Stop chasing the "Perfect" Routine
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Last week, I met with one of my clients…
and almost immediately afterward sat down to record this podcast
and write this blog…
Creating a morning routine has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years, and for good reason. People have recognized the benefits of starting the day off right, such as setting a positive tone for the rest of the day, increasing productivity, and enhancing overall well-being. However, this trend can also have a downside that is often overlooked.
I, as much as anyone else, have found myself in a vortex of YouTube videos perfecting my daily routines. I’ve found myself adding countless new habits and practices to my mornings purely because some YouTuber, productivity guru, or thought leader happens to do it in theirs. Even now, an idea morning that I had recently is written out on a whiteboard on my desk is 10 items long. And this is where we get caught in a trap.
We live in a society that glorifies productivity and achievement. We're bombarded with messages telling us that successful people wake up at the crack of dawn, engage in intense workouts, meditate, journal, and accomplish a myriad of tasks all before breakfast. The pressure to have a perfect morning routine can be mentally and physically exhausting, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and burned out.
In a client appointment recently, we got on this same conversation. And it was during this conversation that my client and I realized that she’d been trapped for so long in this losing battle of creating the “perfect” morning that her mornings are no longer any sort of pleasant.
Those who strive for high levels of achievement may feel pressure to create the "perfect" morning routine, which can be an overwhelming task. Instead of a relaxing and enjoyable start to the day, it becomes just another item on the to-do list. This drive for perfection can lead to burnout and other negative consequences, such as stress and anxiety.
Let's face it, perfection is an illusion. Even and especially when it comes to our mornings. There is no single formula for an ideal morning routine that applies universally to everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. Our preferences, schedules, and circumstances differ, making it virtually impossible to achieve a one-size-fits-all perfect routine.
Additionally, life is unpredictable. Each day brings its own set of challenges and circumstances that may not align with our rigid morning routine. By clinging to the notion of a perfect morning routine, we set ourselves up for disappointment and frustration when life throws us a curveball.
High achievers are often driven by an inner desire to excel in all aspects of life. They believe that if they follow a perfect morning routine, they will gain a competitive edge and achieve greatness. However, this pursuit of perfection can become a double-edged sword, driving toward the very burnout and overwhelm that they’re constantly avoiding.
On one hand, a well-designed morning routine can enhance productivity, boost energy levels, and promote a positive mindset. On the other hand, the pressure to adhere to a flawless routine can lead to excessive stress and self-criticism when things don't go according to plan. High-achievers are susceptible to this. The fear of failure can become paralyzing, preventing individuals from enjoying the process and adapting to change.
Instead of chasing the perfect morning routine, it's important to find a balance that works for you. Recognize that each day is an opportunity for growth and adaptation. Flexibility allows for spontaneity and the ability to respond to life's demands while still prioritizing self.
To build a morning routine that works for you, it's important to differentiate between the ideal morning routine and what is realistically attainable on a consistent basis. This means choosing a handful of activities that you truly enjoy and can easily fit into your schedule, and establishing achievable minimums. By doing this, you allow for flexibility and the ability to adjust when needed without sacrificing the benefits of having a morning routine. Additionally, it's important to remember that a morning routine is not a one-size-fits-all solution and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it's essential to experiment and find what works best for you and your unique circumstances.
