I’m guilty – guilty of using too many cliches this past week. How has your summer been has often been followed with a “it’s gone way too fast” comment. When the question if I’m ready for kids to go back to school comes up, again, another cliché of “I’m ready for them to get back into a routine”.

Kids where I live ventured back to school this week and while I do lightly make fun of myself for these cliche responses, the comment of getting kids back on a routine does have me pause. What is it about routine that we feel creates a better path for our kids? Afterall, why stop the fun summer of trips, going to the swimming pool, watching too much TV on hot days, nonstop park time?

Admittedly, me and routine go together like peanut butter and jelly – my wife will certainly back me up on that. I’ve found as demands of my job, the time I want with my family, my own personal growth and wellbeing, and so much more continues to fight for time each day, routine has become increasingly important. The idea of a routine sets me up for understanding what works well for me to accomplish what I’ve set out to do each day making progress and trying to be the best I can for my family, community, and most importantly, myself.

Waking up early allows time to get my mind and body ready for a busy day.

Making breakfast for the kids gives me a chance to get some extra family time in.

Bringing leftovers to work sets me on a healthy eating path.

Laying out workout clothes the night before sets priority for moving my body and staying fit.

Having time on my calendar to connect with my teammates allows me to continue being a passionate, positive, and impactful leader.

Routine can help maximize time and efficiency. It also helps minimize energy you have to spend on some of these ordinary questions throughout the day because you’ve already set the standard for the behavior. No decision needed on when to wake-up when you’ve already set a standard for yourself. No decision needed whether or not to work out. No decision needed what to eat for lunch. Routine can drive standards we’re willing to accept from ourselves and when we have these established, it allows us to focus energy for decision making on other parts of our life.

Drop comments below for any benefits you see as you think about routines you’ve established to help share with the Accelerator community.

Take your step: at the end of the day, take a few minutes to pause and reflect on what happened throughout the day. What during the day is more routine oriented and creates habits you want to continue? What parts of the day are not as defined and leaves room for going down a path that contradicts what you’re trying to accomplish? Think through what parts of the day you may benefit from more of a routine to generate some consistency you’re looking to for positive momentum forward.