I’m looking for a new routine, and I haven’t found it yet. At least that’s what I think I need.

I have some things that I want to accomplish and I am not satisfied with my progress. A routine will help me, I think. I hear people say it helps them get stuff done and build good habits.  I want to get stuff done and build good habits too.

So what is a routine? Is it just things I do? If it’s just things, why do we call it a routine? And why do people say, “find a routine?” How do I find one? What if I can’t find one? What if I go my whole life, get lot’s of stuff done, but never find a routine?

Okay, let’s start with this: what is a routine? Let’s do the dictionary thing, or at least the Google thing:

rou·tine  / noun - a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. "I settled down into a routine of work and sleep." Synonyms: procedure, practice, pattern, drill, regime, regimen, groove, program, schedule, plan, formula, method, system, order, ways, customs, habits, usages, wont, modus operandi, praxis
- Oxford Dictionary

Well, I think I definitely want one of these things. But I want to do way much more than “…work and sleep”.

I’m looking for a way to help me do the stuff I want to do, but it’s more than that. I also want to not do things I don’t want to do. Like eat less chips and salsa, lose a few more pounds, get my writing projects done, record my videos for my online lessons, etc. Hey that sounds like a list of stuff?

Just a list of stuff

Is a routine just getting done a “list of stuff?” Can’t be. It’s got to have some sort of pattern to it, that helps me get the list of stuff done. You know, this routine is something I do over and over, right? It becomes a habit and that helps me.

But then again, this routine thing is starting to feel gimmicky to me. Like it’s a trick I play on myself to get stuff done. Or it’s just a bunch of rules. I am going to do X at this time, and Y at this time. Not sure I can work with that. My stuff just seems too variable.

So what is this magical routine that I’m envisioning? I think it’s a rhythm I can sustain, moving towards things that I want to accomplish and helping me move away from things I want to avoid.

Decisions…

Maybe I will never find a routine. Maybe I have to make one.

Just Scheduling stuff?

Is it just scheduling when I do stuff? Like, at 8 am I am going to brush my teeth. At 9 am I am going to eat breakfast, at 10 am I am going to watch my favorite soap opera. Maybe. But I have tried scheduling time to do things, and I just don’t seem to get it done. Not until it’s the last minute to do it.

What’s a good routine? Let’s do the AI thing, since that’s what people do now.

Having a good routine can greatly contribute to productivity, overall well-being, and a sense of balance in life. While everyone’s routine may vary depending on their goals and lifestyle, here is a general outline of a good routine:

  1. Wake Up Early: Start your day off by waking up early. This will give you more time to accomplish tasks and set a positive tone for the day.

  2. Exercise: Incorporate some form of physical activity into your routine. Whether it’s a morning run, yoga, or a workout at the gym, exercise can energize you, improve focus, and boost your mood.

  3. Healthy Breakfast: Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast to give yourself the energy needed to kickstart your day. A balanced meal with protein, whole grains, and fruits/vegetables is recommended.

  4. Prioritize Tasks: Make a to-do list or prioritize your tasks for the day. This will help you stay organized and focused on what needs to be accomplished.

  5. Work/Study Time: Dedicate specific blocks of time for work or study. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can concentrate and be productive.

  6. Take Breaks: It’s important to take short breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. Use this time to stretch, relax, or engage in activities that bring you joy.

  7. Healthy Meals: Plan your meals to include a variety of nutritious foods. Avoid skipping meals or relying on unhealthy snacks for sustenance.

  8. Socialize: Make time to connect with friends, family, or colleagues. Social interactions contribute to a sense of belonging and can help reduce stress.

  9. Relaxation Time: Set aside time for relaxation and self-care. This can include reading, meditating, practicing a hobby, or taking a walk in nature.

  10. Quality Sleep: Establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. A good night’s rest is essential for physical and mental well-being.

Remember, a good routine should be flexible and adaptable to your personal needs. Experiment, find what works best for you, and make adjustments as necessary.

– AI Jetpack (WordPress.com)

Huh

I guess I don’t need one of these routine things. I pretty much do all of that stuff right now. Plus, there were too many words. I lost interest.

I guess I’m okay. I’m still not satisfied with my progress. I guess that’s just how things are. Or maybe my routine is something like this:

  • make a list,
  • start something,
  • occasionally finish something cross it off the list

I’m going to just keep making a list and working on stuff on it. Go for my walks with my friends, play jazz, and try to do more stuff I want to do, and less stuff I want to avoid.

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