We all know that consistent habits are the foundation of success. Whether in business, fitness, or personal development, showing up daily and “mastering the mundane” creates remarkable results over time.
But let’s be honest—even the best routines can start to feel like ruts.
Let’s face this simple truth: while routines build success, growth happens outside our comfort zones. Once habits become comfortable, we need to find ways to stretch again. This doesn’t mean to completely shake something up that is working really well. You will need to discern whether slight modifications or complete overhauls are appropriate based on your current levels of success and how long you have been at it.
Back to the FORBES Method for Keeping Routines Fresh
Let’s go back to FORBES to help prevent our routines from becoming ruts:
F – Family and Friendships
Your relationships deserve intentional investment. Try something new by:
- Joining a morning walking group to meet new people
- Sending unexpected handwritten notes
- Reaching out directly to someone struggling (instead of just commenting online)
- Offering to mentor someone in your area of expertise
O – Occupation
Even if you love your work, it can become monotonous. Refresh your approach by:
- Earning a new certification
- Asking better questions (and truly listening to answers)
- Changing your workspace layout
- Taking one small step toward that side project you’ve been postponing
R – Recreation
Your hobbies need variety too:
- Make a list of new activities you’ve been wanting to attempt and tackle one each week/month
- Learn a musical instrument – just take the first step
- Try cooking a new recipe
- Limit news (especially national) consumption to 30 minutes daily to make room for things that matter more
- Travel somewhere unfamiliar and embrace local customs
B – Body and Health
Physical routines particularly benefit from variety:
- Change your exercise route or try a completely different workout style
- Dance to your favorite music before starting work
- Join a fitness community that challenges you
- Incorporate new nutritious foods into your diet
E – Education and Personal Growth
Continuous learning prevents stagnation:
- Take a class in a subject outside your expertise
- Learn a new language
- Read fiction to gain fresh perspectives
- Start journaling
- Update your affirmations every 45 days
- Join our One To Grow On Course and Community!
S – Spirituality
Nurture your inner life:
- Follow a reading plan or subscribe to podcasts
- Explore different meditation styles
- Support a cause that resonates with you
- Practice gratitude with a partner or journal
- Pray or reflect regularly
Take Action Today
The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life—just pick ONE new idea from this framework and try it this week.
We will hit some key points in our course this month:
- Consistent good habits lead to a great life
- But to continue growing, we must regularly stretch beyond comfort
- Small, intentional changes keep our routines fresh and our growth continuous
What one small change will you make this week to turn your routine into a pathway for continued growth?
This post was inspired by the “Routines, Not Ruts” chapter from my book “One To Grow On.”
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