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Vinod Sharma

Build a Daily Routine and Stick to It

Published about 1 year ago • 5 min read

Hello Reader,

In this newsletter, I am going to explain to you how to build your daily routine and stick with it.

A routine helps to create structure and consistency in your daily work habits. When you have a set routine in place, you know what you need to do and when to do it and reduce decision fatigue. Your productivity will skyrocket as an outcome.

Unfortunately, most developers do not follow a routine and let various daily situations drive their day and activities.

So that they can do whatever you wish versus being disciplined. They fear losing spontaneity in their day.

Following are a few reasons web developers don’t learn how to build their routines and struggle to make actionable progress.

  • Not being proactive
  • Resistance to change
  • Inability to prioritize tasks
  • Lack of time management skills
  • Lack of willpower & self-discipline

Don’t worry; I am going to explain to your how to overcome all these problems and build your routine!

Here’s how step by step,

Step 1: Jumpstart your day with a morning routine

“How you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.” - Lemony Snicket.

A good morning routine can help you start your day on the right foot.

A well-structured morning routine can set the tone for a productive day ahead. You will feel a sense of control, reduces stress, improves focus, and be energized for the day ahead.

To build your effective morning routine, identify the essential tasks you want to complete each morning, such as tea, light exercise or stretching, some time to meditate or reflect, a healthy breakfast, and planning your day.

For example, I start my day at 4:30 every day by drinking two glasses of water and light stretching. It gives me instant energy and sets me up for the next 2 hours of a writing session. Then I review the day plan I created the night before and start with my first task. At 7:30 am, I make tea, wake up my family and eat breakfast with tea.

Create a similar routine for your morning. Start simple with one or two routine activity as and then gradually add more.

Step 2: Manage your day with time blocks

Start your work with a most critical & important task.

You will feel a sense of accomplishment by finishing a complex task. This will set the tone for the day. Take a break after completing the first task.

Block additional focus time in the calendar for your coding work and protect them as much as possible. Notify your colleague, friends and family and turn off your notifications during these block hours.

If I help you save an extra hour daily, what would you do with it, and how will you use it?

Then check your email and any other messages or notifications that may have come in overnight.

Only respond to any urgent or essential messages and flag the rest to be addressed later. Later in the day, respond to flagged emails.

Attend your stand-up and other meetings as needed. Always take notes during your meeting.

Ensure you communicate and collaborate with your colleagues, share progress updates, stay in touch and work together effectively.

Step 3: End your work day strong

Ending your workday on a high note paves the way for increased productivity, a sense of accomplishment, improved work-life balance, and a more positive mindset.

At the end of the day, take time to wrap up unfinished tasks, reflect on the day and prepare for the next day.

Review what happened throughout the day, what you could have done differently, did you finish your most crucial & essential tasks?

Review your task list, set priorities for the next day, and make a note of any important deadlines or upcoming meetings. This ensures you’ll start the next day with a clear sense of direction and purpose.

Step 4: Wind down with an evening routine

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget what truly makes us happy. That’s why it’s important to spend time with family, friends and pursue the things that bring us joy.” - Tim Ferriss.

End your day with an evening routine to rest and recharge for the next day.

To build your evening routine, first, identify the activities that help you unwind and disconnect from your work, such as light exercise, yoga or stretching, reading a book, journaling, meditation, and cooking dinner with your family.

For example, I start my evening around 5 pm with a 30-60 minute walk with my wife, then dinner & dishes. Then I connect with my friends & followers on Twitter. By 9 pm, I start winding down and creating a plan for my next day. I like writing 10 ideas daily before going to bed. By 10 pm, I am sleeping.

Create a similar routine for your evening.

An effective evening routine can help you live a well-balanced, energized and productive lifestyle. Again, remember to start simple with one or two routine activities and then gradually add more.

Before bed, spend 15–30 minutes planning your next day, deciding your priorities and focus.

It will be easy to compare the top items on your to-do list with the new things life throws at you during the day to decide whether to change your direction or stay with the original plan.

When you have no priority for the day, you will encounter everything as a priority and constantly decide through the day what to do and what is essential. Sometimes waste precious time on less-priority items.

So be careful and plan the top two or three tasks for the next day and schedule them on your calendar.

Your productivity system can help you an extra hour daily.

Use that extra hour to work on a goal that either help you grow as a web developer. For example learning a new programming language, preparing for a certification, higher education, or building a side project.

Or work on a hobby that provide you fulfillment.

That’s a wrap,

Building a routine can help you stay focused, organized, and productive.

Daily routines can help you to create structure and consistency to reduce decision fatigue, avoid burnt out & endless distractions, and increase productivity.

Remember, a robust productivity system includes more than just a task manager.

It involves being organized, establishing daily routines, adjusting your behavior, setting goals, and continuously improving. We’re currently going through a series that focuses on building a productivity system to help increase your clarity and overall productivity.

As always, I would love to hear from you.

So hit reply and send me a quick one-line comment with a few encouraging words. It will mean a lot to me.

You can also DM me on 👉 Twitter @VinodSharma10x

Your Friend,
Vinod

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Vinod Sharma

I guide aspiring developers to amplify their online presence, get noticed, and unlock exciting career opportunities. Let’s elevate your tech journey. I talk about career tips, tech trends & time management. 24 years in tech.

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