Build Routines That Work for You

The Groundwork
Written By Julia P.

Build routines that you would do right now—not next Monday, not next month.

  1. Reflect

    Look back on how you have been spending your time these days. Have you been spending time as you wish you had? Or could tweaks be made to optimize your days? List these corrections and then visualize the actions that you want to replace old habits with.

  2. Start Small
    Don’t try to revamp your entire day at once. Focus on building one habit at a time. Say that instead of scrolling on your phone in the morning after turning off your alarm, you put your alarm near the coffee maker so that you stand up, turn the noise off, and start making coffee (or matcha, or whatever you drink).

  3. Be Flexible
    Routines are meant to serve you, not the other way around. It starts feeling rigid if you stick to routines that do not work with your lifestyle anymore. It’s okay to adjust them as your needs and commitments change. Life will occasionally throw curveballs, so allow some flexibility within your schedule.

  4. Track Progress
    Pay attention to how your routines impact your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Keep a journal or a place where you can take notes on your life performance; trust—you will forget all the times your routine went well in the event that following your routine leads you to the rocky bottoms of regret. This will help you stay motivated and accountable.

  5. Lifelong Revision

    Consistency is the heartbeat of routines. Not necessarily sticking to the ‘perfect’ routine you have created from the get-go, but consistently adapting your habits to the present. We are fast-paced, and too many changes are occurring in the world. We have so little control over our environment—the environment that affects us. Sticking to the original routine is being stagnant. The perfect routine is always what works for you in the present.

Never try to imitate other people’s routines perfectly—your life and circumstances are significantly different. Lifestyle influencers on social media platforms are for inspiration as best. Follow routines that are optimized just for you.

Julia P.

Julia is the founder of Where is the Box? She is an ordinary procrastinator teenager who migrated in the middle of her high school career. She started this site to share reflections on accountability whenever she felt overwhelmed, alienated, and inadequate to create a tiny corner of relatability on the internet. She enjoys writing in her journal, listening to and making music, running, and baking desserts.

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