This Is Why I Failed to Change My Routine

Clifford Lawrence
Jul 25, 2017 · 5 min read

Paulo Coelho said, “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” Too Bad, I learned this the hard way.

In our life there comes a time when we realize it's time to pick up a notebook and scribble down a perfect routine because productivity gets a massive boost when we have everything scheduled. Right? When this happened for me, I wanted a routine that would change my life forever. A routine that would make me unstoppable. With that very motivation I started analyzing how I spent my days, gravely scrutinized my habits, reallocated my time, and soon enough I was holding a glowing sheet of paper with a perfect formula embedded in it. I was holding hope in the form of routine.

“Having a daily routine is like running a marathon. It gets tougher with every step forward.” — Tweet This

I found 4 major reasons why I failed to change my routine:-

1. Motivation is inconsistent.

“Motivation is an inner drive that provides us with the willpower to succeed and willpower is the foundation of success. Unfortunately, that drive is inconsistent.”

We feel motivated but not always. Whenever we read an inspirational article or watch a motivational video the fire power in us is triggered, we get into our supersonic mode and are ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. However, that power mode doesn’t last for long. To be honest, life would be unbalanced if we had 100% motivation rate at all times. We would all be Superhumans. Anyway, it doesn't work that way.

2. Rigid routines are unrealistic.

“A routine too rigid is prepared to fail.” — Tweet This

We all want things to go exactly as planned. Unfortunately, it happens only in the movies. In reality, flexibility is essential for a plan to succeed. Future likes to play unpredictable. While planning a routine always keep room for small-medium changes.

  • I started going to sleep around 8:00 pm. It proved to be unsuccessful for a night owl like me. Earlier I used to sleep around 3 in the morning. My body wasn’t ready for such a drastic change. This made me realize I should have planned a routine which is doable.

3. Clarity is a must.

“Clarity of objective makes motivation last.” — Tweet This

Yep, that’s true. The only antidote of problem number 1 is clarity. Knowing exactly what we desire results in a strongly wielded willpower.

  • Why do I want it?
  • How should I achieve it?
  • When exactly should I start?
  • Because my current attitude is not going to make me successful.
  • I need to plan a realistic and doable routine.
  • I should start during weekends so that I can cope up with sudden changes.

4. Patience is key.

“Patience is nothing but peace in disguise.” — Tweet This

It takes around 21-66 days to form a new habit. In a scenario like this ‘patience is key’. Being impatient will eventually bring you down. I’m the living proof.

Comment below “What according to you should be kept in mind while planning a routine change?”


Clifford Lawrence

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The Ascent

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Clifford Lawrence

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| Reader📖 | Writer✍️ | Learner👓 | Speaker🎙️| I do extensive research about personal growth & share what I learn, here.

The Ascent

A community of storytellers documenting the journey to happiness & fulfillment.

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