Why I’m a Routine Guy (and Why You Might Want to Be One Too)

I used to think routines were boring. Like, alarm-at-5am, green juice, zero joy boring.

Turns out…routines are actually the thing that lets me live my life without constantly feeling behind, overwhelmed, or asking myself, “What did I forget this time?”

I don’t have it all figured out (no one does), but over the years I’ve learned that setting routines—big and small—creates freedom. Less mental clutter. More energy. Fewer fires to put out.

So here’s how I break down my routines, from yearly all the way to daily, and why this system works for me.

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The Big Picture: Why Routines Matter

Routines aren’t about control. They’re about removing decision fatigue so you can focus on what actually matters—family, health, work, and staying sane.

When something becomes routine:

• You don’t have to think about it

• You don’t procrastinate it

• You don’t forget it (as often)

And honestly? As a dad, if it’s not written down or scheduled, it doesn’t exist.

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Once a Year: The “Adulting” Check-In

These are the things I don’t want to think about all the time…so I batch them once a year.

Yearly routines include:

• DEXA scan (because numbers don’t lie, even when I wish they would)

• Annual health checkups

• Reviewing insurance, big subscriptions, and long-term plans

• Big-picture goal setting (health, family, work)

Doing these yearly gives me a baseline. I don’t obsess over health every day—but once a year, I check in, make adjustments, and move on.

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Twice a Year: The “Preventative Maintenance” Phase

Biannual routines are like rotating your tires. Skip them, and things get bumpy.

My biannual routines:

• Dentist appointments (future me is always grateful)

• Vision checks

• Closet resets (seasonal purge so I stop wearing the same hoodie every day)

• Home maintenance check-ins

Nothing dramatic. Just staying ahead so small problems don’t turn into expensive surprises.

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Quarterly: Work, Money, and Life Admin

This is where I zoom out and ask, “Is this still working?”

Quarterly routines include:

• Reviewing finances and budgets

• Work check-ins (what’s working, what’s draining me)

• Content and project planning

• Goal adjustments

Quarterly check-ins keep me from drifting. They help me realign instead of panic in December wondering where the year went.

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Monthly: The Reset Button

Monthly routines are my favorite because they’re manageable and impactful.

Monthly routines include:

• Cleaning schedules (the deep stuff no one wants to do)

• Calendar reviews

• Subscription audits

• Family logistics check-in

This is when I reset systems instead of reacting to chaos. It’s not perfect—but it’s way better than ignoring everything until it explodes.

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Weekly: Controlled Chaos

Weekly routines are where real life happens—and where I give myself the most grace.

Weekly routines include:

• Meal planning (emphasis on planning, not perfection)

• Grocery list prep

• Weekly calendar scan

• Workout planning

Do I always follow the plan? No.

Does having one make my week smoother? Absolutely.

Even a loose plan beats winging it every single time.

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Daily: The Non-Negotiables

Daily routines are the foundation. These are the habits that anchor my day—even when everything else goes sideways.

My daily routines:

• Moving my body (workout, walk, something)

• A consistent bedtime routine (because tired dads are grumpy dads)

• Morning rhythm that doesn’t feel rushed

• Simple evening reset

Daily routines don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be repeatable.

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The Secret Sauce: Flexibility

Here’s the thing—routines only work if they work for you.

Some weeks are great. Some weeks are chaos. Kids get sick. Work piles up. Life happens.

Routines aren’t rules. They’re guidelines.

If I miss a workout? I don’t quit.

If a week goes off the rails? I reset next week.

If something stops serving my life? I change it.

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Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent

You don’t need a color-coded spreadsheet to start a routine. You just need one small habit you can repeat.

Start with:

• One yearly check-in

• One weekly plan

• One daily anchor

Routines don’t make life boring—they make life easier. And when life is easier, there’s more room for the good stuff.

And honestly? That’s the whole point.