Trying To Focus During Your Routine So You Get the Work Done
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find myself struggling to maintain focus during a set routine. My main routine that I make sure to do every single day is my morning routine. This one has changed over the years; sometimes it changes based on what projects I’m currently working on, and sometimes with the day. Overall though, I think over the years, I learned what I need from my morning routine - what’s important, and the things that can be done whenever.
Here is my general morning routine for reference (current as of Jan. 12, 2026) :
morning pages
stats (for my business)
reviewing goals
reviewing health and other trackers
scripting for the next day with Planner Perfect
fill out bullet journal (for extra journaling, lettering practice and doodle art)
This is not part of my morning routine (I’m currently trying to establish an evening routine that includes reading before bed, a hot Epsom Salt bath and journaling to review my day), but I am also trying to journal at night time as a way to recap my day and write out the events and feelings I had during that day. If it doesn’t make sense to you, it sure doesn’t make sense to me. I’m still struggling to find the difference between this and morning pages - I will talk more about that below!
Morning Pages:
These are defined as three pages of long-hand writing stream of consciousness - literally write whatever comes to mind. As per Julia Cameron in the Artist’s Way, by the middle of each piece of writing, you’re supposed to be able to solve your dilemma’s, troubles, problems, etc… It’s a way to reminisce over your issues and have answers come to light. Julia refers to morning pages as a type of meditation. All I know is my hand is so cramped and tired by the time I’m done!
Stats:
I record these daily so I can really dive into my analytics, but really gives me a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic world
Reviewing Goals:
My eyes are always on the prize. I look at my goals on a daily basis in order to remind myself of what’s important. My goals might be as simple as getting something cleaned once per week - but if I didn’t write it down, it may not happen.
Health and Personal Trackers
I have a few health issues I like to keep an eye on, but I also do this for my own peace of mind and I always like to chart things out. I use biohacking trackers and cycle trackers in order to learn more about how my sleep affects all the other areas of my life.
Scripting
I’m following Jenny Penton’s instructions and writing a better story! Intentionally planning and aligning my goals to the time I have in any given day.
Bullet Journal
It was one of my goals this year to start hand lettering and drawing (“doodle-a-day”) with “OhSoCuteDoodles” Doodle Challenge.
So now let’s talk about the challenges that may prevent me from getting any of these things done every day and also how to overcome those challenges.
Challenge #1:
You find yourself thinking everything is important, so you jump from task to task; either switching between the tasks or being paralyzed because now you have anxiety about which task should be completed first.
Does this sound like me? Probably not - but I have experienced this - it might not be a side I have shown on camera, but I experience anxiety like every other person. Sometimes if I’m too busy, I will start to panic and think that all the tasks need to be done at the same time. I don’t stay in this mode for long though. I have trained my brain to go into work mode straight away, and once I do I’m usually in flow state. I literally do the tasks (morning tasks, or any other for that matter) in the order of how I write them down.
Other things that help with this:
Plan your day the night before. Then you’re not left wondering what you should do the time of doing the task.
prioritize your tasks (I use the Franklin Covey system - literally write them down A,B,C and 1,2,3
JUST START!
Challenge #2:
You’re tired and you find your mind wandering. I know it’s easy for me to simply say “get more sleep!” but for those of us with anxiety or insomnia (this issue is not even limited to these two things - you might be looking after a sick or elderly family member, or have some type of medical illness). Whatever the case, do what you need to do in order to have more energy.
For some people, this might be simply going to bed earlier or letting yourself sleep in. For me, it’s knowing when I focus better. For me, even though I may feel tired when I first wake up, I’m usually raring to go once I’ve had a few sips of coffee and I have so much energy. (Yes, even before breakfast).
It might also be taking more frequent rest breaks. Maybe you need to take naps throughout the day. Give yourself time off from screens and stare off until the distance - like at the horizon.
Maybe you need more exercise. Exercising gives us more energy (even though that sounds crazy!) but it does work. Get out into nature and try to go for a walk. Take your pet, your kids, listen to music or take a friend!
For me, sometimes it means taking a small break - I’ll have a snack, or I’ll do a small cleaning chore which gets my energy up or (most likely), I’ll grab a coffee or a matcha!
Challenge #3:
You work in an area of your house or office where other people frequent. (This is a challenge for quite a few people). The answer here isn’t always simple, especially if you have small kids at home like I do. Sometimes I just have to suck it up and do my routine at a later time.
I try to pick times (like when my kids are sleeping in the morning) to do my morning routine, but this also involves me getting up at 5:00am in order to have that quiet time.
If you can’t do that, change the time of your routine. It might be weird at first, but with time, you’ll get used to it.
Another option is you could use headphones, or you could move your location to somewhere quiet - even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom for a few moments!
At the very least, ensure your routine (whatever, and whenever that is) is keeping you interested. If you have decided to do something that is so boring, it may not catch your fancy enough. The same goes for tasks that are mundane and not challenging enough. Make sure you're doing something just to be a tad more challenging than you’re accustomed to. That way you will stay interested in your routine and/or tasks.
Hopefully I have helped you figure out ways to maintain focus during your own routines!
As usual, Happy Planning and we’ll see you next time!!
Sandra
