Routine can be loosely defined as a regular course of action or a habitual performance of an established procedure. While it may sound mundane, routines are one of the most powerful tools for achieving success, whether in personal development, professional growth, or skill mastery.
In my life, I’ve used the power of routine to achieve significant progress in various areas. Most of my routines began as attempts to build daily habits that supported my goals. At first, it was challenging to maintain consistency, but over time, the process became easier. Eventually, I started linking additional tasks or training sessions to these established routines, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.
Building a Routine: My Story with Marketing
One of the businesses I designed and operated was Iron Dog Association Design, which focused on creating and managing international organizations for high-level martial artists. Like any business owner, I wore all the hats—from janitor to CEO. One essential task I undertook was managing social media marketing for the associations.
To keep myself on track, I set aside Monday mornings for marketing. At first, it was overwhelming. I had to educate myself on the nuances of social media strategies and learn new tools. My initial routine took about four to five hours every Monday. It felt tedious, but I stayed consistent because I knew it was essential for the business.
After about six months, something remarkable happened: tasks that once took four hours were now taking only one. My efficiency had improved dramatically through repetition. I decided to use the extra time to learn new marketing techniques and integrate them into my routine. This brought the time commitment back to four hours, but now I was accomplishing significantly more.
Over time, the same pattern repeated. What took four hours was condensed to two, then one, as I polished the routine. By the end of the first year, I had condensed nine hours of weekly work into three, all while producing better results. This experience solidified my belief in the power of routine as a tool for maximizing efficiency and achieving consistent growth.
Success Through Consistency
“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basicfundamentals.”
— E. James Rohn
Consistency, defined as steadfast adherence to the same principles or course, is key to creating meaningful change. However, human nature often tempts us to aim for quick results, expecting immediate rewards from our efforts. The truth is that significant progress usually comes from small, steady actions over time.
When time is limited—whether due to work, family, or other responsibilities—it’s still possible to create meaningful change by dedicating even a small amount of time regularly. I’ve experienced this firsthand on the martial arts academy floor.
During particularly busy periods, I’ve sometimes only managed an hour or two of training each week. I would divide this limited time into focused areas—grappling, striking, or weapons training—and stick to the plan. Over the years, I noticed improvements that I initially didn’t recognize. It wasn’t until training with peers or visitors that I realized how much I had progressed. Consistent effort, even in small amounts, yields remarkable results over time.
Routine as a Growth Engine
“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”
— Dwayne Johnson
The key to success lies in maintaining routines over the long term. Like planting a tree, progress may not be visible at first. The roots grow deep underground before the first sprout appears. When the results finally become visible, they seem like an overnight success—but the real growth happened through consistent effort, unseen.
The Concept of Task Stacking
Task stacking, or grouping related activities into a routine sequence, can exponentially increase efficiency. I’ve applied this method in both my personal training and professional life. For example, my Monday morning marketing routine was built around related tasks, allowing me to streamline the process and improve my skills over time.
If you’re new to routines, start small. Combine two related tasks and perform them consistently until they become second nature. Once the routine feels natural, you can add more tasks. The key is to avoid overloading yourself at the beginning; simplicity and consistency are the foundation of a sustainable routine.
Building Routines for Specific Goals
If you’re unsure where to start, consider focusing on a specific area of your life, such as health, personal development, or professional growth. For example:
• Health: Build a routine around exercise or meal planning.
• Skill Development: Dedicate time to learning a new skill or refining an existing one.
• Productivity: Design a routine to tackle daily work tasks more efficiently.
Choose actions that align with your goals, and keep the routine manageable at first. Over time, you can expand and refine it to achieve even greater results.
Using Cues to Reinforce Routines
Visual cues can be incredibly effective in maintaining routines. I’ve used sticky notes, lists, and even specific photos placed in key locations to remind me of my daily tasks. These small prompts help reinforce habits and keep routines on track, especially during busy or stressful periods.
Thematic Days for Routines
Assigning themes to specific days can also help structure your routines and keep things fresh. For example:
- For Martial Arts Training:
- • Monday: Grappling
- • Tuesday: Striking into Pummeling
- • Wednesday: Takedowns to Grappling
- • Thursday: Striking
- • Friday: Weapons Training
- • For Business Tasks:
- • Monday: Marketing & Management
- • Tuesday: Logistics & Efficiency
- • Wednesday: Advertising
- • Thursday: Product Development
- • Friday: Customer Communications
Daily themes allow you to focus on different areas each day, keeping your routine varied and engaging while stillachieving consistent progress.
Float Days for Flexibility
In addition to daily themes, I schedule floating theme days throughout the year. For instance, I might dedicate one day every three weeks to firearms training. On these days, I focus on all related activities, such as range practice, equipment maintenance, and tactical drills. Float days allow you to dive deep into specific areas without disrupting your routine.
The Ultimate Takeaway: Routine Drives Success
“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routines.”
— Mike Murdock
Routines are not just a series of tasks; they are a blueprint for long-term success. By designing intentional routines, sticking to them consistently, and refining them over time, you can achieve incredible results in any area of your life. Whether you’re training for martial arts, running a business, or simply striving for personal growth, the power of routine will help you reach your goals more efficiently and effectively.
So, start small, stay consistent, and trust in the process. Over time, those small steps will lead to remarkable transformations.
Shift Your Perspective, Take Action, & Lead Yourself To Greatness
~ Sifu Alan
Alan Baker is renowned for his dual expertise in crafting tailored Defensive Tactics Programs and high-performance coaching. Catering specifically to law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and security firms, Alan designs training regimens that emphasize practical techniques, real-world adaptability, and scenario-based training. His approach enhances the capabilities and readiness of personnel in intense situations. His clients include the Executive Protection Institute, Vehicle Dynamics Institute, The Warrior Poet Society, ALIVE Active Shooter Training, Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, Tactical 21, and many others. Sifu Alan is the creator of the C-Tac® (Civilian Tactical Training Association) System and
Protection Response Tactics (PRT), two highly regarded training systems that emphasize realistic, adaptive techniques for both civilians and professionals in high-risk fields. Explore Alan’s tailored programs here. Sifu Alan travels across the U.S., teaching camps and seminars on the programs he’s developed and the multiple martial arts he has studied for nearly five decades.
Beyond mere tactics, Alan stands out as the paramount “Self Leadership” coach, adept at unlocking the vast potential within individuals. With a deep passion for mentoring professionals, entrepreneurs, and those on personal growth odysseys, he focuses on nurturing a mindset of excellence. Alan’s coaching hinges on practical strategies that bolster mental resilience, focus, and drive. Teaming up with Alan means embarking on a transformative path where mental barriers are dismantled, inherent strengths come to the fore, and your goals become within clear sight. His profound insights enhance performance and sculpt a mindset tailored for triumphant success.
To delve deeper into Alan’s mindset philosophy, peruse his enlightening collection of books. If you’re ready to amplify your journey under Alan’s tutelage, connect through his official website.