In the crowded locker room, 30 minutes before entering a sold-out stadium in front of thousands of roaring fans, he starts his routine. First, some calisthenics…like a seasoned prizefighter, hopping from side to side. Next, wide circles with his arms, then some stretching and grip work. He’s got to make sure his blood is flowing, his joints are loose and his muscles are warmed up. All are signals that his body is ready. 

Now, he’s focusing on his mind…it’s still racing, he’s got to get into the right headspace. He’s taking deep breaths and trying to cultivate a specific psychological state…let’s call it “the zone.”

He finally enters the arena, the lights dim…the crowd continues to roar. With a flash of light, the air fills with the sound of over 50,000 fans screaming.

His name is Matt Billingslea. He’s the drummer for Taylor Swift. The show starts and they both ride this wave of energy – one of the ultimate examples for our current series on Peak Performance.

Do you have a routine? I was forced to have one all my life. And I dreaded it. The same thing everyday over and over again. I couldn’t wait to run my own business and be my own boss someday so I could wake up whenever I wanted, and work on my projects any time of the day and create my own schedule depending on how I felt, with the flexibility to accommodate whatever I had going on. 

Interesting thing is, once I became my own boss and got that freedom with my time, I naturally fell into a rhythm. The routine made me feel productive and efficient. It made me focus and allowed me to operate at a higher level. So strange, I had to find out why. And this is what I’ve learned during my research.

Having a routine is imperative to reaching peak performance because it provides structure, consistency, and optimization of time and resources. Here are several reasons I found why having a routine is important:

1. Efficient use of time: Having a routine helps you allocate time effectively and prioritize tasks. When you have a set schedule, you are less likely to waste time on unproductive activities or get overwhelmed by decision fatigue.
2. Consistency and discipline: A routine instills a rhythm in your daily life. By following a consistent pattern, you develop good habits and reduce the likelihood of procrastination or distraction.
3. Reduced stress and increased focus: Knowing what to expect and having a plan in place reduces stress and anxiety. When you have a routine, you can focus more on the task at hand, as your brain doesn’t need to spend as much energy on figuring out what to do next.
4. Enhanced mental and physical well-being: A routine that includes healthy habits, such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and balanced meals, promotes both mental and physical well-being. When you take care of your body and mind, you are better equipped to perform at your best.

HOWEVER, one final note before we go – there’s definitely a difference between a routine and a rut. Routine is about healthy habits that provide the structure to support growth; a rut is when the routine becomes stale and actually inhibits growth.

If you feel like you’re in a rut, take Taylor Swift’s advice: Shake It Off, and get back to the Love Story with a fresh routine. Are you Ready For It?

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