Slow and steady wins the race! Be the Tortoise not the Hare.  

I am not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. I read somewhere recently that over 80% of New Years resolutions fail.

I don’t like January very much either. No matter how much I try to convince myself that it’s just another month it still feels like a slog!  

I know I am not alone, so I am developing small steps rather than giant, outlandish goals. I am going to start 2024 as the tortoise rather than the hare.  

My Daily Routine: 

I started a daily routine a while ago and one of my steps is to just keep doing it! It’s so easy to get out of great habits when the weather is naff and the evenings are dark at 4pm.  

My daily routine is: get up between 6 and 6.15am, body brush, warm shower followed a quick cold blast, and then exercise from 6.30am to 7.30am. Then I am done and ready to go.  

I have been doing this during the week for more than a year now and it is still sometimes hard – but if I miss it I feel rubbish.  

Below are some of the tips I use to get into a routine and stick with it. Everyone is different but starting small and cementing one thing at a time helps set you up for achieving those New Years resolutions throughout the year.  

 Steps to creating a routine: 

  1. Make a list of goals: Begin by listing activities that align with your wellness goals. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s physical fitness, enhanced productivity, or better mental health, jot down your aspirations. 
  2. Identify possible barriers: Anticipate challenges that might hinder your routine. Recognising potential obstacles allows you to plan ahead and find solutions. 
  3. Structure your day: Organise your activities into a structured timeline. Assign specific times for each task, ensuring a balanced distribution throughout the day. 
  4. Take it for a test drive: Start with a trial run. Implement your routine for a week, adjusting as needed. This testing phase helps you identify what works and what needs tweaking. 
  5. Recognise not every day is perfect: Understand that life is dynamic, and not every day goes as planned. Be forgiving of yourself on days when your routine faces disruptions. 
  6. Reward yourself: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Rewards provide positive reinforcement and motivate you to stick with your routine. 
  7. Reflect and adjust: Regularly assess your routine’s effectiveness. Reflect on what’s working well and what needs adjustment. Be open to tweaking your routine based on your evolving needs and circumstances. 

 Useful Top-Tips:  

  1. Start small: Begin with manageable habits. Focus on one week at a time to avoid overwhelm.
  2. Be consistent with time: Try to execute your routine activities at the same time each day. Consistency reinforces habit formation.
  3. Ensure you have everything: Before starting your routine, ensure you have all the necessary tools and resources. 
  4. Track your progress: Keep a journal or use apps to track your progress. 
  5. Make it fun: Whether it’s playing music during a workout or having a dance at the end.
  6. Allow for flexibility: Life is unpredictable. Design your routine to be flexible.

 Some habits you can start now: 

  • Wake up early: Start your day with the freshness of the morning. 
  • Make more time for movement: Incorporate physical activity into your day for a healthier lifestyle. 
  • Drink more water: Hydration is key to overall well-being. 
  • Use your phone less: Allocate specific times for phone use to promote mindfulness. 
  • Prioritise sleep: Ensure you get sufficient rest for optimal health. 

Be the Tortoise and not the Hare and go into new routines one step at a time and create lasting habits throughout 2024.  

If one of those changes is finding that new role or career move contact the GoGecko team for help.