Appreciation for the Routine

As I gain experience, my appreciation of the courage required to come in and do a consistent and methodical job grows. I have always sought innovation and fresh ideas, and tend to grow anxious and impatient while doing repetitious tasks. Growing weary of repetition has, in the past, led me to abandon routine. One of the true roots of that issue is probably fear - a fear that I will somehow become the process and that I will not experience true personal and professional growth. I have come to find, however, that abandonment of the routine always results in missing out on the fruits of one’s labors. Consistency is a requirement.  

My distaste for routine was also rooted in my (incorrect) belief that mundane tasks were somehow beneath me. However, I have begun to appreciate routine because it is difficult, recognizing that it is vital to the success of any process. Innovation and fresh ideas are no doubt valuable, but so is the sweat equity required to bring them into existence and to keep them in existence.

Experience has shown me that the truly courageous stick to their guns and keep the process moving day in and day out. Dedication to the routine results in both accomplishment and in growth. Those faithful to the “everyday” or the “mundane” tend to see the most results. So, don’t abandon the plan. Plug into the grind and unlock the exceptional.