Routines!
“Successful people are simply those with successful habits.”
– Brian Tracy
Of everything else that we learned at school, something that has come in the most handy is following a routine.
And surprisingly none of us would have realized it until somebody pointed it out.
Remember that routine of waking up at 6 AM every morning, getting ready, and leaving at almost the same time every day so that we are on time. And then that daily routine of prayer, assembly, periods, breaks etc.
Everything was exactly the same for the 12 years that we studied at school. So much that we would feel hungry at the exact same time every day.
But we probably didn’t realize the importance of that routine then.
Until we found ourselves staring at a productivity issue because of a lack of discipline.
As humans, we thrive on routines.
Routines provide a structure, reduce decision fatigue, and help us accomplish our goals more efficiently.
Ask any successful content creator out there and they will tell you how they follow a routine and how it has helped them with managing the many things that they manage.
I was never a fan of routine. But when I looked at how disorganized and all over the place my life was, I felt it was time to change.
It was at this point that I started following a lot of those productivity experts out there.
And since the time I have started following a routine, a few things I could do better with were –
- Reading and Content Consumption – I was barely able to read books earlier. I would buy books but they would lie there on the bookshelf. But since the time I started following a routine, I was able to spend a dedicated slot only reading books or, listening to podcasts, etc.
- I currently write about 9 articles a week and record about 3 podcast episodes and 2 videos. I am able to do all this only because I am rigorously following a content creation routine I have made for myself.
- And the best part is the consistency. If you are struggling with consistency, then it is time for you to follow a routine. A good and practical routine is the cornerstone of consistency.
“The more routine I have in my life, the more I can do with my time.”
– Jensen Ackles
Whether you are a blogger, a content marketer, or a business owner, developing a content creation routine can help you stay organized, focused, and productive.
At this point, let me clarify a usual misconception.
Following a routine doesn’t really mean that you follow military discipline.
And that if you miss following it, you need to rue about it for the rest of the day and week.
Routines should be flexible, accommodative and stress-less.
In fact, I recommend routines as a framework within which you work your day.
“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.”
– Mike Murdock
Routines provide structure and help eliminate decision fatigue. As a creator it allows me to focus my energy on the tasks that matter most, whether it is content creation, content promotion or, even content research.
Something that I found really interesting was the fact that following a routine helped me enhance my creativity by creating a conducive environment for inspiration to flow.
I am not worried about being late to publish that post or, release that episode because I know that I am well ahead of schedule. That gives me the mental comfort to focus on creating which in turn helps enhance my creativity.
So, if you are ready to follow a routine, then here’s how you can do it. This isn’t my creation. Instead, it is a summary of what I have learned from the productivity experts I follow –
- Define Your Goals: Start by clarifying your content creation goals. What are you trying to achieve, and in what time frame?
- Time Block: Allocate specific time blocks for content ideation, creation, editing, and promotion.
- Set Realistic Deadlines: Be realistic about your capabilities. Don’t overcommit; set achievable deadlines.
- Batching Tasks: Consider batching similar tasks. For instance, create content for the week in one go.
- Eliminate Distractions: Create a distraction-free zone during your content creation time.
- Regular Evaluation: Periodically assess your routine’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
Building a content creation routine is a bit like crafting a custom suit—it should fit you perfectly.
“The key is not to prioritize your schedule but to schedule your priorities.”
– Stephen Covey
Remember that it’s a dynamic process. It’s not about locking yourself into a rigid schedule but about creating a framework that nurtures your creativity and ensures you meet your goals.
And this can take time and some bit of experimentation. It took me about 2 months to build a working routine for me. And then, I don’t even recollect the number of iterations that went through.
Keep in mind that what is most important is to find a routine that works best for you and your unique circumstances.
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Found on the internet
Here’s what I found on the internet this week.
If you are into podcasting, then this post is going to shock you.
Some of the advice in this post from Jay (something that I have been following in my show), is very typical and unlike most cliche advice you will find online.
Check out this post for sure!
Content creation is a tricky thing. Yet it is simple though people make it look pretty complicated.
This tweet from Kate sums up the entire process in 6 points.
Some of the comments on this tweet also have some excellent information.
What am I reading?
This week I am continuing with my last book.
The last couple of weeks were pretty hectic and I had to compromise on some of my reading time. (This is what I discuss in the above essay, about being flexible with your routines).
I should be able to finish it off by midweek.
So my book recommendation continues to be the same this week. You can check it out here!
That’s it for this week!
Do let me know your thoughts, feedback, and opinions about this newsletter.
