Let Rhythms, Not Routines, Guide You

2024 was a year of extremes, and I felt it. Intense periods of focus and creativity would take over, consuming all my energy, only to be followed by stretches of quiet that left me feeling like a blob. This is nothing new for me. I have always had inconsistent access to my energy — it comes in bursts. When the work slowed, I planned to rest, but instead, I found myself stuck in a fog—too exhausted to recharge, too restless to relax. Downtime often felt more like recovering from burnout than truly restoring myself.

I’ve been fixated on breaking this cycle, trying to create more balance, but the harder I push for a solution, the more the extremes seem to persist. Perhaps shifting from urgency to intentionality could help me recalibrate without the constant pressure to “fix” things.

Enter a new idea: Create Rhythms, Not Cycles. This means focusing on intentional, balanced patterns of work, rest, and reflection rather than falling into chaotic, reactive cycles. Rhythms feel sustainable and restorative, offering a way to channel my energy instead of letting it control me.

These rhythms could become the foundation of my days—even during the busiest, most intense times. What if aligning with these rhythms—work, rest, reflect, repeat—brought more ease and flow? Maybe by syncing with them, the to-dos would feel less overwhelming, naturally falling into place without draining all my energy upfront.

So, how do I do this? Drumroll please…

By making a list to check in with daily! So here it goes. 

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Rhythm-Centered Daily List

1. Tune Into Your Energy (Ground Yourself)

• Prompt: How do I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally this morning?

• Action: Write a short note (e.g., “Energized but scattered” or “Calm but low energy”).

2. Set Your Daily Intention (Anchor Your Focus)

• Prompt: What theme or value will guide me today?

• Action: Choose a guiding word or phrase (e.g., “clarity,” “ease,” “courage,” “playfulness”).

3. Define Your Top 3 Priorities (Your Main Beat)

• Prompt: What 3 things will create the most impact or bring the most satisfaction today?

• Action: List them clearly (e.g., “Finalize client pitch,” “Call with Gen,” “Draft Play Oracle content”).

4. Plan Your Restorative Moment (Pause and Recharge)

• Prompt: How will I give myself a moment to reset today?

• Action: Write one specific self-care action (e.g., “15-min tea break,” “afternoon stretch,” “sunset walk”).

5. Leave Room for Flow (Embrace Flexibility)

• Prompt: Where can I allow for spontaneity, play or creativity to emerge?

• Action: Identify open-ended time slots or tasks that can flex (e.g., “2–3 PM for free exploration or catch-up”).

6. Close the Loop (End-of-Day Reflection)

• Prompt: How will I reflect on or celebrate today’s rhythm?

• Action: Jot down a quick reflection plan (e.g., “Evening journal,” “list 3 wins,” “unwind with music”).