The Art of the Active Routine

I can remember when my daughter was born that my wife was very focused on routines. I can remember her saying how important routines would be, schedules to keep the baby on and tasks that had to be completed. Everything was structured and three kids later, schedules are all that saved us from crossing the border into insanity.

It is now after long years of no longer having to change diapers or wake up for 3 a.m. feedings that I realize routines need to be integrated into my daily systems once again.

Finding the Time

You can't make time, you can't find more time, you can only work with the time you're given. Twenty four hours is all we're given, the question then becomes...how are we using it?

Using the time you're given can be easy if you know what you're going to do and focus your efforts on that task alone. For example I find that the morning hours are the best times for me to get what I need to get done. Prior to the kids waking up for school the house is at its most serene. The only ones up are the cats and they tend to curl themselves at my feet when I wake up early.

For some of you, the late night hours are the best time for you to purge your creativity into any of the projects you've chosen to accomplish. Daytime or nighttime, the choice is definitely yours, but find ways to help you find your center. Writing, meditation, and music appreciation are three things I enjoy doing for my routine.

Dedication to the Cause

"Decide, Commit, Succeed," are the words from an exercise routine that I'm integrating into my lifestyle, but the words ring true. We can't dedicate ourselves to anything that we've not decided to do. Once we've decided to do it, it only become habit when we commit to it, mind and heart. By committing to it and staying on course we can succeed.

Think about your goals, how can you integrate routines to help you achieve them faster. I've refocused and found mine. Once you find yours, what's your next step?

Photo Credit wenzday01