Establishing Effective Routines for Impactful Results

Hey Everyone! The simple routines and daily commitments that we make to ourselves in life have a great impact on our trajectory overall. We may think that because we are doing something right that it's good enough, when in reality we need to be leveling up and doing what is best. 

Join me for a quick chat this week on the power of establishing routines, and also determining if we are doing what is right, but only for the wrong reasons, even if subconsciously. 

Takeaways: 

• Routine is essential for personal growth and wellness.
• Morning rituals can enhance spiritual connection and clarity.
• Reflection helps identify what truly needs to be done.
• Starting small can lead to significant changes over time.
• Commitment to routine builds self-efficacy and confidence.
• Don't be afraid to pivot from what's right to what's best.

Some thoughts on routines:

The Power of Daily Routines- Psychology Today

The Power of Routine: Healthy Habits for a Better Life- Ace Fitness

The Power of Routines- Entrepreneur.com

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Transcript

Hey everyone! Welcome back to the pod. I hope that all is well. If you are like me, you can’t believe it is almost March- like seriously where is the time going? It feels like that little lull after the holidays where you feel like you have a bit of down time has expired in my world, but I am doing my best to stay energized and prepared to take on all that has been happening and all that is to come. 

One thing that I have always struggled with is routine. While I’m not fully a fly by the seat of your pants type of gal, I definitely like to hover in the gray space. If you’ve been around awhile, I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about indecisiveness, lack of commitment, and the importance of establishing routine, and that is really truly because I have always struggled in this area. I used to downplay the power in sticking to something- doing it the same way over and over- repeating the same thing over and over- BORING. But that was until I matured and recognized the power in routine and in that repetition. 

And so as they say at this BIG age not only have I grown to understand the power of routine and habit building, I can say that I am actually seeing the results in my life. For months and months I’ve been saying strength training is not an option. I’m 42 and I need this body to carry me. I need it to support me. I need to be strong and I need to maintain immunity. But I just couldn’t get out of my comfort zone of walking and yoga- low impact, totally my speed because I am definitely NOT a HITT workout girl. But no matter how much I told myself that I needed to do it, I just wasn’t doing it. But sometimes, something in life will just hit you and remind you of what you should be doing. It wasn’t that what I was doing was wrong. I was moving my body through walking- lengthening and maintaining balance and flexibility through yoga like once a week and I tried to convince myself that was enough. That I could get what I needed from that. 

How often isn’t that we lie to ourselves when we know the truth, or do the right things for the wrong reasons? Because just because a thing is right, doesn’t mean that’s what we should be doing or need to do. I tried to justify that what I was doing was enough, because it was good, when I knew better. 

And you know what happened? As soon as I stepped into strength training- and I’m not talking anything fancy- just like 20 minute full body strength training workouts on average 3-4 times a week, I saw results quickly. Now I don’t know the exact date that I started. Documenting is something else that I need to work on. 

But what I do know is that as soon as I switched over from what was good, but still in my comfort zone, to the right thing that I needed to do, I started to see change quickly. More energy, feeling stronger and for the most part, a better mood. Life is still gonna life, but I can imagine that my mood may have been impacted. 

But not only did I switch over to the right thing, I also established routine. So instead of just walking a couple times a week, or hitting my mat, I’m now moving my body intentionally 5-6 times a week. This is also coupled with my devotions. So I’ll get up, workout, do my devotions and have dedicated prayer time, before I start my workday. And I know for sure that my dedicated prayer time is changing me. 

I have always been one who prays. All the time. In the car- the shower, before bed. I firmly believe in praying without ceasing. But there is something about starting my day with prayer. And not just prayer, but sitting and meditating in the prayer that makes the difference. I’m not just filling up every moment with requests or words anymore. I’m working on sitting with God. And that has made a huge difference with me being able to enter the day with a calm spirit, or have some clarity around things, easing worry, but also making me feel strong and powerful and reassured that I can conquer all that is in front of me. 

I’m still a work in progress for sure- I am just getting started. But all I did was tweak my schedule. Make a commitment and work toward building a routine.  I did what I needed to do. What I was doing before was right, but I had to tap into what was needed and I got those results. 

