If You're Making a Change to Your Routine or Habit, Give Yourself Time

For years, I spent my Saturday morning grocery shopping for the week.

My workweek routine drove my weekend routine. Now I’m retired. 

I’m very routine-driven. I would need to prepare my list early. This required a change in thinking. I saw an advantage. If my granddaughter came to spend the night, grocery shopping would be off my list.

Some changes in routines or habits are necessary. Some changes are a choice.

Any change is difficult at first.

After three Fridays, I discovered the pleasure of shopping on Friday mornings. The store is not as busy, I shop faster, and my weekends are free for fun.

After hitting 500 consecutive days of writing and publishing, I decided to stop publishing on the weekends. At first, it felt wrong. Sixteen months is a long time to do anything every day. Now it's a chance to reassess my writing during the week and work on other projects.

Regardless of the reason you make a change, give the change a fair trial before you decide.

Adjusting to these changes took time. I’m going to stick with them…for a while.