3 More of 11 Tips & Tools to Build Your Success Routine!

If you have topic ideas for our podcast or want to reach Michelle, send us a text! We'd love to hear from you!1)     JOURNALING: For centuries, journaling has been an outstanding method of therapy that surpasses multiple other methods. It is a private place that can truly help us effectively, process and “dump out” frustrations, concerns, ideas, thoughts or events. In fact, it is a form of cognitive restructuring.  When we write, it gives us an opportunity to reflect and reframe the words we have written, potentially, providing us with a new outlook. It can also be a place where new ideas spring forth and inspire, while serving a purpose to record these ideas for later use. Finally, a journal is a fantastic way to watch our own growth and progress. Take time- weekly, monthly or quarterly to page back through and observe how many changes occur in your writings. Things that once upset you, no longer do. Ideas you once had, have come to fruition. Even prayers or thoughts you projected onto the pages have materialized, giving you new hope and zeal for what is possible.2)     MASTER LIST AND TASK LISTS: Nothing can inspire you more than a feeling of accomplishment and progress! Each year, create a “Master List” of everything you want to accomplish, both personally and professionally.  Then prioritize it and keep it where you can refer to it, frequently. Each month or week, pull out one to three items and schedule time to work on them. For more detail on utilizing this list effectively, refer to Chapter 9 on Focus and Productivity Hacks.3)     SPECIAL DAYS:  All of us lead very busy lives and finding time to spend with family or friends can be challenging. When we are not intentional about setting aside time for them, it just keeps slipping away. Eventually, we realize we have not given the time needed to those we care for. This leads to unintended and unnecessary stress for us and in our relationships. Adopting a habit of “Special Days” can alleviate this in many of our relationships. For a significant other, choose one evening of the week for a “Date Night”. It may seem trivial or difficult but remember that greatness comes from investments we make each day, whether in ourselves or in the important relationships in our lives. Keep it simple and live in the moment but commit to the date night. View it as you would a client appointment or a meeting with someone you admire. However, don’t stop there! Appoint a special day to each of your children, to your parents or any other relationship you value. On that day or evening, devote all of your attention to just them with no interruptions, play cards/games, go for walks, create projects or anything you both can appreciate.  As each week comes and goes, those who are dear to you will know that they are valued, they are important and that you want to spend time with them. Your relationships will benefit as you sow these critical seeds and you will not feel as guilty. When busy days happen, you can remind yourself and your cherished ones that their day is coming up and you are truly looking forward to it. This will require some thought out scheduling and even, sacrificing but it is time you will never regret spending.Excerpts and insights* from Chapter 11 of "Your Journey to Greatness Through Routine: A Guide to Creating a Success Routine" BSupport the showMichelle L Steffes is a Certified Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach and Author of two books: "Reframe & Rewire" (also available on Audible) and "The Machine Inside Me." Discover more and contact her through her website, IPV Consulting.