Your Everyday Routine Is More Powerful Than You Think

I have lofty goals. Currently I’m working on launching courses, finishing a book proposal, coaching clients, and the list goes on and on. I aspire to meet all of the expectations I set for myself. Yet lately the most important expectation isn’t any of the work or life related ones I’ve set. It’s shifting my everyday routine to include my joy.

I know that sounds really sad, like “Vivian! Have you not been including your joy?”, but stick with me here. All of the things on my to-do list, they make me so happy. This book I’m working on? Lord, I cannot wait until I can hold it, hand it to someone, and say, “I promise, this will help.”

I’m lucky that I get to spend my time on work I believe in and that it all involves storytelling (something I love). But, regardless of the joy they bring me, I need to work for that joy. Some days, really really work for that joy.

I wrote this article — How Breaking Up With The Superhero Version Of Yourself Can Help Your Creativity — a few weeks ago and it challenged me just as much as it challenged you. I kept asking myself, if I was breaking up with the superhero version of myself again, what would that look like?

Turns out, it looks like realizing my everyday routine is a lot more powerful than I thought. Yes, I have as many hours as Beyonce to be productive, but you know what else I have? The power of instant gratification for just breathing. Showering and getting ready for the day? Pat on the back. Deep desire for some fresh air? Let’s do it. I’ve impacted my mental health the most this month by making more decisions that speak to my well-being.

Birth control throwing off my depression? Let’s stop that.

Not getting outside enough was making me feel suffocated? Walks whenever the mood strikes.

I started making my everyday routine work for my specific, varying daily needs instead of waiting for a “big” moment (good or bad) to happen that would make me prioritize my self-care. I know this can feel especially hard to do because we’ve oriented our lives around work, but the changes I’m asking you to make are not impossible. They’re just ones that will. atfirst make you feel uncomfortable because you’re not used to them. I know I felt a little off the first day that I followed my gut first instead of my to-do list, but I also noticed that at the end of that day, I felt way more content.

I also believe that prioritizing your well-being is a non-negotiable if you’re struggling or feeling hopeless. The only way you start to believe in hope is by proving that each minute in a day matters. You want to prove to yourself that you can move the needle on your life even in small ways. Breaking up with the superhero version of yourself means letting go of doing it all and instead focusing on doing what matters the most.

This week, focus on how your everyday routine is contributing (or not contributing) to your joy. Figure out 2 or 3 ways you can start making room for joy, clarity, or peace. Then at the end of each day reassess if it moved the needle for your joy.