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?
Terri – I’ve so been there! Tired of the routine, taking care of others and not myself… Just reading that story made me feel heavy.
On the flip side – I’ve also broken completely out of routines to say yes to the unknown. (A fabulous way to create energy and also so many ideas it is hard to stay focused!)
Now the challenge is merging the best of both.
I love the idea of just saying yes, Chery, to the unknown! Sometimes we need to really shake things up so much that we force ourselves to venture out into worlds we haven’t navigated before. It can be frightening and uncomfortable at first, but ultimately empower us to break out of our routines and reinvent ourselves.
Balance is important and finding the right mix is essential for leaders to maintain a new direction.
Thanks so much for your great additions!
Terri –
I’ve totally understand what the leader is referencing is going through. I’ve fallen so deep into routines, I stopped noticing that they were holding me back and that I had another choice.
Many people don’t realize that routines are draining their energy to the point that they cease to give and do their best work. It’s hard to stay inspired day after day, year after year if nothing changes.
I love that you suggest that there are times when our routines need to go in a blender! Small shifts aren’t always enough to reignite our passion and significant change is required. Saying NO is a great place to start because it frees us up to say yes to where we really need and want to focus.
Great post as always that has me reflecting on where I can put your advice into action in my own life or with my clients.
Thank you!
It is true, Alli, that we can stop the flow of our ideas and creative thinking when we feel drained doing things over and over again.
We all need to light a fire under ourselves to try new things and that may require us to say goodbye to old ones and turn assignments down. Hard choices.
As always, I adore your perspective and brilliant suggestions!
Love the photo, Terri!
I hesitate saying this but one way to get attitudes revved up is to place ourselves in a discomfort zone…one that is as likely to lead to failure as success. Complacency will kill you, make no mistake about that. When things have gotten a little too easy and too predictable, add a dose of unpredictability in the mix and put yourself on the edge.
What a great suggestion, LaRae! It is so true that we need to shake things up to make things happen for us. We do get into a rhythm that tends to feel comfortable but oh so boring. When we sense that we can’t go through our routines the way they are for even one more day, we need to explore some new ways to energize us. Whether that means to talk with a colleague for some new refreshing viewpoints or read a new book, we need to take action.
Thanks for your insights which I always appreciate and learn from!
Terrific post. I’ve found that the hardest part of moving from a corporate leader to working as an entrepreneur is that I have to find a new cadence. It’s completely different and can feel overwhelming without a “routine.” Mixing it up is so important as is finding a new rhythm.
You bring up an interesting point about the need for some routine and rhythm. Like you, as an entrepreneur it is essential to build structure into our days and strategies. Without it we can lose sight of our goals and purpose. The question is how much routine is necessary to still maintain our “out of the box” thinking and dreaming?
Each person has a different feeling about routine. What may seem perfect to some of us may seem stifling to others.
Love the idea of looking for your “cadence”! You seem to be nailing it, Karin with all your exciting ventures!
Thanks for your additions which always beg for deeper dialogue!