​Hey Reader,​

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Terry here - how's it going?

Today, I'd like to share my thoughts about a common misconception regarding using routines to boost productivity.

Long story short - many people struggle with sticking to routines because it adds too much rigidity to their lives and thereby reduces their sense of "freedom".

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My take?

If you treat routines like unbreakable laws that must be enforced no matter what, then you're using them WRONG.

Stick around to how I feel about routines as a part-time entrepreneur below!

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But before we start, here's a tweet from the past:

Terry Toh ⚖️ @talktoterryco To-do lists are useless unless it has 3 important things: 1️⃣ An associated project 2️⃣ A due date for the work to be completed by 3️⃣ A "do date" on which I intend to work on the task Most folks will have 1️⃣ & 2️⃣ Only few will have 3️⃣ - this is the one that will get things done 8:8 PM • Jan 14, 2024 0 Retweets 0 Likes Read 1 replies

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Why you might hate the idea of routines.

Here's the big misconception - your routines aren't a set of rigid rules that you must mindlessly follow every day to the letter.

If the mere thought of setting up recurring routines in your day-to-day makes your knees weak, palms sweaty, and lots of anxiety, then I'm guessing you probably live a highly unpredictable, unstructured, and reactive life.

Symptoms include (but are not limited to):

1. Struggling to make plans for the future (even if it's just 2-3 days ahead)
2. Ditching plans you made because something "unexpected" came up
3. Rushing from place to place, task to task, all the time

Does this sound familiar to you?

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I have clients who report feeling like they have absolutely no control over their time - and they hate it.

Thus, it's easy to imagine why people like this might hate routines.

I mean, who wants to have more rules that will take away any remaining amount of control (a.k.a. "freedom") they have already, right?

Your routines aren't rigid, you are.

Instead, here's what a more meaningful relationship with routines looks like:

Essentially, routines are a pre-determined set of actions that you've decided on in the past based on your most up-to-date understanding of yourself - physically and/or mentally.

And for many people that I've worked with, they only design routines for the "good" times only - y'know, when things are all nice and dandy?

But what happens when things aren't?

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When the unexpected occurs, you will find it difficult to stick to your routines.

These disruptions break any momentum you've had so far with your routines, and you end up feeling like you'll have to "start from scratch" again.

You might even feel lousy about yourself because you start labelling yourself with unhelpful terms like "not disciplined enough", "easily distracted", and "highly unmotivated".

If left unchecked, this can quickly get you trapped in a negative spiral and hurt your productivity even more.

Not all routines are created equal

Fortunately, I have a simple, two-part solution to this moral dilemma:

1. Stop being rigid about your routines, and
2. Start reframing disruptions as intentional pauses on your routines

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You see, not all routines are created equal.

Most routines are designed off elements of your life that are predictable and consistent.

That's why your routines should technically work for >75% of your days.

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The other 25% of your days will have variances to your circumstances that may be difficult to predict and render your routines useless.

Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, why don't you acknowledge the fact that your routines just aren't built for such days?

When done right, I guarantee that you'll feel a lot less stressed about it.

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This was a huge game-changer for me and my clients, and I'm certain it'll be for you as well.

With this in mind, I'd invite you to reflect on past instances where your routines broke and you started beating yourself up over it.

• Were those circumstances different from those which your routines were designed for?
• If yes, what were they and how are they different?
• Can you design another set of routines that can be "turned on" in similar circumstances in the future?

The last prompt requires some imagination & creativity, so allow yourself to let loose and see what comes out of it!

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That's all for this week!

Do you like this format? Hit reply and let me know.

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See you again next week!

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