Build a structure, but build it in a Japanese way

I am a big proponent of scheduling and routines - it provides a structure and a way to effectively manage our time. It is something I encourage in my coaching.

To ensure the priorities in our life our met (e.g. spending time with our families, extra-curricular activities, fitness). We need to ensure we are intentionally dedicating time to these areas.

Schedules provide predictability, but also can lead to rigidity and monotony. I realised this early this year, when I was to visit my parents on a Tuesday for dinner (usual routine), which normally precedes a workout that evening. My parents wanted to go fishing after dinner, and my thoughts at the time were "this is not my normal routine" and "I need to do my workout". But seeing that it was important to my parents, I went along and enjoyed my time with them.

That workout can wait. It can be postponed to another day/time or ceased that week - it's not the end of the world. But time doesn't wait, and the hourglass empties faster as we get older. Of course, have those non-negotiables (e.g. recovery, study) in your schedule, but say yes to that spontaneous fishing trip or ad-hoc invite even though it's not your normal routine. Those seemingly insignificant spontaneous moments, become more significant as we look back. Also at a neurological level, spontaneous and new experiences are important for neuroplasticity, in encouraging our brain to re-wire and re-shape itself (basically exercises our brain).

Create a schedule to give you a sense of control, but don't let it control you and become a robot in the process. Schedules need to accommodate little changes during the day/week, but also need to be open to larger changes depending on the season or phase in our life. I liken it to Japanese buildings, which are designed to accommodate both minor and major tremors as they come up.

Build a structure, but build it in a Japanese way...

Coach Jose

Disclaimer: The views expressed are my own and do not represent any organization which I may be affiliated with.