Put a Spark In Your Days: Nine Ways To Shake Up Your Routine

As summer draws to a close September in many ways is like starting "a new year", our thoughts naturally turn to the idea of routines.  Soon the kids will be going back to school and we parents will be returning to work.  We'll be facing things like back-to-school shopping, packing lunches, and checking homework.  The stuff of everyday life.

Summer fun is over and now it's time to get back into the swing of things.  Routines can be comforting but let's face it, they can also be boring.  You don't have to count the days until the next summer vacation.  You can shake up your routine right now.  Here are some ways to put a spark in your days:

1. Who says you can only make goals on January 1?  The beginning of the school year is also a perfect day to make plans for the next 8 months. Take time to quiet your mind and reflect so that your inner voice has a chance to be heard.  Ask yourself some powerful questions like "What do I really, really want?", or "For my life to be perfect, what would have to change?", or "What would I try now if I knew I couldn't fail?"  Questions such as these will help you to begin to voice the thoughts that you may have kept hidden from yourself. 

2. From these thoughts you can start to formulate plans to achieve your goals.  The most important thing to do is write down your goals.  Many people set goals but most do not write them down.  Make a list of them and then choose one and only one to work on within the next 30 days. Writing and planning for one goal helps to make it more concrete and doable.  Then plan the steps that you need to do to achieve your goal.  Set timelines for the steps.  Take time to measure your progress and adjust the steps if necessary.

Remember the best goals are SMART goals.  S stands for SPECIFIC. The more specific and clear your goal is the quicker you will realize it.  M stands for Measure.  It is important to MEASURE progress on each step of your goal plan.  Did it get done?  How do I know?  Because I see the results. A stands for ATTRACTED.  To achieve a goal, you need to be motivated.  To motivate yourself to follow through on the steps to reach your goal you need to be really attracted and jazzed about the outcome. By attracted, I mean, you are so enthusiastic and happy about achieving your goal that you just can't wait till you accomplish it.  R stands for Realistic.  Realistic means, "Do I have the ability, energy, and the commitment to accomplish this goal?"  T stands for TIME. Finally, your goal needs to be time specific, which simply means that there is a timeline that is realistic for completing your steps to achieve your goal. Also, it is so important to find ways to celebrate the baby steps and small accomplishments along the way to achieving your goal as well as when you complete your goal. 

3. Set your intentions for each day when you get up.  Take 5 to 10 minutes to list the things you need to do and the way you want to feel and experience the day.  For example, "I will feel calm at breakfast with the kids.", "I will be more honest in my relationships today." or "I will live today in gratitude for all that I have and enjoy in life."  Remember to include some special time just for yourself.  This is an excellent way to get centered before beginning your day.

4. Make the morning routine as stress-free as possible.  Do as much as you can the night before.  Set out clothes for the next day.  Make sure homework is checked, permission slips signed, and all belongings put in the backpacks.  Pack lunches and refrigerate them.   Your morning should set the tone for the day.  Do you want to start it off stressfully?  I didn't think so!

5. Remember to take time out every day to play together as a family.  There's that old saying that the family that plays together stays together.  Trite as it may sound, it really is true.  A night spent playing board games will stimulate the minds of little ones (and big ones) a lot more than watching TV.

6. After your busy day outside the home (and inside the home) gather the family together for a meal.  Allowing each family member to share the highlights and challenges of their day will go a long way to creating a cohesive family.

7. September is the perfect time to learn something new.  All kinds of classes abound.  The problem might be deciding what you want to learn.  Do you want to take a class to advance your career?  Pick up a new hobby?  Learn a new language?  Finally learn to take great digital pictures?  Check out classes from community centers and local colleges.  You're never too old to learn a new trick or two.

8. Are you going back to school as an adult student?  If you are, congratulations!  This is the start of a wonderful new adventure in your life.  Sure it is scary being with all those younger students but you have an advantage.  You are in the class because you have the commitment and determination to be.  Never underestimate how far that will take you.  Adult students generally get better grades because they have life experiences behind them.  Happy learning!

9.  Do you have a child that is going to a new school (kindergarten, junior high, senior high, or college)?  Of course you will make the transition as easy as possible for him or her.  Remember to treat yourself gently during the transition too.  You are bound to be emotional as you mourn what has passed.  Just realize that you have nurtured and taught your child well and he or she is prepared for this next step.  Good job!

 If you would like some help to kick-start getting back into the swing of things, consider working with a coach.  Your coach will help you determine where you want to go in life, will help you set achievable goals to get there, will help you adjust the steps needed to reach those goals if necessary, and will help you measure your progress.  Your coach is there for you, to hold you accountable, and to help you celebrate your success.

As you are about to embark on the next school and work year, remember the good times you had this summer.  Look forward to the many wonders that will come your way in the following months.  Revel in the pleasures of learning, growth, and new beginnings.  Above all, treasure the relationships and families that you hold dear.

Happy new year!

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