What Is Better, Routine Or Inspiration?
Written by: Ilaria Storch, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Two Simple Exercises to blend both.
When you get up in the morning, you open your eyes, and your mind roams around for a few seconds, remembering and trying to get a sense of what your morning will be like, and if you are a morning bird, maybe you can visualize how the whole day is planned to go. At this point, your heart will either sprint up with joy or will sink a bit, preferring you had something else on the agenda, or maybe you will just feel demotivated with the routine. This morning assessment of how you wake up is so important because it will give you clues to what you need to change, including your thoughts, to wake up to your desired day from a place of inspiration and not from just going through the motions.
Whether you are a CEO business owner, or a stay-at-home mom, or dad, with small kids, or training for a marathon, or caring for elderly parents, or looking for new job placement, remember that you matter and how you live your day with intention is how you will find the strength to evaluate your situation and your feelings. If you wake up yearning to move abroad, grab your laptop and be a nomad, that is great, or if you wake up and think that you need more routine and systems to get your health back on track in body, mind, and soul, that is awesome too, take action then and there.
In this first simple exercise, I will guide you to discover if you need more routine or inspiration or a blend of both, and you can implement it right away. First, ask yourself, what makes you click, and write it down - be open and think about anything, from the music you prefer, dancing, to a bubble bath, to just staring at nature, to playing a sports game you enjoy (I would discourage you here to write videogame, it can be addictive and it generally does not come from a true desire within, it is more escapist), practicing mathematics (my husband relaxes doing that, go figure!), walking the dog, sleeping in, sleeping late – it is your call.
Read your notes and see how you feel when you imagine doing that – are you indulging in that a lot or a little? If you have the impression you need to incorporate more of what you chose, do it, and your motivation will increase during a day's work when you look forward to more ease and joy. I delight when I can plan and have a whole day, or afternoon for myself, with no agenda, so that I can drive around the city, take the urbanscape in, stop for a latte, and just get my thoughts in order again – see how you can find a more pleasurable routine?
Routinely is defined as a regular procedure rather than for a special reason, or something that is done frequently with not so much thought of the outcomes. Routines are important; they are your structure and how you get things done and get to exist in an organized and thriving society. Yet, the motivation for you to live and perform well is better when it comes from your secret place of Inspiration – spend some time discovering what that is for you – it will get you through the daily grind and up levels your time and thoughts to really do what you love, and how you love doing those things!
I will share here the second exercise. If you are clinging to routine mode because the automatic pilot is on, it´s because you´re not paying attention to the options around you, and you can get trapped. This is what I have been doing for many years, and I find it extremely helpful and easy to practice! Sit, walk, or stand, and ask yourself, wherever you are: “What if I don´t do this right now? What would I rather be doing or creating this moment?”
Sometimes, just asking yourself that will boost your energy to finish what you are doing faster and lighter. Always put Inspiration in your Routine, especially now, challenge your ideas in the small and big things – while at the groceries, sit down and have some coffee, or green juice, before jumping in; while running errands, imagine a new haircut, or a future new city you want to live, travel, be; when there is so much work and virtual meetings to attend, surround yourself with beautiful, inspiring pictures, of nature or pets, and if you can, position your laptop so that you can lift your glance towards a window that shows exciting city lights, or calming trees, whatever resonates with you more.
Play with your routine, for inspiration comes from anywhere you are at if you invite it daily with intention and surprise! Keep your energy forward and remember self-care so that you are ready to continually blend structure and routine to creativity and fulfillment.
Ilaria Storch, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ilaria Storch, a Life Coach Nomad, is the creator of Life Coach Nomads, where she shares her passion for travel and for inspiring people everywhere to access their true center and find more connection and energy on the way to more joy, fun, and fulfillment. She practices that following your emotions, wrapped up in a personal structure that can connect your goals, desires, and love, is the path to all real and true growth. Wherever you are, change is nomadic by essence, and it takes time, support and starts inside you when you absolutely desire to develop yourself and move on. She has a Bachelor´s Degree in Advertising, speaks many languages, won a Fashion Illustration Award during College, and loves coaching her clients towards their expressive life journey.
