I’m a firm believer in routine. If the day is not in my routined format, I’m off for most of the day. Developing good habits are a must to succeed and a daily routine is an effective roadmap to achieving that goal.
Before I give you my routine, just know that everyone is different. Life situations will dictate what works for you. The key is finding balance between what is important to you and what goal you want to meet.
As a writer, I want to be sure that I’m in my craft by doing it or learning how to do it better. Also, I like to work out, trade stock options and being a husband and father. Thus, my routine encompasses these roles and interests.
Usually, a day goes like:
- 0430: Wake up
- 0445 – 0545: Walk/Run
- 0545 – 0600: Meditate
- 0600 – 0700: Training
- 0715 – 0730: Shower/Dress
- 0730 – 0930: Get my son ready
- 0930 – 1200: Work
- 1200 – 1300: Lunch/Workout
- 1300 – 1600: Work
- 1600 – 1700: Wind down/Plan for tomorrow/Pick up son
- 1700 – 1900: Family time
- 1900 – 2030: Wind down/Ready for bed
Being a father, I’m finding it so important to value time. The realization of never getting it back is too real for me when I’m wasting time. The balance for me is between meeting objectives in my work and watching my son grow; spending quality time with my wife.
In the a.m., the workout gets me going for the day while the meditation keeps my mind clear to tackle the day’s challenges. The morning is crucial to get on the right footing. It sets the tone and gives positive momentum for the rest of the mission at hand.
With that, I’m able to concentrate on my son to prepare him for daycare aka Grandma’s. Afterward, the work begins, then lunch time and/or a workout in case I didn’t have a chance in the morning (like I said, life happens).
I continue with work until the later afternoon where I write my to-do list for the next day. There’s times when I’m needed to run errands and pick my son, but it’s better to factor those situations when planning.
Soon after, it’s time to play/read/eat. The family time is an opportune time to recharge and appreciate the time I have with my family. Those minutes you don’t get back for sure. With that, the winddown begins to end the day with a good night’s sleep.
For me, this is what works. I’m sure that if you checked back with me in a few months, things and times would have changed. As I mentioned, your routine might be different than mine… I’m sure it is! You do what is best for you!
I hope this helps and inspires you to make a routine. It does wonders for your productivity and self- accountability. But if you have one, I would love to hear it. Email me at mikefreeze@gmail.com and let me know!
Cheers!
Michael Freeze 