A habit is doing something over and over. A routine is a regular procedure. And, a ritual is a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
When considering self-improvement over the years, one’s daily habits have morphed into routines and, most recently, rituals. Regardless of the choice of descriptor, the idea is to have a daily routine (my preferred word choice).
You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.
John C. Maxwell
The point of a daily routine derives from the idea that a planned day is a more productive day and one can become increasingly efficient by tweaking the routine.
I recently read the Personal Branding Blog post, “8 things highly successful people tend to do before 9am each morning (18 Feb 2025).
The eight things identified were:
- Early Risers
- Time for Reflection
- Exercise is a must
- A nourishing breakfast
- Prioritize connection (time with loved ones)
- Embrace learning (reading, listening, watching)
- Setting clear intentions (plan tasks, set goals, visualize outcomes)
- Practice gratitude (acknowledging good in life and expressing appreciation for what have)
For me, in my early 50s, my routine shifts. I have a workday routine and a non-workday routine.
Standard Day.
I get up between 4 and 430 am every day. I take in a good mix of electrolytes, protein, antioxidants, and B–complex vitamins and minerals for breakfast. I like to get them in my system for the day’s activities as early as possible.
Weather permitting, I get a walk outside; if it is bad weather and a work day, I walk indoors at the school where I work; if neither is an option, I ride my indoor exercise bike.
During my exercise, I use the time to think, plan my day, listen to podcasts, and, if on the bike, read. I float from one to the other focusing on one with others as background noise.
So each morning, I pretty much cover items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Leaving me with 5 and 8. I live alone, so item 5 isn’t quite the same for me. My evenings and weekends are when I connect with loved ones and socialize with friends.
And for 8, I believe this is a day-long endeavor. Many little things take place that can be missed or soon forgotten if you don’t see them in the present.
What else should be routine?
Help Someone.
Helping someone can mean a lot of things. Being in a school helping is a big part of my job. Beyond the obvious of the content being taught, sharing a tip or listening to a problem or question a student has is helping them. It may seem to you to be a small obvious thing, but for the student who doesn’t have the experience you do, it makes a positive difference.
Coaching and mentoring fall into this category as well. With coaching working on technique with an athlete and then seeing them use it is beneficial to both. The athlete has improved themself, and you get the satisfaction of making a positive difference in them.
Engage with Nature.
Fresh air is good for you. I try to take a little time each day to look around. If I can’t get a walk in, I might sit on my deck and watch the birds go to the feeder. I like to keep a garden to tend. This gets me outside with the benefit of getting vegetables as a result of my effort.
A good alternative is to engage in a hobby, for me that is reading and writing.
Smile.
Very simple, smile and get a smile out of someone.
Non work days.
On my non work days and in the summer I try to keep my morning routine consistent, but will go grocery shopping in the morning when needed and I will plan longer walks along trails.
The important thing is to not break the routine by not doing the things you regularly seek to do. They may simply not be at the same time or place, but if you are diligent in doing them, you’ll feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker 