Three Essential Tasks I Complete Every Day

It’s pretty clear that I thrive on routine; I’m a creature of habit through and through. I have a set schedule that I stick to religiously, but when you’re juggling a demanding job and family responsibilities, things can get a bit chaotic. Actually, they can get really chaotic, so a bit of flexibility is essential to stay productive and maintain your sanity.

I’m not exactly a “go-with-the-flow” person. It’s challenging for me to let go of my plans, abandon my quest for order, and adapt to whatever comes my way. Honestly, I dislike it. To manage this, I’ve identified a few things I absolutely need, things I can’t imagine living without. I stick to these and stay flexible with everything else.

Take today, for instance. One of my kids is sick and home from school. Does this mean I have to abandon my ambitious to-do list for the day? Probably. But I won’t be giving up these three daily must-dos, no matter what.

First, I need a bit of time every morning, even just 30 minutes, before everyone else wakes up to mentally prepare for the day. I check my email, review my schedule, enjoy a cup of tea or decaf coffee, and just get ready mentally. Without this time, I start the day feeling chaotic and struggle to find balance amid getting the kids ready for school and handling urgent work emails and deadlines.

Every morning, I also set my top priorities for the day. I might have numerous tasks to tackle, but my shortlist always consists of the top three. These are the most crucial things I need to get done, or sometimes they’re just the quickest and least painful to complete. This shortlist keeps me focused and helps build momentum to get through the rest of my tasks, especially when I start with the easier ones.

Lastly, I aim to exercise at least 4-5 days a week. It’s a solid habit, but one that’s still sometimes hard to maintain. I find that if I don’t work out in the morning, the chances of me fitting it in later plummet. So, after my morning tea or once the kids are at school, I get my workout done. If my morning workout isn’t possible (because, let’s be real, life happens), I at least squeeze in a quick five-minute stretch. It helps loosen up my body, boosts my energy, and reduces stress.

By sticking to these three non-negotiables, I manage to keep some order in my day and ensure I stay productive, even when things don’t go as planned.