Your habits and routines make you
Discover how your daily habits and routines shape your identity, success, and overall life outcomes.
Introduction
We humans are creatures of habits. We tend to keep doing the same things, following the same patterns.
In a way, our habits and routines are part of us, but they also define who we are. They shape our lives and identities.
Routines and habits can either make or break us. They can enslave us, or serve as enablers, catalysts.
At the end of the day, you are a combination of your habits and the people who you spend the most time with — Naval Ravikant
This article is part of the Knowledge Worker Kit: https://developassion.gumroad.com/l/knowledge-worker-kit
Self-awareness is key to personal growth
Which habits and routines are key in your life? Which ones are valuable, and which ones are negative or even toxic?
Paying attention to your own patterns of behavior is important. It enables self-awareness, becoming conscious of, changing and improving. It enables letting go of the negative ones, and doubling down on the positive ones. This self-knowledge is thus key to personal growth.
By being conscious of your habits, routines and patterns, you will be able to live a more intentional life. A life that you design to serve your goals.
You fall to the level of your systems and habits
Systems and habits are what give you consistency to make long term changes. If those are inexistant, or weak, then so are you.
It's not only about productivity and optimization. It's more profound than that. First and foremost, it's about alignment, health, and happiness.
By designing the life you want, you can reduce stress, grow, improve your relationships, feel healthier and happier.
Key areas to explore and questions to ask yourself
Here are the key areas you need to think about and explore:
- Routines (morning, work, evening, etc)
- Health habits
- Self-care practices
- Leisure activities
- Relaxation methods
- Harmful behaviors
- Stress management
- Things to start doing
- Things to stop doing
- Decision-making
- Personal development
- ...
Reflecting on these areas can provide a good view of your daily life and habits, helping you identify areas for change and growth.
People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures — F. Matthias Alexander
Here are a few questions that you can use as prompts to learn more about yourself:
- What do you do in the morning? What are the first things on your mind?
- How do you spend your work days?
- What do you do in the evening? How do you end your days?
- What are your sleep habits and bedtime routines?
- What are your weekend routines like? How do they differ from weekdays?
- How do you spend your leisure time?
- How do you prepare for the week ahead?
- How do you take care of yourself?
- How do you relax?
- How do you take care of your health?
- What habits do you have around personal grooming and self-care?
- What rituals or routines do you have around meals?
- How do you harm yourself?
- How do you handle stress or difficult emotions?
- What do you regret in your life?
- What do you need to start doing?
- What do you need to stop doing?
- How do you manage your finances and spending habits?
- How do you approach learning and personal growth?
- What habits do you have around technology and media consumption?
- How do you celebrate accomplishments or milestones?
- What spiritual or mindfulness practices do you engage in, if any?
- How do you approach goal-setting and planning?
- What habits do you have around your living space (cleaning, organizing, etc.)?
- Do you spend time in nature or outdoors?
- What creative outlets or hobbies do you regularly engage in?
- What are your social habits? How often do you connect with others?
- How do you give back or contribute to your community?
- What habits do you have around travel or exploring new places?
- How do you approach decision-making in your life?
- What are your core values?
- What are your principles?
- How do you approach work?
- How do you make career decisions?
- ...
Redesign your life regularly
I'm a huge fan of Periodic reviews. I've often mentioned it in my writing. Doing this exercise a single time is not enough. Life design is an ongoing activity. We evolve, the people around us evolve, society evolves. Everything changes. Change is the only constant. So, make sure to regularly evaluate the way you live your life, and identify new opportunities for change. Take risks. Embrace change.
Conclusion
It's all too easy to live on autopilot, and wake up one day, feeling disconnected from your own existence. The habits and routines that make you who you are often operate in the background, shaping your days and ultimately your life without much conscious thought.
By bringing awareness to the habits and routines that make you who you are, you can start to shape your life more intentionally. This process of self-discovery and intentional living can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence, where you're actively participating in creating the life you want, instead of just following the path in front of you. Break free from this autopilot mode and take control of your life's direction. Live more mindfully. Be more self-aware. Design your own life and career.
Your habits will determine your future — Jack Canfield
That's it for today! ✨
About Sébastien
I am Sébastien Dubois. You can follow me on X 🐦 and on BlueSky 🦋.
I am an author, founder, and coach. I write books and articles about Knowledge Work, Personal Knowledge Management, Note-taking, Lifelong Learning, Personal Organization, and Zen Productivity. I also craft lovely digital products . You can learn more about my projects here.
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