January Month End Round-Up: Routines

If you set a New Year's resolution this year only to have already abandoned it, you're not alone. But what if your success wasn’t about making the resolution at all - but in the small things you either do or don’t do every day to achieve it…

…your ROUTINES!

This month’s focus was on (1) creating sustainable change through routines (2) the power of a morning planning routine and (3) tips for establishing new routines.

Routines vs. Resolutions: The Key to Lasting Change

Feel like resolutions set you up to fail?

Resolutions often fizzle out, but routines determine your success - or lack of it.

Here's why routines work:

?? Consistency: Routines create structure, promote consistency, reduce decision fatigue and get you results on autopilot once well established.

?? Small Steps: Rather than drastic overhauls, well designed routines focus on small and sustainable steps that compound over time.

?? Flexibility: Routines allow for adjustment and refinement, making them more flexible than rigid, all or nothing resolutions.

Resolutions only work if you look at your routines and what needs to change to achieve them. Do you agree?

The Power of a Morning Planning Routine

Want to feel more in control of your day?

One of the most impactful routines you can establish that prevents overworking is a 15-minute morning planning session.

Here's how a morning planning routine can transform your day:

?? Prioritize: You identify your top priorities for the day (including both professional and personal).

?? Visualize Success: You envision how you want your day to unfold.

?? Schedule: ?You map out your day, making sure there’s time for your priorities and strategizing how you will make time for what matters most.

Taking 15 minutes to plan your day on paper puts you in control, even if things don't always go as planned.

Do you use a planner or another tool to organize your day? I highly recommend the Panda Planner . Share how you plan your day!

Tips for Starting Any New Routine

As you work on establishing new routines, keep these tips in mind:

?? Start Small: Focus on one simple and sustainable routine at a time. You have to start somewhere, and you can always build on this over time.

?? Layer on to Existing Habits: Attach new routines to existing habits, like planning your day right after your morning coffee.

?? Be Patient: Remember that growth happens when we push beyond what is comfortable. Celebrate the stumbles – they're proof you're trying!

?? Stay Flexible: Routines aren't set in stone. Experiment and adjust as needed to find what works best for you.

??Track Progress: Monitor your progress (not your perfection) and celebrate it!

What routine are you committed to establishing or refining in February? Share and inspire others!

Want Some Free Resources?

Free Quiz - Are you Overworking?

?? Not sure if you’re overworking? Feeling like you might be overdoing it at work and missing out on the rest of your life? This quick 10-question quiz will help you uncover if you’re overworking. In just a few minutes, you'll gain clarity on your risk level and receive tips to prevent and overcome overworking. Take this first step and find out where you stand today!

Free Guide - Reclaim Your Day in 15 Minutes: How to Create Space for What Matters Most

?? Ready to break free from the endless cycle of overworking and to reclaim control over your time?

Grab this guide and learn an actionable strategy that transforms your day in just 15 minutes, enabling you to prioritize what matters most and create space for both your professional and personal priorities. Don't let overwhelm hold you back - opt in here and take the first step towards creating your ideal day!

Free Worksheet & Quick Video Training - Design Your Day in 15 Minutes: A Step-by-Step Process

?? Ready to stop letting your day and your calendar control you?

Learn how to design your ideal day, making the time for what truly matters both at work and outside of work. This easy-to-use worksheet and quick video training will walk you through a simple 15 minute calendar review, helping you clear the clutter, find pockets of time and prioritize what matters most. Don’t let your day control you – opt in here and take the first step towards living your ideal day!

Want to Work with Me?

Creating a routine is one thing - sticking to it is another. Let me help you identify the routines that support your goals, break them down into manageable actions, troubleshoot challenges and celebrate your successes along the way.

Ready? Send me a DM here on LinkedIn or?book a call with me!

I’m Allison Marie - Finance Exec Turned Coach. I empower ambitious professionals to excel at work without overworking by designing a life they love, including what they love about their work.

Visit my website - yourlifetodesign.co.