Routines and rituals are a great way to trigger our brain that it's time for a certain task. We can use our habits to set ourselves up for success.
James Clear says, "The power of a ritual . . . is that it provides a mindless way to initiate your behavior. It makes starting your habits easier and that means following through on a consistent basis is easier."
Here's an example: as a writer, I spend lots of time imagining, creating, and revising. But there comes a point in every project when I need to proofread what I've written, word by word, comma by comma. I always proofread in a separate place from where I write. When I sit in that room with my printed manuscript, it's like my brain knows: It's time for focused, meticulous reading! I don't need to spend time transitioning to this task or gearing up for it. The ritual does that for me.
James Clear says, "The power of a ritual . . . is that it provides a mindless way to initiate your behavior. It makes starting your habits easier and that means following through on a consistent basis is easier."
Here's an example: as a writer, I spend lots of time imagining, creating, and revising. But there comes a point in every project when I need to proofread what I've written, word by word, comma by comma. I always proofread in a separate place from where I write. When I sit in that room with my printed manuscript, it's like my brain knows: It's time for focused, meticulous reading! I don't need to spend time transitioning to this task or gearing up for it. The ritual does that for me.
It's time to make a routine! When establishing a new routine, Clear says that "the key to any good ritual is that it removes the need to make a decision: What should I do first? When should I do this? How should I do this? Most people never get moving because they can’t decide how to get started. Having a ritual takes that burden off your shoulders." (By the way, Clear has lots of useful information on his site, including two short books you can download for free.)
Do you have routines or rituals that make you more productive? Please share!
Do you have routines or rituals that make you more productive? Please share!
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