Why having a routine is important

For someone who is a closeted impulsive person, the importance of routine can be a drag on my  otherwise adventure filled life. The time saved from devising a structured approach is more time for mischief. There is too much fun in situations arising from thinking ahead, not being prepared, in short, not having a routine of daily activities. And yet, I stick to some pattern. The importance of having a routine is not lost on me. Meet me on an expedition or an outdoor activity and you will find no one more organized, thinking through, process oriented than I.

When I listened to Tim Ferriss hosted podcast of Hugh Jackman, it really drove home the point about having a routine. The most interesting bit that stands out from the podcast, and something we have nslightly in common is a morning reading patterj. I heard that Jack and his wife read a book to each other in the mornings followed by a meditation session. I never leave home without reading at least a paragraph, to myself. It is a great way to front-load the day. It does not matter how it goes from there, you have already established your peace right at the beginning.

Jack goes on to elaborate about his routine before a show, a stage appearance and his fitness. It is a beautiful insight into a life as successful as his is for us lay people. Routines should be as simple as he describes them, nothing too elaborate or you won’t stick with it. Routines have to be enjoyable as well, I talk about my fitness routine here. And routines have to be sacrosanct – nothing short of an emergency can come in between you and your routine.

It does indeed lead to a less stressful and structured life. Try it. The benefits are immense and there are no adverse side effects.