Routine vs Freedom

If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It is lethal. Paulo Coelho

When I first read this quote, my immediate response was “ain’t that the truth”. I’ve never seen myself as a routine type of person. The thought of doing the same thing over and over again ignites my fight or flight response. How about you? Do you also have a fear of routine?

Personal freedom has always been a strong driver for me. Freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and the freedom to shape my life in a way that suits me. Routine has always seemed the antithesis of this freedom.

Over the last 12 months I have taken on a couple of big projects besides my usual workload. (Yes, book, I’m looking at you.) The need to get more stuff done each day has challenged me. Moreso, as I am loathed to lose any of the flexibility that acts as a strong freedom indicator for me.

I’ve become curious about the role of habits in achieving greater productivity. I’ve asked a gazillion questions of people to unpack how they’ve used habits in their daily lives. I’ve read lots (and lots) of ideas of how to make habits stick.

I’ve had to remind myself that new habits are simply a form of change and I’m helping other people with change all the time. So I turned my voice of wisdom inwards and reminded…