Master Your Routines: How Small Changes Make a Big Impact

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Routines are important. The routines we engage in daily determine how our day will go. Those days determine weeks, and those weeks determine years. I wrote last week that January is the month I monitor my actions. I know there are things I do that I don’t want to do and things I don’t want to do that I do. Who does that sound like? The apostle Paul, of course. (Romans 7:15-20).This has been harder to do than I thought. Watching yourself as though you’re in a movie is exhausting! But I’ve managed to do it. Here are three simple questions I’ve been asking myself as I do this.

Why am I routinely doing this?

girl in red crew neck shirt looking confused/routines

Why are you doing what you are doing? Is it because it really needs doing? Now, the answer to these questions will change depending on the circumstances. For example, I’m on a big decluttering binge. I have a built-in hutch in my dining room. Cleaning it out and discarding the unnecessary was the task for today.

Ours is a very old home with little storage. The built-in hutch has served many purposes over the years. Mostly for what you expect. Dishes, linens, glassware, etc. But over the years, I’ve really downsized the number of these I keep. Now that I’m writing more, I need the space for other things.

At this point, I’m tossing what I haven’t used and what I don’t think I will use in the future. Just like you, of course, I’m doing a lot of “What ifs?” What if I need this in the future? Is it irreplaceable, or could I purchase a replacement inexpensively? These questions swirl in my mind. They create a paradox of wanting to let go. Yet, I am tethered by the fear of potential regret. And I’m sure I will regret eliminating some things. But that’s OK.

Sentimental attachment

Then there is the sentimental attachment. It is a powerful force that tugs at my heartstrings in ways I cannot fully articulate. Parting with certain items feels like severing a piece of my history, as if I am letting go of a fragment of my identity. Each object carries a memory, be it a cherished gift from a loved one or a trinket that holds a story of a moment long past.

When we look at these items, we are transported back in time, reliving the emotions associated with them. It’s a delicate balance of nostalgia and the realization that sometimes, moving forward may require releasing what once meant everything. Yet, the thought of discarding these treasures feels akin to erasing chapters of our lives chapters that shaped us and contributed to who we are today.

I have two glasses from Mackinac Island that my husband and I bought for our 25th wedding anniversary that I can’t part with. What about the silver candlesticks from our wedding that are tarnished beyond recognition? Do I keep them or not? How much value do I place on them? I realize I don’t, except for the fact that they are the only wedding present I still have. Is that enough reason to keep them? I’m not sure.

These are all questions I’m asking myself as I examine each item. Then there’s the duplication. How many salt and pepper shakers do I need with a Christmas theme? As I write, I’ve already answered that question. The vintage ones, of course, because vintage is my favorite.

Am I doing it the best way?

a woman sitting in front of cardboard boxes/routines

Is it best to look at each item individually? Should you decide whether to keep each one or not? Or should I take everything out and then put back what I really want to keep? I did it the first way, but now I realize the best way would have been the second way. So, the next time I tackle the hutch, I will do it in stages. I will choose the more efficient way. I’m only allowing myself so much time each day for this decluttering binge. Therefore, I took the quickest and easiest method.

Setting a time limit keeps me from being overwhelmed with the process. Do you find decluttering overwhelming because of all the decisions?

Is this routine too repetitive?

By this, I mean, how many times do I have to declutter the same area? Is there a point where this should only be done occasionally, like a couple of times a year? In other words, do I have too much stuff? Am I not being selective enough? Do I bring “stuff” into my home just because it was cheap? I couldn’t pass it up because I might use it someday. Is it too cute to resist?

The answer to that is a resounding “YES!” I do way too much of that because I can’t turn away from a bargain, especially at garage sales. But I did much better last year and plan to be even more selective this year.

A rule to follow in the future

Here’s a rule I will follow in the future: If I really like it, I will buy it, even if it costs more than I usually spend. Do you know what I’ve been finding out about myself? I seldom get rid of a rusty item. Baskets always find a permanent home with me. I truly love vintage linen, vintage anything, and the truly unique.

So why do I even shop at Hobby Lobby? I have nothing against Hobby Lobby. However, very few times have I ended up loving something there so much that I can’t part with it. This was only the case when they carried quality furniture. I have a buffet-type piece I bought there on clearance when they first opened. I plan to keep it forever. But sadly, they don’t carry pieces like that anymore.

Hobby Lobby remains a good source for paper, fabric, yarn, and that kind of thing. But everything is mass-produced. I only buy decorative merchandise if it’s on clearance. I also make purchases if I am buying a future gift for someone. I’ve noticed I don’t buy much from there anymore, otherwise.

That’s why imagining yourself in a movie gives you such good insight. Most of us just go through our days willy-nilly without ever questioning why we do what we do. We are so bound by our routines that we never question them.

This is the month I’m letting go of bad habits and initiating new ones. Seeing myself in a movie is really helping. Plus, it’s cool to be in a movie. Right?

Putting this all together: examining routines

Constant decluttering is something I want on the back burner from now on. It’s gotten to be too routine for me. I want to use what I have and be happy with it. Yes, I will keep certain items I use over and over again, like candle holders and old books. I am constantly rearranging these items and using them in different rooms in the house. And I will always keep baskets because, to me, they can be used in so many different ways.

I want to reduce the number of decisions I make every day about unimportant things. This allows me to spend more time writing and posting. For me, that means no clutter, whether hidden away or in plain sight.

Are you like me in this regard?

Clutter is clutter if you have to constantly edit it.

God was routine and methodical during creation.

I have to admit I’m enjoying this process, even if it does seem overwhelming at times. But it feels as though I’m getting things in their proper order.

It seems to me God designed the world in a methodical, logical way. He didn’t waste time with the trivial. Everything he created had a purpose. You and I do, too. It’s sometimes hard to see that purpose when we don’t examine our lives periodically.

The best way to fulfill that purpose is to create our lives and our routines intentionally. We should do it as God created the world, on purpose and for a reason. And for me, that means eliminating everything that gets in the way. It means having the right routines and habits. It means getting rid of the unproductive ones. It’s about having a clear focus every day. It’s also important not to repeat unnecessary tasks all the time. There has been way too much of that in my life. So this feels right.

How’s January going for you? Do you find yourself, like me, needing to get your routines in order? If you do, I hope that these words today will help with that process.

The ability to concentrate on the important means ditching what isn’t. And often, our routines call the shots. I love what I read this morning; I Thessalonians 5:21, “Examine everything carefully, hold onto what is good…..” “Whoa, that’s just what I’m doing,” I thought. I want to hold on to the good, and that does mean examining everything else carefully.

God bless each of you, and stay warm.