How do I get into a Momentum Boosting routine? (5 tips!)

Hi Momentum Makers,

What’s your favorite first-day-of-school memory?

I don’t know about you, but I love the back-to-school season! From the fresh whiff of a new notebook to cracking open a new pack of pens (or a new pair of shoes!) I feel like anything is possible this time of year. It’s fresh, new, and exciting—even if you’re no longer a student. It’s a time full of energy and possibilities!?

That said, even with all that energy, it can be tough to find a groove once September rolls around—and I know I’m not alone. Many of you have asked me, “How do I get back into a routine so I can build momentum this fall?”?

Here are my five tried-and-true tips for getting into the swing of things so you can sustain your resilience and momentum when things get crazy busy (if they aren’t already!).

1. FIND YOUR FIVE?

Find 5 minutes a day to center yourself.?

I know you’re busy—and EVERYONE has five minutes. Take this time to reduce stress and build resilience as you get back into your rhythm. The easiest way to do this is to keep a list of self-care rituals (I call this Finding Your Five and it’s a key tool in your Resilience Toolkit) to recharge and refuel yourself before chaos ensues (because, trust me, it will!).?

Maybe it’s sitting with a fresh cup of coffee on the back porch or (and!) quietly taking in the sunrise before everyone else gets up. Maybe it’s reading a devotion or doing a few simple yoga poses. Maybe it’s meditating or writing down three things you’re grateful for. Whatever it takes to center yourself, Find Your Five and see the impact!?

2. SET SOME BOUNDARIES?

Once you’ve committed to Find Your Five, protect this time by setting boundaries (and then keeping them—without guilt!).?

Get up a few minutes earlier if you need to. Ask family members to give you space, or let them know that you’ll be happy to help them with a task after a specific time. Promise me (and you) to make yourself a priority!?

3. CREATE CONSISTENCY?

Build a schedule that works for you.?

The key here is to find your flow—and repeat it as much as you can. Consistency helps you increase productivity and builds your Momentum Mindset so that you’re ready for what’s now and what’s next. Personalize your routine so that you’re able to stick with it long-term as much as possible.?

4. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE?

Surrender to the perfectly imperfect.?

If you’re like me, you’re consistent for a few days … and then something happens, and you’re off track. Remember, “normal” is an illusion, change is a guarantee, and perfect isn’t the point. When things don’t go as planned, hit the reset button, get up tomorrow, and get after it again. We’re all imperfectly perfect—and imperfect action is better than no action at all. Grit up, don’t give up. You’ve got this!?

5. LET IT GO?

Resign as General Manager of the Universe.?

Are you familiar with the phrase, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should?” Sometimes, I’m under the illusion that I can control everything—or everyone. But there’s power in letting go and empowering others to take responsibility.?

When I shift my Momentum Busters to Momentum Boosters, I act with intention by focusing on what’s right in front of me. It’s waaayyy easier than trying to constantly take care of everyone. (Especially because almost everyone is capable of caring for themselves)!

I hope these tricks help you settle into a routine, and sustain your resilience the rest of the year, no matter what your back-to-school season looks like.?

My kids are at college, so I don’t have recent back-to-school photos (none of them sent me a First Day of School pic—I’m still waiting! :) ). So please enjoy this throwback photo instead.

Here's to fresh starts!

Kim

PS: I enjoy scrolling my social feeds for pictures of my friends’ kiddos smiling with backpacks as they head back to class or even a picture of you from your favorite school photo or even as you start this last quarter of 2024 with excitement! Feel free to share a picture of you or your family heading back to school below!