Embracing Stability: The Vital Role of Routine During Transition
I could shout from the rooftops the importance of having a daily routine, especially a morning and an evening routine. Think of it as the perfect way to “bookend” your day –starting and ending it with something for yourself. A unique aspect of routines is that they do not rely on motivation, but instead self-discipline. You will not always feel like waking up earlier to get to the gym before work; when motivation leaves, that is where the power of self-discipline comes in. Self-discipline is the deepest form of self-love there is. It is about keeping promises to yourself.
Routines, once developed start to become muscle memory and a habit. When life throws you a curveball that is when your routine gets challenged. I am currently going through a career transition–a curve ball I was not expecting in how it was delivered. This challenged my routines. It also allowed me to create the space to restructure them into what I needed at this time in my life. If you are facing a life transition in a big area –health/wellness, career, relationships, finances then your routine will be challenged too. Here are some ways to approach this new challenge:
Evaluate Where You Are, Where You Are Going
If you are undergoing a life transition –whether it was one you expected or not, it is valuable to ask yourself this question. What is this current transition teaching or exposing you to? How do you want to take this experience and shape where you are going? For example, if you were laid off unexpectedly, but have been thinking of a career pivot for a while, really think Okay, what is my next move? What if I take this opportunity to make a career pivot? You know, the one you have been talking about for years. Try to break this down into 3 months, 6 months, 1 year. Where do you want to be in each of those time frames?
Reevaluate Priorities
It is okay for your routine to be refined and edited as you move through life–that is completely normal. It means you are evolving as a person. Look at your current AM and PM routine and decide what is no longer serving you during this time of transition. For example, with a new health diagnosis, you may change a workout routine or nutrition plan. Take out what no longer interests you and add in what does. Remember, it is okay to refine and edit and then do it all again.
Be Patient with Yourself
Transition periods often can bring doubt, low self-esteem, and a victim mindset. This can especially occur if the transition is forcing you out of your comfort zone. It is crucial to give yourself grace during the process. You may not execute your new routine perfectly every day. It is the cumulation of efforts over time that create lasting change. The goal should be that each day you wake up, aim to move through your routine to the best of your ability, and then do it again the next day. The NAVY Seals have a motto that states “Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast” I think that this can be applied to multiple areas of life. Recognize that times of transition you may need to think and move more slowly as you adjust. Taking that time to recognize what you need during this time in your life will leave you with a routine that compliments what your mind, body, and spirit need. Once it is smooth, it will be run quickly like a well-oiled machine. You will wake up and jump right into a routine and settle into one without much resistance in the evening. Remember, grace and grit.