How To Become Successful - Develop A Routine

Success to me is a gambit of categories, from being a good brother, sister, friend, co-workers to having career goals and personal goals. But to achieve "success", whatever that means to you, in multiple categories you're going to need something more, something to fall back on.

We marvel at the accomplishments of successful individuals, wondering how they manage to consistently reach their goals and achieve greatness. The secret to their success often lies in the routines they follow. We are going to explore the science behind developing a routine that can lead to greater success in life.

Routine and Success

I can speak from personal experience that routines are not just a series of tasks, they are the building blocks of success. A routine can differ from person to person, the key is finding what routine works best for you.

While it may seem counterintuitive, having a morning routine before work that allows for personal pursuits can significantly benefit overall productivity. For example, data by Thrive MyWay shows that 92% of highly effective people have a solid morning routine.

Studies have shown that individuals who follow structured routines tend to be more productive, achieve their goals, and report higher levels of satisfaction in various aspects of their lives.

One study conducted by the Dominican University of California found that people who wrote down their goals and developed a routine to work towards them were significantly more likely to achieve those goals compared to those who did not. This simple act of setting a routine can be a game-changer.

The Science Behind Routines

Routines work because they tap into the power of habit formation. The human brain is wired to seek efficiency and conserve energy. When you establish a routine, your brain learns to automate tasks, freeing up cognitive resources for more complex activities. YOu can start with simple things, like what you wear, Mark Zuckelman CEO of Facebook wears the same thing everyday, he stated "it's one less decision I have to make everyday."

Morning Routine

Morning routines set the tone for the rest of the day. Successful people often start their mornings with activities that promote physical and mental well-being. Daily planners, organizers, checklists, and task sheets—these are the weapons of highly effective people. Even further, 63% of successful people set a nightly alarm, and 44% prepare for their day the night before, according to data from ThriveMyWay.

For some a healthy morning routine includes exercise. Some people like to get their exercise out of the way early in the morning so they are done for the day. Others find it improves their day with the start of accomplishing something positive. Some people can not exercise first thing in the morning due to their schedules. It doesn't matter when you exercise, as long as you do.

Tips for starting a daily exercise routine:

Do you like to run? Swim? Go biking? Reflect on what you would enjoy doing.
The morning is best for many, but identify a time you can commit to each day.
Recognize that all new habits take time; practice self-compassion and set realistic goals.
Lean on fitness apps, like MyFitnessPal, ClassPass, and Apple Fitness+, to discover local classes and virtual workouts.

Goal Setting

The first step in developing a routine for success is setting clear and specific goals. According to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University, people who wrote down their goals and shared them with a friend were 33% more likely to achieve them. Your routine should be designed to align with these goals.

3 Key elements to goal setting are:

Prioritization

Set your priorities properly. Watch out, multitasking can decrease productivity by up to 40%. To make the most of your routine, prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines.

Time Management

Effective time management is a critical component of any successful routine. It is suggested that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Analyze your routine and focus on the tasks that yield the most significant results.

Consistency

To stay consistent at something, you first need to develop a habit. It has been proven that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. Stick to your routine diligently to make it a permanent part of your life.

Technology's Role

If you're having trouble tracking or sticking to your routine, technology can be a valuable tool for developing and maintaining your routine. Numerous apps and software are designed to help you set goals, manage your time, and track your progress. For example, productivity apps like Trello and Todoist can assist in task management, while meditation apps like Headspace can help you incorporate mindfulness into your routine.

The Success Stories

Elon Musk

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is known for his crazy work schedule Musk claims he works 80-100 hours a week. Even if he exaggerates this number and it is 70-90 hours a week it's still crazy. His ability to work a routine schedule is important when you are running one company, let alone 2 (SpaceX & Tesla).

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, who needs no introduction, starts her day with meditation and exercise (76% of successful people exercise at least 30 minutes a day). Her routine emphasizes self-care and personal growth, which have contributed to her immense success.

Final Thoughts

For myself, I found that when you start getting into creating a positive routine that works for you, you need to start with 1 thing, like eating the same thing for breakfast everyday or going for a walk every morning, and then slowly add on as you perfect each of them. I found that if you try to do everything at once, it can be somewhat overwhelming. My current schedule is usually the same and I eat the same thing almost every day, it's just easier, one less thing I have to worry about.

My Routine:

3:30am - Wake Up

3:30am-4:30am - eat, post social media

4:30am-5:00am - read / audio book

5:00am-6:30am - exercise

7:00am-9:00pm - work / family / business

9:30pm - bed (30min cushion here)

All my meals are prepped on Sundays and Wednesdays. Mostly a chicken and rice diet. I give myself Saturday to cheat usually.

Remember a routine needs to work for you. If you need balance in your life and this will provide for your family and make you happier, then you are on the right pathway, A well-designed routine can help you strike a balance between personal and professional goals, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful life. So, take the first step today, and design a routine that works for you.