Create a New Routine or Ritual

Something that’s just for you. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, simple is better since it will be easier to incorporate into your routine. Perhaps you can use it to streamline a common task.

Suggestions to get the ideas flowing:

• Take one of your breaks at work and listen to a 10-minute meditation.
• Get your clothes ready at night.
• Put vitamins and medications in a pill organizer once a week so it’s done ahead of time.
• Download a favorite piece of music to listen to when you do a task that’s routine like folding clothes or unloading the dishwasher or filling out your expense report.

The goal is to use your new routine as a way to reduce stress around events you can’t control, and/or allow you to look forward to doing that task. The mundane things in life won’t be eliminated but you can choose to make them more gratifying by honoring yourself when you do them.

Many high-achievers perfect this type of routine to make their lives easier and more efficient.

Quote from President Obama:

“You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits,” [Obama] said. “I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.”

A corporate CEO has the same meal for lunch every day. It insures that he’s eating healthy and it eliminates one variable from each day. His staff knows what to order if he’s going to an event, or if he’ll be at a lunch meeting outside the office.

What routine will you incorporate?