Routine is doing what you want

You need a rhythm before you can break into a solo

“Slow down, calm down, don't worry, don't hurry, trust the process.”

–Alexandra Stoddard

Eat pumpkin pie for breakfast, every single day: that is a routine. End every phone call with “Aye Aye Cap’n”: that qualifies too. A routine is doing what you want, as much as you want, and that is a life well lived.

Routines have a bad rap. The word is related to “route” which implies a path to some goal, but emphasizing goals is a mistake. Goals are dark monoliths that cast a shadow on all that you do in their name.

Routines carry no such judgment. At their core, routines are action and intention in repetition. They live in the body, while goals are abstractions that dwell in your mind and taunt you until they are realized. For pure, uncut acheivement, bias towards goals. For achievement and contentment, bias toward routines.

• One might object: I can’t reach {goal related to perfection} without doing {routine that I don't want to do} every day.

• One might consider: You don’t want it. To choose a goal is…