One of the best ways to achieve any goal is to establish a good routine that takes you there. With the day by day positive action of a good routine, you make great strides towards the goals you've set. When establishing that routine, think about your energy throughout the day--when is it strongest, most focused as well as when do you struggle with insufficient energy.
For me, the morning is always when I have the best energy, so that's the best time to do the most difficult and challenging work. Later in the day, when my energy wanes, that's a good time for work that comes naturally to me--easier work.
With that in mind, I'd like to try a daily routine in the new year that beats like this:
- Reading, writing, reflection
- Walking, moving
- Chores, tasks
- Relaxing, peaceful, artistic activities
Reading, reflection, writing
I already spend each morning reading and writing, but I want to commit to reading more challenging, thought provoking texts each morning. I have a great pile of books to begin with, and rather than just reading short articles, tweets, and emails, I'd like to commit an hour or two to reading wonderful books each morning, and then reflecting on and writing about that.
Walking, moving
Since I often choose activities of the mind over activities of the body, the morning is a good time to fit in a morning walk, exercise class or other healthy, physical activity. That's good for me and energizes me to do the day's chores and tasks.
Tasks and chores
There's always a host of tasks and chores to complete, and with good energy, I typically enjoy completing these life assignments.
Relaxing, peaceful, artistic endeavor
The end of the day is a good time for endeavors that come naturally--enjoyable events that I'm drawn to on my own and with others.
Nutrition
Cabinets filled with the ingredients for healthy foods and a daily diet of energizing whole foods will make it easy to eat well which will optimize my energy as well.