According to Aristotle, a person becomes what they repeatedly do. As such, success (excellence) is a habit, not an act.
Therefore, you need to form a daily habit, aka routine. A routine is an efficient way to use your time, as it predetermines your actions. You know when to wake up, what to do when you wake up, how your day should go, and what time your day ends.
Ideally, everyone has a routine. But, most of us do not have a daily routine that accounts for our long-term goals.
• Identify Your Long-Term Goals
Where do you want to be 3, 5, or 10 years from now? There are two ways to get to a destination. You can pick a destination and make plans. Or, you can drift and hope you end up at your destination. Obviously, the former option is better.
It is better to begin a journey with the destination in mind. Therefore, your daily routine should move you closer to your destination (your dream for the future).
• Create A Daily Routine Centered On Your Goals
You can’t achieve your goals in one day. Therefore, you have to break them down into milestones (manageable pieces) and set daily tasks that move you closer to your ultimate goal.
Let’s say you want to lose weight. You can’t achieve that goal in one day. However, a daily workout routine will get you to a healthy weight one step at a time.
Remember, a daily routine does not have to be the same actions every day. However, you should plan a week ahead. A good plan would be to plan your whole week each Sunday afternoon.
• Account For Your Energy Levels When Planning Your Days
Start by making a list of what you want to do every day of the week. Do not leave anything out, no matter how mundane it seems. Now, consider your energy levels – at what times are you most productive. The idea is to slot the demanding tasks when you are most energetic.
• Form A Daily Ritual
A ritual introduces rhythm and pleasure in your life. A good morning ritual is an activity that provides positivity. It could be reading a favorite blog or listening to an inspiring podcast. Other rituals that should be in your routine (morning or evening) include:
• Exercising and healthy meals
• Meditating
• Taking well-timed breaks
• Getting good sleep
• Time for family
A morning ritual is particularly important. You should start your day right by doing something that boosts your energy, improves your mental focus, and inspires your creativity.
• Stick To The Plan
All the planning is for naught if you do not stick to the routine. In the initial stages, it will be difficult as it involves shedding old habits and routines. However, if you keep sporadically adhere to your new routine, it will take more time for it to stick.
• Assess Your Routine
Is your new routine working? If not, you need to change it.
You can start with a 30-day assessment. After 30 days, identify the challenges and motivations of your new routine. Do away with tasks that are not helping your end game. And, if the routine is not the issue, establish what went wrong, and make plans on how not to fail.
More importantly, regularly introduce a habit that will contribute to your ultimate goal.
