SOFT DISCIPLINE: HOW AN IMPERFECT ROUTINE GROUNDS ME

When it comes to consistency, success, comfort, and personal growth, it mostly comes down to one way of showing up—at least for me.
A good routine, one that not only allows you to achieve a healthy balance between daily stress and intrusive thoughts but also helps you enjoy the journey of living.

I used to think I wasn’t a very committed person because I couldn’t keep my head straight when it came to finding a direction and following it. I’ve always allowed myself to change my mind and take a different path. However, this year I’ve come to a place where I feel sure about my destination—and the journey has been key. The only way I’ve been able to find this comfortable balance has been through the small things in my routine that have now become almost automatic; I mostly don’t even think about them anymore—they come naturally.

A good routine isn’t about being in control of everything all the time—it’s about understanding your needs and allowing yourself to flow in the space between the habits you know work for you and the more unstable things you might be needing at any given moment. It’s about protecting yourself.

I’m saying all of this and I’m going to openly share my routine, but the truth is that even though it’s mostly consistent, I also break it often. It’s just as important to learn how to develop a routine as it is to learn not to punish yourself for living—because that’s the only real reason to break it. As human beings, understanding balance and being comfortable with it can change a lot about the way you see, treat, or even allow yourself to be.

I haven’t shared anything about my ‘real’ job, as I like to call it, simply because I’ve tried to think of it as a separate path. But I’m changing my opinion about that. So, if you didn’t know yet: I have a full-time job in the retail field, working for a contemporary eyewear brand based in Barcelona. I work 9–6, Monday to Friday, so my week is mostly centered around that.

I did Pilates for years but wasn’t really consistent with it, so I changed my mind and decided to start going to the gym, which has now become more important to me than I ever thought it would. The energy it gives me and the disconnect from everything (while reconnecting with myself and my strength) is vital for me. So, I try to go and be consistent as much as possible.

Some details in my routine that I couldn’t change for anything are the most basic of all: making my bed every morning, drinking a cup of coffee, having breakfast at home just before taking my scooter to go to the office. Taking my lunch—prepared during the weekend—to work, and returning home where I’ll talk with my boyfriend about dinner plans and often watch a new show, series, or movie… those are the little things that make me the happiest.

And how do I stay fashionable within my routine and keep up this personal project at the same time? Well… it’s just my biggest source of fun in my daily structure. I like to get ready, dress differently most days, and try to give my best with my possibilities. Monday to Friday, I’m very into my routine and don’t go out much—same on weekends—but I go out when I feel like it. I don’t have to dress very formally for work, but I like to give some thought to how I’m being perceived and how that makes me feel. My most consistent “uniform” is based on jeans, loafers, and some kind of blouse, shirt, T-shirt, or sweater most days.

As for the website, I just find the right time. I’ve mentioned here before that I’ve developed a kind of personal talent in this field: not overthinking and trusting my gut absolutely every time. I don’t worry about what others will think but about what I think and how I feel. Developing the ideas is usually the fun part, and I know an idea is right when writing about it feels like a conversation. If I can talk about it the way I’d talk to my friends, then I know it represents me—and I feel good about sharing it.

Finding habits and hobbies that align not only with my daily life but also bring me closer to the person I want to become has been the most rewarding and fulfilling achievement for me this year. And even for someone like me—who often wants to do everything, all the time—I’ve come to the realization that I need to listen to my emotions and not punish myself for needing rest, or for failing sometimes. Don’t push yourself so hard. Enjoy the process. Let your routine be more than a productivity tool—let it reflect who you are. Let your habits be part of your instincts. Let them become the quiet, grounding pieces that hold you together.