The best in the world have routines for a reason - Maya Angelou, Benjamin Franklin, Hemingway, Mozart, Darwin (the list goes on)

As a runner and fitness enthusiast, it's crucial I have a routine - sleep and consistency is key. When I have consistent days with a routine, I do make the mistake of letting go. Those days feel good (initially) but end up messy. The lack of control over time is irksome.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” - Aristotle

It's when I learned to not take my routines for granted.

If a routine works for you, stick to it. Don't fix what's broken.

Routines are scientifically proven to alleviate stress and anxiety.

By following/developing a routine you:

• Reduce unpredictability in your day

• Minimize decision fatigue

• Reserve your will power and decision making for important things

After years following routines, I've had my share of mistakes and lessons. When you build your routine, here's what you can do.

#1. Incorporate creativity and productivity

Make time to create - Music, Art, Writing are good places to start.

If solving Sudoku gets your brain going, then do that by all means.

#2. Set cue points - align your environment

There are 4 cues when it comes to habits:

1. Time 2. Location 3. Preceding Event 4. Emotional State

• Strive for consistent hours for your activities. (Time)

• A fixed location primes the brain for that specific activity.

• Sequencing habits one after another (Preceding Event)
  Ex: Meditate after reading something intense. (Emotional State)

#3. Keep what works, chop off what doesn't

If your routine starts with 5 ambitious tasks back to back, the chances of sticking with it are minimal. Stacking habits that help you loosen up in between difficult tasks helps you sustain.

The day my routine goes for a toss, I feel like a millennial without google maps.