Developing Routines

Over the last six months, I haven’t been maintaining my eating and exercising routines that have helped me rectify some health issues.  My weight has been creeping up, along with my blood sugar numbers.

This hasn’t happened all at once, but slowly, over time.  I don’t know about you, but it’s easier not to think about it if changes happen over weeks and months versus hours and days.  

But in the end, you may find yourself saying, “I didn’t think I’d be heading here again, I thought I’d changed for good.”  Well, one of the things that will keep us on track and away from some of the things that cause problems/issues for us is the development of daily routines.

For me, my routines included eating properly and sticking to a vegetarian diet. Daily exercise was also a part of my life, and I loved it.  But, there’s an old saying that sometimes life gets in the way.  We’re all confronted with the potential of this happening, where for whatever reason we stop being as disciplined as we once were.

Well, some people simply accept this and don’t try to get themselves back on track.  That’s not me, and I hope it’s not the same for you.  Every new day gives us the opportunity to change things up and get a fresh start.

Yesterday, I started walking again.  It was a bit of an effort, but I’m glad I did it.  Today, I’m throwing away that half-eaten bag of chips sitting in my kitchen cabinet.  I’m going to go to the store and pick up food that I know is better for me.  I’m going to take my nutritional supplements every day.  And I’ll be out exercising again, and it will be the same the next day.

So, now that summer is quickly fading, it’s a great time to take a pause and see if there are any routines you haven’t been as faithful to as you should.  Like me, it might be diet and exercise.  Or it could be daily prayer, work responsibilities, relationships, job searches, or housekeeping.

As August winds down, take some time to be introspective.  If changes need to be made, lay out some routines that will help you get to where you want to be.  Find an accountability partner that will encourage and challenge you.  Ask God for wisdom.  Get a good personal development book.

Routines are great, but only if you follow them.  I hope you’ll give it a try.