I get bored doing the same stuff every day. How do you feel about your daily routines?

If you feel fine or even grateful, good. No need to change anything. But if you find yourself thinking ?oh, I have to do this again??, it might be time for some change.

One of my clients, a single mother, got into a habit of crawling in bed with her 2 boys every night (for their bedtime, not hers) and falling asleep with them. The result: no time for herself. Her days were work, kids, dinner, bed. Putting her kids to bed became ad obligation, and she kept doing it even when she didn’t enjoy it. During her coaching session we brainstormed some ideas and she created her ideal evening routine. She surprised her kids with the change (kids love excitement!): reading them a story every night, letting them fall asleep by themselves and then having the evening for herself. She tried something new and she loved it. Bedtime became something she actually looked forward to!

Are there any routines in your life that could stand to change? What areas of your life would you like to make more enjoyable?

Think outside the box and come up with a new, maybe even unexpected action you can take.

For example: if you’re a multi-tasker, it might be fun for you to try doing one thing at a time instead. Really engaging with what you’re doing. Focus completely on doing the dishes or walking your dog without talking on the phone or listening to music or thinking about what you’ll do next. On the other hand, if you spend most of your alone time quietly, try listening to music while doing the dishes. Many times, doing the unexpected adds fun to your life.

Have a playful attitude, have fun with trying something new.

Bottom Line: Think creatively how to turn a boring task into a fun activity

Ask: What routines in my life could stand to change?

Affirm: Playfully, I try something new and unexpected and I make life more fun.