I was raised with a strict, old-world upbringing. I felt limited and wanted more independence. As a young adult, I rebelled, rejecting those ingrained patterns without creating new ones. The result? A chaotic life filled with last-minute scrambles to meet deadlines, the adrenaline rush of perpetually running late for appointments, and financial stress from late credit card payments and looming tax bills. Thrilling? It DID get my heart racing but not exactly in the way that I wanted. It was unsustainable and left me feeling powerless.
The turning point came when I finally assessed my life. I identified what nurtured me and my well-being and what dragged me down. The constant rush to catch up on bills, the sleepless nights worrying about the IRS, the strain it put on my relationships – it all pointed to a flawed program.
This self-awareness empowered me to look at my programming; my habits, routines, and values to see if they aligned with who I wanted to be.
We all grow up absorbing the programs of those around us. Family, friends, and society all play a role in shaping our initial approach to life. But here’s the thing: those programs might not be the best fit for who we truly are now.
The truth is, if we don’t design our own programs, life will do it for us. External forces will dictate our days, and we may find ourselves living someone else’s idea of success, stuck in a cycle of late fees and financial and social anxieties. Taking control and consciously choosing our program, however, allows us to build a life that feels fulfilling and authentic.
I now follow a morning and night routine. I have habits and systems in place that help me thrive through a program that works for me.
ACTION: Over the next few days, notice your routines and see if they are still serving you well. Experiment a little and create an even better outcome.
