Photography by Allison Saeng (@allisonsaeng) from Unsplash
If there's anything we love more than seeing progress, it's finding out what journey we have to take to see the slow yet sure changes.
When we zoom into the big picture, we always see the pixelated parts that ultimately make up our masterpiece. To us, they're the little habits we cultivated and turned into rituals. While it's always a rewarding thing to loyally subscribe to a routine, we can't guarantee that the path to finding one will be easy. Although feeling drawn to the aesthetic of having a ritual could be a starting point, we can easily fall into the trap that rituals should be one size fits all. While we all love to see the similarities in what a ritual could look like, we are in no way obliged to follow it to a tee to think or feel like our own way to do it isn't it.
How exactly do we find the best progress routine true to who we are and our goals? Break it down with us below.
Goals aligned
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Before concocting the best routine for us, all the systems in place must contribute to our bigger picture. By being intentional and mindful, we make sure we don't stray away from what matters to us the most. Get into specifics, then try to break it down into more manageable and flexible goals that allow you enough leeway to explore, make mistakes and ultimately help you to find your best pace.
Sustainable and adaptable
Photography by Ekaterina Ilina (@katherina_ilina) from Unsplash
Often, we get discouraged when we hit a 'bad day' when we subscribe to rituals. While having a good sense of structure can motivate us to do our best, remember that you can always change it into something more manageable. Don't set your rituals (or someone else's) into stone. If you feel like you're not up to your usual intense workouts, go for light movements instead. If you think the 6 AM alarm is impossible or draining you midday at the moment, change it into something more manageable and sustainable instead.
Let your rituals align with your goals, but don't let it bully or make you feel bad just because it doesn't fit where you are at the moment.
Take it with delight
Photography by Jocelyn Morales (@molnj) from Unsplash
Sticking to a routine doesn't mean you have to skip the fun. We often get the impression that when we finally decide to have a routine, it means being so laser-focused and having zero time to enjoy. By cutting that down, however, routines would begin feeling like a chore. When that feeling starts to sprout, in no time, we'd feel bogged down by the structures we built to help us. Worse comes to worst, we might blame it on ourselves and not the little parts we overlook when thinking of creating routines.
Instead of going rigid, find ways to insert what you love generously (not sparingly!) Pique your senses with places that give you a sense of comfort or connection, talk to friends, or indulge in hobbies that bring you joy. Not only will this make your routines feel more enjoyable, but it'll make you fall in love with the whole process at the same time.
In tune, in pace
Photography by Samson Vowles (@delightfulartefacts) from Unsplash
Your routines should keep you on track with progress, but allow yourself to have moments to reflect and check in with yourself. Remember that having a sense of structure could only do so much unless we have moments to think about how it affects us. Check-in with yourself and see if the routines you have in place go with you or if it goes against you. Change what you need to. See if the pace is just right for where you are at the moment or if you need to take a backseat to recalibrate. Be in tune with who you are and what you want to achieve by regularly getting those moments of reflection.
Try it out for yourself as you build your own routines, or take this as a moment to reflect on your current one. What steps are you double-checking and applying more, Woman in Progress®️?
Thumbnail by Ekaterina Ilina (@katherina_ilina) from Unsplash