What to Do When Your Routines Fall Apart
- Lay Jordan
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
How often have you heard the phrase “Make systems, not goals” in the wellness / personal development community? After witnessing the rise of productivity culture and the subsequent burnout it often causes, I felt compelled to address the gap between system creation and system sustainability. Many content creators discuss the importance of systems without acknowledging how these systems can actually work against us when not properly aligned.
I was seeing people struggle with rigid systems that looked perfect on paper but fell apart in real life. This inspired me to share my experiences with creating flexible, adaptable systems that accommodate both our aspirations and our human nature.
In Episode 42 of A Little Atypical, I covered how the growing interest in holistic approaches to productivity, combined with the mental health awareness movement, made it clear that we need a more balanced perspective on system creation - one that honors our past experiences, present needs, and future goals simultaneously. Listen to the episode on any of the links below and follow the podcast to never miss an update.
Episode No. 43
Where to listen:
This blog post is meant to discuss the Art of System Recovery. While the episode covers so many aspects of system design and failure, I wanted to elaborate on knowing when to pivot vs preserve with your routine.
The Art of System Recovery
When your system starts showing signs of strain, consider these to recover:
1. Audit Your Current System
Begin by examining which parts of your system are working and which aren't. Sometimes, only certain elements need adjustment rather than a complete overhaul. Ask yourself:
What aspects of the system feel natural and sustainable?
Which parts consistently cause friction or resistance?
Are there external factors affecting your system's effectiveness?
2. Implement Flexible Frameworks
Design systems with built-in buffer zones for unexpected events
Create multiple versions of your routine (minimal, standard, and optimal)
Include regular review periods to assess and adjust your approach
3. The 80/20 Principle in System Design
Focus on the core 20% of your system that produces 80% of your results. This helps maintain progress even when you can't execute your entire routine perfectly.
When to Persist vs. When to Pivot
Deciding to stick with or change your system requires careful consideration. This can help you decide:
Reasons to Persist:
You're seeing small but consistent improvements
The resistance you feel is primarily from the natural discomfort of change
Your system aligns with your long-term values and goals
Signs to Pivot:
The system consistently conflicts with your natural rhythms
You're experiencing negative impacts on your mental or physical health
The system doesn't accommodate your current life circumstances
Final Thoughts
System development is a process, and the goal is to build a system that evolves with you. Your system should serve as a supportive framework for growth, not a rigid cage that limits your potential. The most sustainable systems honor both your aspirations and your humanity. By maintaining this balance and being willing to adjust when necessary, you can create routines that not only survive but thrive through life's inevitable changes.
I hope you enjoyed this post and found it interesting. Also, if you like my content, it would mean the world to me if you subscribe to my YouTube channel, my Pinterest, and my TikTok account. On YouTube, I have the most inspirational content from Lifestyle Design posts to Digital "open when..." letters to boost your mood. I also keep a copy of my podcast episodes (which is also available on Spotify). I decided that I am honoring what feels right to me and continuously working on building the life of my dreams and helping others do the same. Don’t forget to share this if you feel inspired, and I will have more content for you soon.
Until next time, butterflies 🦋 Sincerely yours
Xoxo,
Lay 💋
Episode Description:
Ready to revolutionize your approach to personal development? In this game-changing episode, we're diving deep into the art of creating effective systems that actually works. Discover why traditional systems fail and learn how to build a personalized framework that aligns with your natural rhythms and energy cycles.
Key Topics Covered:
Common pitfalls in system creation and how to avoid them
Time-theming with astrological influences
Balancing past, present, and future self-care
Energy cycle scheduling and productivity optimization
Creating flexible systems that adapt to life's disruptions
Plus: Practical strategies for implementing your personalized system
Recent Blog posts:
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Music by Remil - Evening Tea - https://thmatc.co/?l=DFECB5D4
Section | Timestamp | Notes |
Introduction | 00:00 | Discover why your systems might be secretly working against you
In this episode, we'll dive deep into why traditional productivity systems often fall short and explore a more authentic approach to achieving your goals. Whether you're a productivity enthusiast or just getting started with personal development, this episode will help you understand the missing pieces in your system-building journey. |
Why Systems Fail | 00:47 |
|
Building Better Systems | 06:23 |
Want to dive deeper into each of these elements? Listen to the full episode where we explore practical examples and specific strategies for implementation. |
Time-Theming System | 15:25 |
Want to learn the exact framework and how to implement it? Listen to the full episode for step-by-step guidance! |
Card Pull | 18:50 |
|
What I'm grateful for | 21:37 | For the people who listen to my podcast |
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