Meet Routine, My micro-manager

 


“Do you want to go to a movie this afternoon?” The text arrived on a Wednesday. Right in the middle of the week. I was so flabbergasted that I didn’t know how to answer the question. 

Meet my constant companion, Routine, a good friend but an absolute taskmaster. 
You see, when you move countries often (or train others for the expat life), Routine becomes your best friend. You survive the move and eventually become productive by sticking to the Routine. This ensures your teeth are brushed, family meals are planned, and the expense reports get filed. All the mundane tasks are taken care of so you can focus on The Work, whatever you moved overseas to do.
When you have ADHD, Routine becomes your best friend. This enables you to actually get dressed, fed, and into The Office (even if The Office is 15 feet from your bed) and get stuff done. The rituals and rhythms of setting all the reminders and alarms on Sundays, clearing the desk every evening, checking the calendar every morning. These are how I function.
When you are building a business, Routine becomes your best friend. The stacking of meetings on Tuesdays, the batching of tasks on Wednesdays, the writing block on Thursdays… a weekly Routine. 
So, you see why a midweek movie invitation threw me. I did stretch myself and enjoyed time with my hubby and Project Hail Mary. No, it will not ruin the book for me. Yes, I did feel guilty for the hesitation. Yes, he did forgive me for the delay.
So if you're preparing for the expat life, managing attention challenges, or building a business, meet my friend Routine. She will save your life. She will also decline a movie date with your husband on a Wednesday. Manage accordingly. 
Routine, if you're reading this: I love you, but we need boundaries.
#WriteonQ #ADHD #expatlife #globalmobility #solopreneur 

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