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Many of us follow the same routine day in and out from when we get up in the morning, eat our breakfast, prepare for work, go to work, come home to eat, connect with family or friends and then go to bed. There are those of us who love routine and depend on it for familiarity and comfort. Then there are others of us who complain about our daily routines, daily, and still continue to embrace them.

I know a leader who lives his daily routine with frustration as he tries to constantly meet the needs of his customers as well as team members without ever coming up for air. He works long days and often into the evening just to keep up with his workload. He feels that although he gets great reviews and is helpful to others, he is not honoring himself. He senses that he needs to shake things up and put his routine in a blender.

Do you ever feel like your leadership routine is not working for you any more?

The definition of routine is:

  • a regular way of doing things in a particular order
  • a boring state or situation in which things are always done the same way

Either way, our routines can get the best of us and turn us into robots with little change or excitement. In fact, routines can prevent us from insightful thinking or leading in a creative way.

[Tweet “When our leadership routines no longer work, change them up.”]

It is time to make a big or small change when we feel worn out like an old pair of shoes. Empower yourself to say “yes” to shaking things up and dumping the routine. Here are some suggestions of how:

PRACTICE SAYING NO

Not everyone is able to turn down assignments or tell a colleague that you can’t listen to their challenges at the moment. We are told to be there for others, even when we don’t really have the time. Beginning today, try saying:

“I would be happy to help you or spend time with you as soon as I finish this important project I am in the middle of.”

or

“I wish I could devote some time to your concerns. Maybe it would be better to talk to Sam if you need an answer right away.”

 EXPLORE NEW WORK CHALLENGES

When your daily workload seems like “old hat” and you sense you could do it blindfolded, it is time to ask for some new or different responsibilities. Think about what might be more stimulating to tackle and talk to someone how to become involved in a different project.

[Tweet “New opportunities can energize our leadership routines.”]

CONNECT WITH NEW PEOPLE

Welcoming new people into our routines or lives can expand our perspectives immensely.

  • Ask the new kid on the team to have coffee or lunch.
  • Ask someone on social media if they want to have a hangout.
  • Email a member of the organization you joined and find out what they’re up to.

STEP AWAY FROM YOUR DESK

If nothing else, get up and take a walk outside or make sure you leave work early on some days. For those who are solopreneurs, set up times to leave your office and not feel guilty. Time away is time well spent rejuvenating.

What do you do when leadership routine sets in and takes over your life?

(photo credit)

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