The one thing that Obama, Hart and Phelps have in common
Being famous? Yes...but no. Committed to working out daily? Yes...but no. Journaling? Ahh, actually no.
It's actually a having a routine.
Each of these men used their own routines that helped them to break world records, lead a nation and successfully run large scale projects.
A routine is the set of repeated actions completed over time used to achieve a particular outcome. We use them daily. They help us to get out of bed, get things done and go to sleep.
We actually establish routines subconsciously because our brains thrive from the patterns and predictability. Routines free up of mental space which conserves energy that we can use to focus on other things.
This is why a routine, when strategically designed and executed, can have significant results.
PHELPS' ROUTINE
Take Olympian Michael Phelps for example. Just before every race he would complete the same routine that helped him prepare for competition. The stretching, the music, the visualization - all of this was included in the routine that helped him to become the most decorated Olympian of all time.
The point: Routines prepare people for ACTION.
OBAMA'S ROUTINE
Taking action is a proactive trait that former POTUS Barack Obama was familiar with while in the oval office. With the daily demands of leading a nation, Obama needed a way to unwind.
His routine was centered around family time, reading, writing and planning.
I’m a night owl. My usual day is: I work out in the morning; I get to the office around 9, 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.; work till about 6:30 p.m.; have dinner with the family, hang out with the kids and put them to bed about 8:30 p.m. And then I’ll probably read briefing papers or do paperwork or write stuff until about 11:30 p.m., and then I usually have about a half hour to read before I go to bed, about midnight, 12:30 a.m.—sometimes a little later.
Quote from: Balance The Grind
After a full day of giving his time, effort and energy we can see why a nightly routine dedicated to the activities that fueled Obama was a priority.
The point: Routines REPLENSH the soul.
HART'S ROUTINE
Kevin Hart has starred in many movies, toured the world with comedy and we know that he is big on relationships. His approach to routines is different from the others above because his desired outcome is different. Check it out:
For me, my busy schedule starts with the workout and me working on me. After that, it’s making sure you prioritize your family and time with them and from a schedule perspective, realizing that you only have one of you. You don’t have clones or doubles. Don’t run yourself into the ground and to the point of no return, but, of course, there’s a high level of hard work that has to go in to get the things that you want.
Quote from: Balance The Grind
Hart's routine is centered around activities that help him to maintain physical health and healthy relationships.
This type of routine keeps the endurance he needs to give his all to his family and his projects.
The point: Routines give ENDURANCE.
Which routine will you use?
Routines have helped the men above but hopefully you can seen how routines can benefit you too.
Keeping a journal can be the tool you need to establish a routine that prepares you for action, replenish your soul and (or) endure a long-term endeavor.
By using the routine models above along with a journal practice, you can establish an effective set of repeated actions to get any outcome you desire.
Keeping writing! ✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾
Tim