We’ve talked about the importance of breaks on this blog before. There’s something very powerful that’s set off in our brains when we disrupt the normalities throughout our day. Some make this same argument about routine. Believing that changing your routine helps improve memory and focus, and boost creativity — because you’re no longer operating on autopilot. But how do you know when it’s time to make a change? There are a few questions you might want to ask yourself before adjusting.
There’s something very powerful that’s set off in our brains when we disrupt the normalities throughout our day. Click To Tweet
1. Why should I?
If you think you might want to change your routine, ask yourself, “Why?” Is there something specific you find is not working? Are you growing discontent with your current circumstances? Are you struggling to reach your present goals? Change for the sake of change isn’t always helpful, and adapting to a new routine can be hard work, so checking your intentions is really important.
Change for the sake of change isn’t always helpful, and adapting to a new routine can be hard work, so checking your intentions is really important. Click To Tweet
2. What should I?
If you’ve decided there is a good reason for you to change your routine, identify what in your current routine isn’t working. And in order to do that, it’s important to identify current pain points in your everyday life. Do you feel yourself getting unbelievably tired halfway through the day? Have you been gaining weight or feeling unhappy about your health choices? Identify two or three things in your life that are affecting your growth and success, and then pinpoint what parts of your routine affect those things.
3. How should I?
Now that you’ve identified some potential downsides to your routine, it’s time to think about how you’d like to replace those bad habits with good ones. Studies say this is the only way to truly change your routine and develop new habits. Write out a plan of action. You have to find a route that works for you. If weight loss is your goal, and you want to incorporate physical activity into your new routine, but you hate running and stress out every time you go to put your shoes on — running might not be the key to your success. Try doing group exercises, or start walking first.
If you’d like to learn more about specific ways to change your habits, and some suggestions for habits that have changed my life, I have a book for you. Get Up and Grow: 21 Habits of Successful People can help you get started!
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