Updated post: I have updated each section with what I decided on for my daily routine framework! You’ll see below where I shared with you that I finished out the year coming up with a framework for my daily routine…but I hadn’t quite figured out what that was going to look like. Now that we’re a few weeks into the year, I have a routine I’ve put in place that I’m happy with.
This time of year is when I start thinking about the coming year. As I head into 2023, I ask myself what I’ll do differently next year versus last year so I can grow myself personally and professionally. It’s actually a pretty cool journaling exercise (yes, I’m a real personal development nerd, lol).
I went on a retreat with my mastermind group recently, and we talked a lot about things surrounding life and business. One thing that came up dealt with creating habits and routines … and it got me thinking about creating a framework for my day to create structure.
Since I already do this with my morning routine and have seen so many benefits from it, it only makes sense to come up with a framework for investing in myself throughout the day. I sketched out the framework and what it would look like for me.
And now I’m writing this blog post to get it on your radar in case you want to try it and come up with something that would work for you.
If you’re going to work on mapping out your own framework, write down things that you will do each day. These are your non-negotiables … things you’re going to do no matter what. The reason this is so important is that the decisions we make every day determine the results we get.
I’m going to share the framework I’ve come up with (I haven’t finalized it yet, btw–I’m creating this blog post as a brainstorming exercise with you). I am not saying you have to follow this–in fact, you shouldn’t–but I thought an example would help you do this journal exercise for yourself.
Here are the things I mapped out as my non-negotiables to help bring this structure to life:
1. Morning Routine
Of course, I added my morning routine to the framework! It takes me about 30 minutes to accomplish my routine each morning and gets me started on my day. The routine includes meditation, movement, and journaling.
Here’s what I decided to do for my morning routine:
- Meditate
- Journal
- Set my priorities for the day
- Play a brain game app
- 10 to 50 Pyramid (10 pullups, 20 pushups, 30 squats, 40 situps, and 50 jumping jacks)
2. Nighttime Routine
I wanted to create a bookend experience to complement my morning routine. For me to be successful with it, I need to keep it super simple. I know myself … if it is complex, I won’t stick with it. I think it makes sense though–for me at least–because willpower is generally weakest at night.
My nighttime routine includes reading a few pages of a book, reviewing my goal sheet, and doing gratitude practice with my girls. When I’m lying in bed, getting ready to fall asleep, I end the day by reflecting on the day. This is an easy routine, but (I believe) will certainly add up to big gains over time … compound effect!
Updated: Right now, I’m focusing on reflecting on my day by journaling. And then I think about my goals and intentions as I drift off to sleep.
3. Walk 7,000 Steps a Day
Recently, I mentioned in my weekly newsletter that I read a study about how taking at least 7,000 steps every day might help you live longer. So I’m going for it.
I already walk most days while I take work calls or listen to a podcast/Audible … so this was an easy goal for me to target. In case you’re interested in doing it, too, I use Google Fit to track my steps (it’s free), and I like it.
Beyond the 7,000 steps, I’m also targeting the 150 heart points the app recommends every week … this equates to 150 minutes of brisk walking, and I always surpass it because I’m walking almost every day.
To help me continue during the winter, I bought a hat and gloves on Amazon to stay committed even when it’s cold.
Update: Actually…no real update to speak of in this area. I am staying consistent with 7,000 steps. It’s been challenging because of the cold weather, but doable.
4. Power Hour
This is one hour of no distractions, so that I can focus on the big rocks for my business. This includes sales presentations, speaking gigs, working with the team, reaching out to clients, creating content, etc. These are the big important things that need to take place every day so I can grow my business.
In reality, I do more than an hour a day, but I have set a minimum goal of one hour. Let’s be honest … some days it’s harder to focus on big rocks. So even on those unpredictable days, I will at least spend an hour on the important things.
Updated: I increased my power hour to 100 minutes and I spend this time focusing on big rock tasks. These are the tasks that move the needle on my business.
5. Solitude
Each day I want to spend 30 minutes in solitude. I haven’t fully nailed down this part of my framework yet. The solitude could be while I’m on a walk, playing my brain game app, meditating, journaling … or maybe just by myself without a phone.
6. Read
Updated: This was not something I listed on my original framework, even though I read most days. I decided to make this a bigger priority by committed to reading a few pages of a book or listening to an audiobook while I’m doing something mindless like walking or cleaning.
7. Krav Maga
Updated: This isn’t a daily thing, but it is part of my overall framework for life. My goal with Krav Maga is to make my black belt in the next 5 years. It means being consistent and showing up to class even on days when I don’t feel like it.
OK …
This is what I have sketched out for now–it is subject to change, but hopefully it sparks some ideas for you.
If you add up the time I plan to spend executing my daily framework, it may be about three hours. The rest of the day I can focus on whatever else I need or want to do. Meaning, your framework doesn’t need to overtake your whole day.
Next steps: I hope you will sit down and journal the things that are most important for you to do each day to create your own framework. Consider setting a goal of finishing this exercise by the end of December as we head into the New Year.
Key Takeaways
- Developing a framework for your daily routine is like investing in yourself on steroids.
- Sketch out a few non-negotiables that you feel you can stay committed to … and that will help you move the needle.
- Be willing to change things that are not working for you.