Routines to Live a Good Life

Why Routines?

I've tried following strict schedules before, but they always felt too restrictive, and I found it difficult to stick to them. I started realizing that routines offer a more flexible, natural way to structure a schedule. You can build routines around what you’re already doing, and just by formalizing them, you create a small win that pushes you forward.

I believe happiness is a blend of three factors: genetics, voluntary activities, and circumstances. Here’s a chart showing their breakdown:

Notice that circumstances make up a small portion of happiness. You can’t change your genetics, so the main area you control is your voluntary activities. By developing routines, you’re actively shaping your daily actions, reframing them as positive choices that you control. In my opinion, this leads to a better life.

Morning Routine

Adapt this based on your needs.

1. Wake up naturally.
2. Enjoy a cup of decaf cappuccino.
3. Exercise for about an hour, depending on available time:
   1. Walk my dog for 20 minutes, sometimes with my wife and/or son.
   2. Run for 20 minutes.
   3. Strength training for 20 minutes, if time allows.
4. Personal hygiene.
5. Enjoy breakfast.

This routine helps me start the day energized and ready to be productive. It also fills my need for physical activity.

Work Routine

Here’s my daily work routine. I sometimes use it on weekends for personal projects, like working on the Tennis League app I manage for my club.

1. Review priorities, wins, challenges, and lessons learned.
2. Check messages and meetings for the day.
   1. Schedule collaboration meetings if needed.
   2. Update the team on current status.
3. Block 2 hours for the highest-priority tasks.
4. If possible, do another 2-hour focus block.
5. Reflect on the day.
   1. Update wins, challenges, and lessons learned.
6. Decompress – I use hobbies, music, or meditation for this.

Night Routine

A consistent night routine helps improve sleep and, since it’s made of voluntary activities, also contributes to happiness.

1. Put away my phone for the night.
2. Spend time with family.
3. Practice piano with headphones.
4. Take a quick 5-minute hygiene break.
5. Do a second piano practice session.
6. Read on my Kindle in bed until I feel naturally tired.
7. Sleep.

Summary and Conclusion

These are the three routines that help me live a good life. Each person’s routines will look different based on their needs. For example, my wife’s routine is centered around caring for our son. Some people have to wake up early for work, so waking up naturally might not be an option. Whatever your situation, establishing routines can lead to more structure and a sense of control.