Treat Routines Like Tools, Not Traps

We should treat routines like tools, not traps.

Routines help us build momentum, stay on track, and make space for the things that matter. But they’re only helpful when they serve us. Not when they weigh us down and bum us out.

I used to hate this time of year.

September meant the end of summer fun and freedom.

But now I actually kinda like it.

And not because the kids are back in school (My wife homeschools our boys, so we still have to deal with them). I like it because we get to refresh our rhythms and routines.

Even if you're not a parent of school-aged kids, there's a shift that comes in September as different programs start up again. We return to familiar routines, regain momentum, and explore new opportunities.

It feels like “January 1st: Part 2.” Except it’s even better than New Year’s Day because it’s still nice outside.

A new bell schedule

In the Steininger household, we’re trying to be intentional with this fall reset. We don’t want to continue routines merely out of routine.

We know we can’t stack an infinitely tall tower of new things on top of all of our existing commitments. Time is limited. We need to evaluate our schedules and make sure they are aligned with our interests, or goals, and our values.

What's worth keeping? What’s worth making time for? What do we need to let go of in order to make more time for the things that matter most now?

Our oldest son a taking a break from soccer this fall to lean more into orchestra.

Our youngest will be doubling down on soccer, because he's a natural and he loves it.

Our middle son wants to put a pause on piano lessons so he can start his own landscaping company, or open a food truck, or become a talk show host, or a professional hamster trainer…. We’re still figuring that one out.

I’m stepping down from a volunteer role I had been serving in for a couple years. I love the organization, but I was not suited for the work, and it was creating a lot of stress. So I’m handing it off and investing that extra bandwidth in some new projects I’ll be sharing with you soon.

It’s a season of pivots and new possibilities.

We’re not just repeating last year. We’re building on it, leveraging the systems and helpful routines we established, but making some changes that allow us to lean more into our strengths and explore new opportunities.

Gut check

If you dread this time of year as much as I did back in middle school - if you get depressed that you have to get back to the grind of work and slog through an endlessly busy schedule - that might be a sign that you need to let something go or realign your routine.

It’s a new season. Step into something new. Let go of what no longer fits. And build a routine that actually serves the person you're becoming, not just the person you've always been.

Have something that's weighing you down? Or is there an exciting opportunity, but you're you're not sure how to work it into your schedule? Shoot me a line! I'd love to hear what you have going on and help you head into the new season with clarity and maybe offer a few ideas to help you make it all fit without burning out.