The Power of an Effective Routine: How Small Actions Create Big Results

Sep 14

If you want to achieve goals quickly without burning out, you need a routine. The right routine turns effort into autopilot.

Two Traits of an Effective Routine

1. You Enjoy It

If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it. (Scooby Werkstatt)

Enjoyment isn’t the same as pleasure—it’s about being present. (Eckhart Tolle)

If your actions aren’t in alignment with your vision and values, the routine won’t last. (Darren Hardy)

2. It Gets Results

A good routine delivers. It means knowing what you want, saying “no” to distractions, and focusing only on the actions that matter. (Sam Ovens)

“An idiot with a plan can beat a genius without one.” – Warren Buffett

Putting It Together

You need clarity about what you want and why it deeply matters. Then, lean into the process—consistent, focused action.

When you enjoy the process, you look forward to it. One day, almost without noticing, you’ve hit the goal.

That’s how I became debt-free, bought and renovated a home, increased my bench press PR, improved my marriage, and more. It all felt effortless because it was connected to my deeper “why.”

Routine Recap:

MATTER DEEPLY
MUST HAPPEN
BE ENJOYABLE
SUPER CLEAR
CAN’T STOP

Structure Creates Freedom

The bigger the goal, the more important the routine.

Checklists eliminate decision fatigue. You don’t waste time wondering what to do—you just act.

That’s why I recommend Darren Hardy’s Living Your Best Year Ever Journal. It breaks goals down into:

Year → Quarter → Month → Week → Day.

The key: define three MITs (Most Important Tasks) each day. Do those consistently, and progress compounds fast.

MITs make sure you’re doing the right things. A routine ensures you do them right.

My AM/PM Routine

PM Routine (set up tomorrow’s success):

Work on MITs
Reflect on wins
Relationship time
Set MITs for tomorrow
Sleep on time

AM Routine:

Wake up and hydrate
Send love to 3 people & gratitude for 3 things
Quick movement or breathing
Review MITs
Start working

Your Next Step

Pick 1–3 goals for the year. Make them SMART. Reverse-engineer them back to today. Create a tiny daily routine around the smallest action you can repeat.

That’s the power of routine: small daily actions, done consistently, create extraordinary results.

Ethan Dodd