Routine or NOT to Routine... That is the question!
In the quest for fitness and self-improvement, we often find ourselves grappling with a fundamental question: should we embrace a strict daily routine, or should we dance on the edge of spontaneity? It’s a dilemma that many of us face, and it’s one I’ve personally wrestled with for years.
You see, I’ve tried it all. Morning workouts, evening sessions, hitting the gym three times a week, five times, even a minimalist approach with just two weekly sessions. But here’s the thing: none of those routines ever truly stuck. It wasn’t until I decided to commit to a daily routine that I started to feel a sense of accomplishment and success.
Research consistently underscores the importance of consistency for growth and success. When we stick to a routine, we create a structured environment that fosters discipline and progress. We tap into the power of habit, and our brains reward us with the feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine, every time we complete a task. It’s like a mini-celebration inside our heads, driving us to continue.
However, there’s a caveat to this consistency-driven success story. While routines are fantastic for building habits, they can inadvertently lead us down a path of complacency. We get comfortable, and over time, the very routine that once propelled us forward starts to feel like a treadmill. Progress stagnates, and we wonder if we’ve hit a plateau.
So, where does this leave us? How do we strike a balance between the steady and consistent routine that breeds success and the exhilarating dopamine-producing action of breaking free from it?
The answer lies in a dynamic approach that combines both worlds. First and foremost, maintain your daily routine—it’s the foundation of your success. But don’t let it become a straitjacket. Periodically inject your routine with bursts of novelty and variation. Add new exercises, try different workout times, or explore alternative activities.
By introducing these changes, you’ll keep your brain on its toes. Novelty triggers the release of dopamine, reigniting that sense of excitement and progress you experienced when you first embarked on your fitness journey. You’ll be breaking the routine without abandoning it.
Remember, routines are not static. They should evolve as you do. Treat your routine as a framework that allows for creativity and growth. You can have both the stability of a routine and the exhilaration of progress. The key is to strike that balance, harnessing the power of dopamine while reaping the benefits of consistency.
So, the next time you’re torn between routine and spontaneity, remember that it doesn’t have to be an either-or choice. Embrace the routine that has brought you success, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a dash of novelty to keep the fires of progress burning bright. After all, it’s in that delicate balance that we find the sweet spot of personal growth and achievement.
