Flying on Autopilot

I hear one consistent complaint from flybabies. They don't stick with their routines. Maybe they have a morning routine that they follow regularly, but they don't do a before bed routine. Or they have routines, but they never finish all the items on their list. What is the solution?

Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

I can't stress this enough. Your routines need to be on auto-pilot. And to get them there, they have to be simple.

If you are having trouble sticking to, or even establishing routines, try this.

Morning Routine - 3 items ONLY.

My simplified morning routine is: Get dressed to the shoes. Make my bed. Swish and swipe the bathroom. That's it. 3 things.

Before Bed Routine - 3 items ONLY.

My simplified bedtime routine is: Shiny sink. Pajamas on and clothes out for tomorrow. Pick up and put away in my living room.

I also have an afternoon routine. It has even fewer items on it. 1 thing. Do a 15 minute Pick Up Put Away throughout the entire house.

You might think that these are not enough to make a difference in your home. I promise you that they will. When these are on auto-pilot, you will speed right through them. Then you can take on another task. When that's second nature, you can add more. But keep that simplified routine in mind. When time is tight, or you are sick, or other things in life start to crowd out flying, you can fall back on these simplified lists and things will not get out of control.

The definition of Autopilot: functioning in an unthinking or reflexive manner. I'm not saying you shouldn't THINK. But these routines will become so reflexive that you won't even realize you are doing them. It's a great way to avoid crash and burn!

Your challenge today: simplify your routines and turn on your autopilot! It's a great way to fly!