The Psychology of Daily Routine

The most successful people in history—the ones often revered as “geniuses” in their fields or masters of their crafts—shared a common trait beyond talent: they adhered to strict and specific routines.

Routines may seem monotonous, the opposite of the spontaneous and adventurous life we’re often told leads to happiness. Society suggests that joy comes from the relentless pursuit of “more,” regardless of what that “more” entails.

However, what we often overlook is that having a routine doesn’t mean you’re confined to the same environment every day. Your routine could involve traveling to a new country each month, or even embracing unpredictability as part of your routine. The essence of routine lies not in the activities themselves but in the stability and security they offer your subconscious mind through repetitive actions and predictable outcomes.

The specifics of your daily routine are less important than your commitment to it. In essence, routine matters because habitual behaviors shape your mood, and your mood significantly influences your personality's “nurture” aspect. Moreover, allowing yourself to be swayed by impulsiveness can lead to outcomes that are far from what you truly desire.

True happiness often stems from experiences that are not just fleeting gratifications but are fulfilling and long-lasting. These experiences frequently require overcoming resistance and making sacrifices. Yet, when you integrate these tasks into your daily routine, the sense of sacrifice diminishes, and the resistance becomes easier to manage. This is why routine is so crucial, and why those who are genuinely happy tend to follow routines more consistently.

1. Your Habits Shape Your Mood, and Your Mood Filters Your Life Experience

It's easy to assume that moods are influenced by thoughts or external stressors that arise during the day. However, psychologist Robert Thayer argues that our moods are actually a product of our habits: how much we sleep, how frequently we move, what we think, and how often we think it. It’s not a single thought that destabilizes us; it’s the pattern of repeatedly experiencing that thought that compounds its effect and makes it seem valid.

2. Let Conscious Decisions, Not Fears or Impulses, Guide Your Day

An untamed mind is like a minefield. Without regulation, focus, or self-control, you can easily be swayed into pursuing something that doesn't align with your true desires. For instance, opting to go out for drinks instead of preparing for an important presentation might seem appealing in the short term but can lead to disastrous consequences in the long run. Establishing a routine is akin to letting your conscious choices dictate your day, allowing you to sideline fleeting impulses that don’t serve your greater goals.

3. Happiness Isn’t About Doing More, But About Doing Better

More isn’t always better. Happiness doesn’t come from experiencing something new all the time; it’s about finding new and meaningful ways to engage with what you already have. Unfortunately, society often teaches us that passion should drive every decision we make, leading to the misconception that we’re unhappy because we’re not doing “enough.”

4. Routine Deactivates “Fight or Flight” Instincts by Reducing the Unknown

This explains why change is so challenging for many and why those who maintain consistent habits often experience greater joy. By sticking to a routine, you deactivate your fear instincts, allowing you to enjoy the present moment without the anxiety of confronting the unknown.

5. Routine Provides Safety in Childhood and Purpose in Adulthood

Interestingly, the sense of safety that routine provides in childhood translates into a sense of purpose in adulthood. As children, we don’t know what to expect from the world, so routine offers comfort. As adults, routine allows us to reassure ourselves with the thought, “I know how to do this; I’ve done it before.”

6. Routine Reinforces the Decisions You’ve Already Made

When you commit to a routine, you consistently reaffirm a decision you’ve made. For example, if you’ve decided to write a book and commit to writing three pages each night, you reinforce not only your decision to start but also your capability to follow through. This is one of the healthiest forms of self-validation.

7. Routine Leads to “Flow” by Helping Your Body Self-Regulate

“Flow” is the state of being completely absorbed in a task, where worries and distractions dissolve. By training your body to respond to specific cues—waking up at 7 a.m., writing at 2 p.m., and so on—you create an environment where flow happens naturally and with ease.

8. Without Routine, We Misinterpret Fear as a Sign of Wrongdoing

A lack of routine fosters procrastination, giving our subconscious minds the chance to suggest, “You can take a break now,” even when a deadline looms. If you’re accustomed to taking a break at a certain time, you’ll likely allow it, simply because “you always do.” This can lead to a cycle of avoiding what’s truly important, mistaking fear for a sign that you’re on the wrong path rather than recognizing it as a natural response to being deeply invested in an outcome.