PRISON OR FREEDOM. The Power of Routines.

Productivity is my thing. I love all things process, systems, efficiencies.

Time is a value of mine and what kept getting me those promotions in the corporate world. So, when I became an entrepreneur; I couldn’t figure out why the days were so short and I could barely make a dent in my to do list. What gives?

 All that strategic time management was left in the dust. Set the alarm- nah…leisurely afternoon brain breaks perusing Insta- yes please. I’m a business owner now; I set my own hours, thank you very much.

 Let me tell you-it doesn’t work!

Structure can sound stifling, but without it, things feel chaotic. A morning and evening routine can create a super organized workday. 

So first things first.

Establish your work boundaries.

 Be clear on when you want to start your day and also clear on when you want your day to finish. It may not go as planned all the time, but you should have a barometer of what you’re striving for. Same thing for your time off; it’s important to have a no work zone. 

 Routines are equally important. They support your time boundaries. I would recommend: morning, evening, start of work day and end of work day. Every day.

 So let’s take a look at this shall we?

Morning Routine: 

How would you like your morning to start? Coffee, family time, workout? You decide.

I used to crave a morning routine that didn’t have me jump out of bed and into the shower immediately. Now I start with breakfast, journaling and meditation before I prep myself for the day. A luxury? It doesn’t have to be.

Evening Routine:

How would you like your day to end? How much time will you allocate to you and what does that look like?

Plan it out, schedule it and make it happen.

TIP- set the alarm for going to bed. It’s a great reminder of when you officially start your wind down.

Work Start Routine:

What does your work day look like? Instead of running through the door or opening up your laptop in a frenzy, what might you like to do instead? Check your daily calendar, review your to do list, prep with your team?

Work End Routine:

When do you start shutting down? Is everything planned for the next day?

If you do this; you will be in a better position to leave work where it belongs.

Remember- Parkinson’s Laws suggests that work expands as to fill the time available for its completion. So basically that means work will take the time you give it; whether that’s 80 or 40 hours a week. 

Routines and boundaries help you gain control of your calendar and make better choices.

Imagine that; more done in less time.

What routines will you incorporate?