On the benefits of routine

January 7 2010, 5:55 AM  by Bernie Michalik

It's easy to denigrate routine. When I think of routine, I think of other words: rut, boredom, ordinary. The associations that first occur when I think of the word "routine" are unhappy ones.

Recently I have had a change of mind. In certain circumstances, routine is a great thing. I am thinking specifically of when I am very busy. When that happens, routine is the thing that saves me. I try to make as many necessary things as I can routine, in order to insure they get done. Otherwise the busyness overwhelms me and I start forgetting to do the necessary things and things fall apart.

When I am not as busy, I can be more creative with my meals, which clothes I wear, when I do certain household chores...even small things like which winter coat to wear. When I am busy, I try and make all those activities routine. It helps me get through the busy time.

291 views and 1 response

  • Jan 7 2010, 4:16 PM
    Archimedes Trajano responded:
    I don't mind routine as long as I can change it. :) Technically the more you do something the better you get at it anyway so as you keep on doing it you may get faster and more efficient. When it gets to the point it does not improve anymore it's probably time to move on or delegate it to someone or something else lest it will get boring.