So today I just want to encourage you to focus on the right thing that you need to do. Not just the thing that is right. Because you don’t want to lean into the right things for the wrong reasons, right? Have you landed on a certain opportunity where you know that you are doing good, but you know that you are being called to something greater? Don’t use the right thing that you are currently doing as an excuse not to step into what you should be doing. 

Yes, it’s going to take more effort because you haven’t done it before. Yes there may be some growing pains, mentally and physically. But what is the reward? I’m sure it’s worth it. And all you may need to do is commit to that thing and take the first step. God will give you the wisdom and guidance to move forward and he’ll show you what to do if you sit with him. 

This morning routine of mine is new to me. But I can tell you how I know its right. Because of flow. I have tried many times before to get up and structure my day this way or that and I struggled with keeping at it. But in this current state, I’m experiencing ease, even though I don’t necessarily wanna put myself through the workout, right? I’m not creating blockers for myself for getting up and doing it. I feel a sense of pride and achievement. And I can’t wait to spend that time with God after because I know that He is going to ground me. 

And so now I am more excited to take this same energy from the morning routine I have in practice and apply it to other areas in my life, which has cause me to evaluate what has gotten me on this path so far, and what I can share with you in order to get some positive routines in place for the things that you should be doing. 

Well first, you may be wondering, how do I discover what I need to be doing? 

The answer is some simple reflection. Is it something that keeps coming up for you? Is there a routine or habit or thing you used to do that you put down, but that you know was beneficial and that you need to reengage with? We often subconsciously talk to ourselves about the things we need to do- gravitating toward things related. You know, I just wasn’t feeling strong. And everywhere I looked or listened, there was chatter about perimenopause and the importance of strength training and taking care of my body at this stage in life. I also wasn’t feeling as connected to God as I would have liked and so I figured that if I could make time to get up and exercise, I surely better be able to do the same for God. And it’s been working.

So reflect- look and listen for the cues. What you need to be doing will show itself if it hasn’t already.

Next is start small and use what you have- I didn’t say alright, bet- let me get a gym membership, new workout gear and commit to a 5:30 call time at the gym for an hour workout. Even in knowing I needed to make a change, that aint me. So I went over to our pal youtube, searched up 20 minute strength training workouts, found two virtual fitness pals that I like and have started alternating their videos. It’s not fancy, but its been getting the job done at a pace that is comfortable for me and also eliminates excuses, because all I have to do is go down to my basement to get it done. I dont even have to brave the elements of the outdoors. And I hop right over from my workout space to my desk for devotions. You gotta make it easy.

Don’t be hard on yourself- if you miss a day, its not the end of the world. We are imperfect people, but what’s important is establishing a routine that resonates with you on a deeper level than just going through the motions because you have to, so that when you fall out of routine for a day or longer, you want to get back to it. Not out of obligation, but because of the connection you established to the routine and how it makes you feel. So for me I know that if I don’t work out and miss too many days, it’ll make it that much harder when I try to revisit down the line. And if I don’t get out of the bed early enough to get my devotion in, it’s a bit of a disappointment and i don’t start my day as strong. So you have to know what your driving factor is so that you can get back on course when you get off, but you’re still able to give yourself grace. 

And finally, take it one day at a time- Everyday that you have an opportunity to get up and live this life is a new day. Do what you can to make the most of it, even if that means you are only tackling one small thing on your list like a 40 minute morning routine. But you’ve heard me say before, you build on those small things. Everyday that you stick to your routine, your commitment is more and more proof to yourself of what you are capable of. 

I’ll leave you with a quote from Simone Biles today who says: Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.

Be proud of every step, every change, every milestone on your journey yall. And don’t be afraid to pivot away from what is right so that you can get to what is best. Keep climbing so that you can reach the best version of yourself and your purpose. But the small steps, the small routines and actions that you commit to will get you there. 

Thanks so much for listening today. If what you have been hearing has been beneficial, don’t forget to share, rate, review and subscribe to the pod to help us grow. And I can’t wait to chat with you all again next week. Take care until then.