days are scattered, our focus tends to be as well. A good routine serves as a framework that helps us navigate our time more effectively.
Whether it's a morning routine that sets you up for success or a wind-down routine that tells your brain it’s time to relax, these habits give our lives a rhythm. And let’s face it, in the age of endless scrolling and multitasking, who couldn’t use a bit more rhythm?
This is especially true for kids. Back-to-school time is a perfect reminder of how routine shapes not just our days but our development. Children thrive on routine because it provides a sense of security. Knowing what’s coming next helps them manage their emotions, cultivate good habits, and feel more in control of their world. And frankly, I think adults thrive on the comfort and safety of familiarity as well. We, too, thrive when we know what to expect and when we can rely on certain structures to get us through the day.
Jazzing it up with Variables
But wait—doesn’t routine sound a little rigid? Does it leave any room for spontaneity? I hear you!
This is where the beauty of balance comes into play. Routine doesn’t have to be a cage. The best routines allow for a little wiggle room.
Think of it like a jazz musician who knows the rules of music so well that they can improvise freely. A solid routine provides the framework, but within that framework, you can be flexible.
For instance, my morning routine includes prayer, meditation, and lemon in warm water before getting the kids ready for school takes over. But if something pops up—say, an impromptu visit to the EX—my routine isn’t ruined; it simply shifts a bit. Flexibility keeps routine from becoming monotonous, while the routine itself keeps life from feeling too chaotic.
Lessons En Route
At the end of the day, routine is less about what you’re doing and more about why you’re doing it. It’s about creating a rhythm that supports you, not one that constrains you. It’s about showing up for yourself in small, consistent ways so that when life inevitably throws curveballs (moving, anyone?), you’ve got the resilience and structure to navigate it with grace.
If you've ever struggled to create a routine, or finding one that works for you, I would love to help set you up powerfully on your road to a transformed life. Get a free 1:1 call with me, and let's figure it out together.
So, next time you feel like routine is getting a little too mundane, remember it’s the repetition of small, everyday actions that ultimately leads to the big changes we seek. Whether it’s the calm of knowing your morning routine by heart or the satisfaction of sticking to your exercise plan, routines are the building blocks of the life you want to create.
Now, excuse me while I go sort through the mountain of moving boxes and get back to our new routine!
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