There was a time when I was the queen of routine (some less kind people might refer to it as being anal retentive, but I prefer my description). I got up at the same time, I exercised every day, I got to work on time (I left late every day), and I got stuff done.
That has not been the case of late (by ‘of late’, I am of course referring to the better part of the previous ten years). And it’s hard to get things done when you’re constantly pinballing from one thing to another.
I’ve decided it’s time to reclaim at least some of my routines and get more of things I want done, done. But there is no easy way to do this. It’s sheer will power all the way. But I think the key to actually making changes and achieving routines is to only think of the one tiny task you absolutely need to do and get that thing done.
For instance, if morning is the only time I can exercise then that’s when I’m going to have to do it. I need to set the alarm clock at an appropriate time. I need to get up, not doze, when the alarm clock goes off. Then I need to concentrate on actually getting myself up and doing that 10 mins on the treadmill.
Yes, that’s it. Ten minutes. I’m making a goal so ridiculously small that it would seem stupid of me not to complete it.
So tomorrow morning is the morning. I’m starting with the ten minute treadmill challenge that will lead me into an eventual routine of daily writing, staying on top of the washing pile and getting more of what I want done.
What’s the first ridiculously small thing you need to do to get some routines into your life? Think small people. We don’t want to burn ourselves out before we even start.
Let me know how you go.
S.
the art of moi 
You sound like me. I’m a retired programmer, but when I was working, I had my own system for attacking a project and refused to deviate from it. Why? Because it worked. But when I quit working, I started to quit “giving a crap” about most things and mellowed out. I stopped wearing a watch and I stopped setting the alarm clock. Unfortunately, I also got out of the habit of walking or using my treadmill.
I think your idea of a 10 minute challenge is brilliant. Just like the movie “What About Bob”. Baby steps. I’m going to do it. I’m going to commit myself to my own 10 challenge. I’m going to set the alarm on my cell phone right now. I’ll alternate time on the treadmill with time strength training on my resistance bands. Heck, maybe I’ll even take 10 minutes to dust my bedroom furniture! LOL
I was going to just go for ridiculous – i.e. cycling the circuit (1 hour) three times a week. That’s because I cycled 25 km of relatively flat track this weekend and it nearly killed me (and my butt). Which really really really annoyed me.
So now I’m going for ridiculously small. Which is just getting out of bed actually … I might even pop on the lycra and have breakfast in my bike helmet.
If that doesn’t work, at least the neighbours will have a laugh…
(seriously, I reckon once a week would be a miracle – and I’m aiming for that!)
lou
I think we’ve started something here.
Thanks for the movie reference too – I was wondering where I remembered ‘baby steps’ from.
Louise, I’m sure you’ll look very attractive eating brekky in the bicycle helmet. Perhaps you could flex your ankles at the same time and really kick start the whole thing.
Sandra.