Mindset

How to Build the Perfect Routine (That Actually Works)

by Olivia White

Step one: Accept that “perfect” is a lie made up by people who fold their laundry the same day they wash it. Your routine doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board — it just has to function.

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Start Stupid Simple
If your morning routine needs a color-coded planner, 4 hours of meditation, and a sunrise goat yoga session to “work,” it’s already doomed. Start with one thing. Like drinking water. Or remembering pants.

Stack Habits Like Pancakes
New habit? Slap it onto an existing one. Example: brush your teeth + say something nice to yourself in the mirror. Bonus points if you add flossing, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Make It Ugly (and Repeat Anyway)
Some days your “routine” will be you, half-dressed, yelling “DOING MY BEST” while chasing the cat who stole your sock. That still counts. Consistency beats perfection every single time.

Build in Bribery
Humans are simple creatures. If there’s a reward, we’re 200% more likely to show up. Promise yourself coffee, stickers, naps, gold stars—whatever it takes.

Forgive Yourself for Being an Actual Human
You will mess up. You will forget. You will have days where your “routine” is just binge-watching bad TV and eating cereal. It’s fine. Routines are like friendships—you keep showing up even when it’s weird and imperfect.

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Bottom line:
A perfect routine isn’t perfect. It’s just you, building tiny, weird rituals that make your life a little less like a trash fire. And honestly? That’s magic.