There is something very special about the Fall. Even for those of us who live in South Florida, where there is no discernable change of seasons, we look forward to the idea of a new beginning. Yes, I am aware that January marks the official start of the year, but Fall is also known for new starts. Think back to childhood; remember when the summer days would start winding down, and you were busy getting new supplies and clothes to start the new school year? If your parents were similar to mine, they probably reminded you that this was a new academic year and the opportunity to work really hard to learn new things and accomplish new goals.
So what is it about the start of a new school year and the Fall that bring us some excitement? Most likely it is the return to structure and routine. The summer time, even for those who are not parents or whose children are grown, is a time to be more free and less committed to our routines. It is a break for everyone, young and seasoned, from the structure as well as the rules of life. After a few months of this break, even the most carefree spirits easily return to their routines. So, what are the benefits of routines? How can they help you thrive in your business an life? Read on to find out….
Routines can help us design our life. We get to make decisions about what to put into our day. For example, if you want to be healthier, you create a routine around food prep and your work-out. If you want to create more business, you create a routine around networking and following-up with clients. Creating these routines helps us to be more successful in your goals.
Routines help to alleviate stress and anxiety. The same way structure helps a child feel more comfortable because she knows what to expect, routines help adults anticipate and make accommodations for expectations. When we know what to expect, we feel more comfortable and in control.
Procrastination becomes a thing of the past! When you have a routine, you get more done because time was set aside for completing tasks. An additional benefit of this one is that you actually have more time to relax. When we honor the time that we set aside to work on tasks, we tend to work until completion, leaving us more downtime.
People who have routines also sleep better! Why? Because they have created a routine around sleep! They also get more done during the day. The more we can scratch off our “to-do” list, the more our brains can unwind and relax.
If you have been feeling out of sorts, scattered, or inefficient, try creating some routines around your goals. This will help you in taking control of your life, your business and the achievement of your goals. If you feel like you can’t create a routine that works for you, or you simply don’t have the time to create one, a coach can be a great option to help you set up your goals and the routines to accomplish them.
What are you adding to your routine this Fall?
Cheers to a fresh start!