How to build up a routine and stick to it

Vol 27, Issue 9, 15 November 2024

We all struggle with being consistent and disciplined. And eventually everyone gets motivated to change their lives, pick up a new habit, stop being lazy, and lock in. However, later on, after one week of the new routine, we suddenly lose our motivation, give up, and make excuses, putting it off to another Monday or even to the first of January. Now it is time to break the cycle and learn how to take up the responsibility for your life!

1. You do not need motivation, you need discipline.

I have heard this quote so many times and yet could not imagine how someone can do something if they are not motivated. In fact, you can and you have to. Basically, we get our motivation from other people. If you have a strong desire to pick up reading again or start running, it is most likely that you saw others doing this. I am not trying to say that this kind of stimulus is wrong. We all have to start somewhere, and most people who are already successful and disciplined also got motivated in this way. However, motivation does not stay with us forever. One way or another, we lose it, and here comes the laziness.

2. Push yourself. Discipline is the key.

I know it is easier said than done. However, every single person that you view as successful has been through it. Do it alone, do it tired, do it scared, do it. I am not sure who said this, but this is extremely relevant. We all have bad days when we do not feel like doing anything. These are those days when you have to force yourself to get up and to show up.

To give you an example from my personal life, I enjoyed running so much, but eventually lost motivation and stopped. Later on, our loved motivation came to me again, and I wanted to start running again, but it was already cold, and I realized that I could start going to the gym and working out there. The first week was easy; I was really motivated, and I felt incredible. Although we know how the story ends, eventually I started feeling lazy, especially on weekends, when I had to cycle my way to the gym.

3. The hardest part is to start.

In my case, it was dressing up, heading out, and cycling to the gym. But believe me when I say that this is literally the end of the hard part. Once you are there and you start doing it, you realize that all the suffering was worth it. You had an incredible time and had fun along the way.

4. Promise yourself to do just a bit.

This always works. Regardless of the routine you want to take up, once you do not feel like doing it, you could just promise yourself that you will do it for a minute. In my case, I usually tell myself that I will just run one kilometre, and it is done. In most cases, afterward, you will feel like it is now enough and do your average amount of work. And even if, after doing it how you promised, you still do not feel like continuing, you can stop there. It does not matter how much you have done; the most important thing is that you showed up and did it.

5. Find people with the same interest.

Whether they are those who are starting or those who have been doing it for years, they are those who have the same interest and can motivate you. Together, you could discuss your new hobby and share experiences. However, it is important not to compare yourself too much with others. Try to keep in mind that we all have different paths. As Jordan Paterson says, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”

6. Be proud and treat yourself with kindness.

Of course, it is important to rest and give yourself time. For being consistent, you could reward yourself however you want and have a relaxing day. Rest is part of the game!

Trust the process and take care of yourself along the way!