“Routines make up our day, so make ones that will only help you.” -2 Meal Mike
In my opinion, there are two types of routines. The first is what I call complacency routines. These are based in fear, monotony, and, well…complacency. The second type is goal-oriented routines. These correlate with desire, change, and achievement.
I was also going to add a third category regarding things you “have to do.” But, on a fundamental level, do we really have to do anything?
It’s all our choice. Kinda empowering, right?
Let’s break down these routines.
Complacency routines:
- Fear-based. Fear of change. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failing.
- Apathy
- Laziness
- Resistance to change
- Associated with an uneventful, monotonous lifestyle
Example: Getting home from work and watching the same tv show every night. (Oh yeeeah, livin the dream)
Goal-oriented routines:
- Desire-based
- Used to achieve/improve something
- Stimulates (hopefully positive) change
Example: A workout routine.
What we can take away from this is a bit (or a lot) of self-awareness. Life is in our control when we are conscious of our thoughts, emotions, and actions (routines). Once we are aware, we will come to the realization that we have the power of choice. We will consciously choose to get that mid-afternoon coffee (or not), instead of just doing it without thinking. This will naturally result in adding more goal-oriented routines to our lives, while minimizing the complacency routines.
If we become conscious of our routines (and what types they are), we will no longer coast through life as an automaton. There is no regular day. Every day is special. Every day is a miracle. Every day is precious. Every day is to be savored. We must remember that, and keep working towards living out our dreams.
