Tips for Staying on Track

Feeling overwhelmed by life's demands? Here are some invaluable tips to help you stick to your planned routine and get things done, no matter what life throws your way. Let’s dive into the 21/90 rule and how it can transform your habits into a lifestyle. I am still a student myself when it comes to “getting my life in order”, but when I read about this rule, the lightbulb came on. Ready to get your life in order? Keep reading to learn how to make not just a habit, but a lasting change.

Embracing the 21/90 Rule

The 21/90 rule is a powerful concept: it takes 21 days to form a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. Think of a new habit you want to incorporate into your life. Commit to it for 21 days, and it will start to feel natural. Stick with it for 90 days, and it becomes a part of who you are. Habit trackers are a great way to visualize this progress, I talk about them a lot on the blog (they are my favorite BUJO spread). They allow you to do exactly what they say, track your habits. Information is power when setting a goal. Once a habit is set, the real challenge lies in making it a lifestyle change. AND sticking to your routine, especially when life gets unpredictable, is the best way to follow through on keeping that habit as part of your daily living.

Overcoming Obstacles

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Your planned routine acts as a road map, guiding you through these challenges. Some days, you won’t feel like sticking to your plan. You might be tired, stressed, or simply unmotivated. The key is to push through these moments. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you stay on track.

1. Set Realistic and Achievable Goals

Unrealistic goals can set you up for failure. It’s not that you lack the capability, but perhaps your expectations, timelines, or parameters are off. Remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to, but you must respect the laws of time and space.

Time management is most crucial here. Schedule tasks with realistic timeframes. This will help you understand where your time is going and plan better for future tasks.

2. Write Down Your Goals

Writing down your goals makes them tangible and increases your accountability. Place these written goals somewhere you’ll see them daily—your BUJO, planner, a sticky note on the fridge, or your daily journal. This keeps your objectives fresh in your mind and gives you a 42% more likely change to achieve them. It gives you daily clarity, accountability, and writing things down helps commit them to memory.

3. Break Down Your Goals

Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Imagine hiking a steep hill: I hike (well LA hiking. Iykyk) if I focus on the peak, it feels daunting. But if I just look down at my feet and take it one step at a time, before I know it, Ive been gabbing with my girlfriend and I’m at the top, and quite honestly without even breathing harder. Goals are the same way. Take baby steps and only look at the step in front of you. Before you know it you will achieve the over all goal.

4. Take action steps

Ok. It’s all good and grand to write down your goals, but if you don’t take action, it’s nothing more than fiction writing. When you break down the goal into smaller steps, then assign action steps to each. If you put an action to it, you are more likely to achieve it instead of only dream it.

5. Set a Schedule

A schedule helps you stay on track and make steady progress. It serves as a daily reminder of your priorities, helping you improve productivity and reduce stress. Again, it gives you a comparison day to day of how you allocated your time. That structure allows you to follow through easier.

6. Take Breaks

To avoid burnout, incorporate breaks into your routine. This rejuvenation time is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and well-being. Whether it's a short walk, a few minutes of meditation, or simply stretching, breaks can refresh your mind and body. Remember, you're not a machine. Giving yourself permission to rest will ensure you have the energy to keep moving forward.

7. Celebrate Successes

Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and acknowledges your progress. Take a moment to reflect on how far you've come. Reward yourself with something that brings you joy, whether it's a favorite treat, a fun activity, or simply acknowledging your efforts. This positive reinforcement will fuel your determination and keep you excited about your journey.

8. Be Patient

Progress takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Patience and persistence are key. Trust the process and stay committed to your goals. Remember, every small step forward is progress. Celebrate your efforts and understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Stay focused on the bigger picture and know that your dedication will pay off in the long run.

9. Seek Help When Needed

There’s no shame in asking for help. Whether it’s from a friend, family member, or professional, support can make a significant difference. Surround yourself with a positive and encouraging support system. Share your goals and challenges with them. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a simple word of encouragement can reignite your motivation and help you stay on track.

The Importance of Sticking to Your Routine

Sticking to your planned routine is crucial for several reasons:

• Timeliness: It helps ensure that you complete tasks on time, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.
• Productivity: Knowing what needs to be done and when enhances your focus and efficiency.
• Stress Reduction: A set plan for each day can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and provide a sense of control.

Takeaway

A planned routine is fundamental to achieving success. It offers stability and discipline, allowing you to progress each day without the stress of making last-minute decisions. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of sticking to your routine and reaching your goals. What challenges do you face when trying to maintain your routine? Share your experiences in the comments below!

FREE PRINTABLE

Be sure to grab this months FREE printable to help put some of these tips into practice. This goal planner worksheet can help you break it down into smaller steps, give it timeline goals, and assist in realistically seeing the goal through to completion. This allows you to plan and be realistic which is really important to longevity of following through this any goal or habit.

GOAL PLANNER