I was on the phone with my mom on my way to work the other day — as I am every day during my commute — and I mentioned, half joking, that I’m sort of like a toddler. We both laughed, but there was a lot of truth to that statement! I don't mean I’m a toddler in the sense that I throw temper tantrums (although, I don’t like to skip a meal), but I simply meant that I crave a routine. Much like any parent will establish a schedule to avoid meltdowns, I have found that a routine keeps me calm, focused, and on time.
It all starts with my mornings. I know myself well enough to understand that I will never come home from work feeling motivated to exercise. I have to start my day with physical activity, or else I will never do it. So, I start each day with a walk, and I finish with a 10–15-minute meditation session. It clears my mind for the day ahead, and I feel completely focused.
At work, I have a specific — but flexible — schedule that I abide by. We use time grids each week here at Promise Law, and every Friday, before I can leave and start my weekend, I force myself to map out my grid for the following week. I have templated, weekly meetings already input into the grid, and on Friday, I add my upcoming schedule and task list to each day. It has been incredibly beneficial to come into the office each Monday morning with my week already laid out in front of me. And if I don’t accomplish something or need to move a meeting throughout the week, I update my time grid.
The firm also uses software that allows us to track tasks associated with client matters and our firm’s operations, syncing our need-to-dos with what we have already completed. I have found this and our time grids to be valuable to integrating our office together and meeting the demands of our clients and firm as a unified team.
These habits have allowed me to approach my days with greater ease. It doesn’t mean the tasks become easier, but my mind is prepared to tackle them. Typically, my days are booked down to the second, and when you have so many tasks and meetings, it can be overwhelming to approach each day successfully. I’ve found that coordinating dedicated time to your tasks and calendar allows you to approach your responsibilities with greater motivation. You’re not facing a mountain of responsibilities; instead, you have designated time blocks where you know your work will get done, piece by piece.
So, much like a toddler relies on their nap, planned mealtimes, and play, I rely on my morning routine, time grids, and tasking software to ensure that I can approach each day with motivation and engagement. Without that, I know there would be greater temper tantrums.
If you’re reading this, wishing you could find greater productivity tools to build into your day, I would urge you to do two things: First, remember that what works for me may not work for you. You have to find a routine that best serves your life, so while I hope my habits can provide inspiration, I would only recommend them to those who believe they would be beneficial. Secondly, I’d encourage you to learn. Author and expert, Cal Newport wrote a great book on motivation and productivity that helped me. It’s called “Deep Work,” and it analyzes the skillsets we can all cultivate to better focus and complete our daily tasks.
Soon, you can be just like a fulfilled toddler, too — thriving in the routine.
–Geneva Perry
