Most productivity advice assumes you're the same person every day—same energy, same motivation, same capacity. Follow this routine consistently, they say, and you'll succeed.
But you know the truth: some days you can run a marathon, and some days you can barely walk to the kitchen. Some mornings you wake up ready to conquer the world, and others you wonder how you'll make it through.
If your routine doesn't account for this reality, it's not a routine—it's a setup for failure.
The Problem with Rigid Routines
A routine that only works on your best days is useless for most of your life. Here's why:
Bad days happen. Whether from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, poor sleep, or just life stress—low-capacity days are inevitable. If your routine requires full capacity, you'll "fail" on those days.
Failure breeds avoidance. When you can't meet your routine's demands, you feel like a failure. That shame makes you less likely to try tomorrow. The routine that was supposed to help you becomes another source of stress.
All-or-nothing is fragile. A routine that must be done fully or not at all breaks easily. Any disruption—a bad night's sleep, a stressful morning—can derail it completely.
The Flexible Routine Approach
Instead of one rigid routine, consider creating tiered versions of your routine that adjust to your current capacity. Think of it like difficulty settings in a video game:
Level 1: Survival Mode
Your absolute minimum. What you do on your worst days. This should be so easy that you can do it when you're sick, exhausted, or in a mental health crisis.
Examples:
- Get out of bed (doesn't matter when)
- Drink a glass of water
- Eat something (anything)
- Take necessary medication
This is a complete routine. On survival days, hitting Level 1 is success.
Level 2: Low Energy
You're functional, but struggling. You have some capacity, but not much to spare.
Examples:
- Everything in Level 1
- Basic hygiene (brush teeth, wash face)
- Get dressed (comfortable clothes count)
- One small task
Level 3: Normal Mode
An average day. You have reasonable capacity and can maintain a fuller routine.
Examples:
- Everything in Levels 1 and 2
- Regular morning routine (shower, etc.)
- Exercise or movement
- Planned tasks for the day
- Evening wind-down routine
Level 4: High Energy
A good day. You have extra capacity and can challenge yourself.
Examples:
- Everything in Level 3
- More intensive workout
- Tackle a challenging project
- Batch tasks or prep for future low-energy days
- Social connection or hobbies
How to Use This System
Each morning (or even the night before), do a quick check-in: How am I feeling today? What level feels realistic?
Then aim for that level—not the one you think you "should" be at, but the one that matches your actual capacity.
Important principles:
Every level is valid. Level 1 isn't failure. It's the routine that keeps you going when you have nothing left. Respect it.
Be honest with yourself. Don't default to Level 1 to avoid discomfort, but don't push for Level 4 when you're genuinely struggling. Self-awareness is key.
Adjust throughout the day. Start at one level and move up or down as needed. Energy isn't constant.
Good days are for preparation. Use high-energy days to set yourself up for low-energy days. Batch meals, organize spaces, prepare supplies.
The Energy Audit
Not sure what level you're at? Try this quick audit:
- Body: How does my body feel? Rested or exhausted? Energized or heavy?
- Mind: Is my thinking clear or foggy? Am I focused or scattered?
- Emotions: Am I stable or fragile? Hopeful or hopeless?
- Circumstances: What demands will the day place on me? Do I have support?
Based on your answers, pick your level. There's no judgment—only accurate assessment.
What About Consistency?
You might worry that flexible routines undermine consistency. Isn't the point to do the same thing every day?
Here's a reframe: consistency isn't about doing the same tasks daily. It's about showing up daily.
A flexible routine that you do every day is more consistent than a rigid routine you abandon half the time. The goal is sustainable patterns, not perfect repetition.
For Those with Chronic Conditions
If you live with chronic illness, chronic pain, or mental health conditions, this flexible approach isn't optional—it's essential.
Your baseline varies more than most people's. Energy is unpredictable. Flares happen. A one-size-fits-all routine will never work for you, no matter how hard you try.
Give yourself permission to build a routine that respects your reality. Survival days aren't setbacks—they're part of the journey. A routine that accounts for them is realistic, not defeatist.
"Doing your best doesn't mean the same thing every day. Some days your best is getting out of bed. Other days it's conquering the world."
Building Your Tiered Routine
Take a few minutes to design your own levels:
Level 1: What are the absolute essentials you'll do even on your worst days?
Level 2: What do you add when you have a little more capacity?
Level 3: What does a "normal" day routine look like?
Level 4: What do you add when you're feeling strong?
Write these down. Keep them visible. Reference them when deciding what level of routine to engage each day.
Your Reality, Your Routine
The best routine is one that works for your actual life—not the hypothetical life where you have unlimited energy and nothing ever goes wrong.
You're allowed to have bad days. You're allowed to adjust. You're allowed to meet yourself where you are.
That's not giving up. That's wisdom. And wisdom builds sustainable habits that serve you for years, not routines that burn bright and flame out.
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