Photo Credit: Self
“Two steps forward, one step back.”
Monday mornings are usually invigorating to me. The whole prospect and potential of a week unfolding ahead. Who knows what can happen?
This morning, it was all I could do to roll slowly out of bed. Flattened by a hectic week before and a full weekend, Monday morning dawned in slow motion.
If I had to show up to work today, it would not be pretty. While I was pulling myself into the reality of morning, the waste management truck pulled up outside and took away a heavy load of garbage. How thankful I am for people who show up for work.
Now it’s my turn.
Because of a neighbor and friend’s rigorous routines, I am spurred on to stiffly tie on my sneakers and get out the door to walk with her and others. That woman who springs into her workout shoes and actually looks great in activewear…does not live at my house.
During that walk, my body starts to remember how to function, along with this bear of a brain waking from a long winter sleep.
Whether work in outside the home or inside, I am inspired by the great benefit of rhythms, routines, and rituals. That morning walk is someone else’s routine that I’m trying to make my own.
All the productivity gurus promote some configuration of these 3 r’s.
Photo Credit: Justin Clark, Time Doctor
I’m completely sold on incorporating rhythms, routines, and rituals in my daily life…even adding a 4th “r” to the mix with New Year’s resolutions. These are a great help to one who probably has un-diagnosed ADHD…distractible and a wanderer on my own when not reined in by good habits.
For this Monday morning, and any other, my rituals and routines follow. They help set up rhythms that keep me thinking and working in ways that yield some measure of impact by the end of the day.
- Night before: in bed by 10:00pm.
- Night before: beginning of a to-do list that frames the next day.
- Up early.
- Make the bed.
- Coffee.
- No phone or other electronic distraction until after #7.
- Spend time with God (Bible reading, journaling, prayer) – the God Benjamin Franklin referred to as the Powerful Goodness.
Photo Credit: Scott Tousley, Hubspot
Some days these rituals/routines are followed by breakfast, a walk, writing, or straightaway out the door. Whatever comes next, these form the foundation to my every day.
How about you? Any routines, rituals, or rhythms that help you get going? Don’t be discouraged by the “one step back” – we all have those and it’s still progress. Also don’t let the cultural naysayers redefine life as “one step forward; two steps back”. Like the story of the tortoise and the hare – we don’t have to take the tack in life of frantic and cynical pursuit of a life that gets us nowhere (good, anyway). Steady, steady…choosing well and wisely…we will finish the race, fight the fight, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
Even overcoming a hard Monday…
[Deb Mills Writer – I’ve written a lot on productivity. Search here.]
This Is How Your Daily Routine Should Look (According to Science) – Erin Brodwin
12 Morning and Evening Routines That Will Set Up Each Day for Success – Stephen Altrogge
The Morning Routines of the Most Successful People – Kevan Lee
8 Life Lessons from Benjamin Franklin – Quincy Seale
Rhythms, Routines, Rituals – Pinterest
A New Routine for the Work at Home Family – Leigh Ann Dutton