By default, humans are creatures of habit, and change is always challenging. It is easy to settle into a routine and not branch outside of it because you get so invested. In some cases, you may think that a certain routine benefits you most, and that changes will have a negative impact on your life.
However, routines can be both good and bad, and it is important to examine both sides of the coin. You want to know when change is necessary and when it is not, to ensure that your routine is truly working for you.
The upsides
When you have a good routine, you are constantly working toward both long-term and short-term goals. Your routine is set up in such a way that you are always taking a step toward meeting them. You only need to stick to your routine to reach your goals, and you do not have to add extra tasks throughout the day.
You are inspired by your daily tasks and get satisfaction when you complete them. You enjoy what you are doing and feel accomplished at the end of the day. You also wake up in the morning and actually look forward to getting your day started.
If this sounds like you, your routine is likely pretty solid.
The downsides
While a routine can be beneficial, it can also lead to stagnation. Your routine should always give you what you need every day, so when it stops doing this, it is time to make some changes. The following are signs that your routine is no longer allowing you to live life to the fullest:
You frequently find yourself bored and with too much unfulfilled free time on your hands.
You are very busy, but at the end of the day, you realize that you did not get a lot of things accomplished.
You find that your routine is not feeding into your goals. You have to frequently sit down and think about what you are doing to accomplish them instead of trusting your routine to do this for you.
You feel like you are currently in a rut and you are not getting satisfaction and inspiration from your daily life.
Many of the things you do each day are obligatory and not enjoyable.
When your routine starts providing you with more bad than good, it is time to make a change. For many people, even a routine that works well now can become less effective in the future. Make sure that you are aware of the negatives so that you can pinpoint them when they occur.
When you are able to quickly make the necessary changes, you can always enjoy a routine that provides you with everything that you need for a fulfilled, healthy and happy life every day.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=41792&cn=110
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/changing-your-routine/#axzz3KsjErzd3
http://personalexcellence.co/blog/empowering-routines
