How-To: Creating a Tangible Routine
A routine is a deeply personal thing. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, which is why we are often left floundering when trying to build one. When considering how to build a routine, I needed advice that blends the practicality of Malcolm Gladwell with the grace and compassion of Brené Brown. I turned to Chat GPT. Where else?
I asked ChatGPT, “Can you recommend tips for how to build a routine?” It responded with nine thoughtful, well-structured suggestions. Which honestly felt like overkill. If you are the person who is trying to build a routine, I assume you are not the person who has an overabundance of time to spare. You are looking for optimization. You might be the type of person who is walking on a foldup treadmill under your standing desk during a 2-hour webinar. No shade, truly. At Niche we are the type of people getting in a 5-minute body weight arm work out while Zoom updates.
However, among ChatGPT’s many tips, a few stood out:
“Start with your why.”
“Be realistic, not idealistic.”
“Celebrate your wins.”
All solid. But in the spirit of balance, I checked in with another trusted source: Calm, the mindfulness app. Their advice? Break the day into three parts—morning, workday, and evening—and design routines for each. Again, a little too ambitious. We’ve all been there: setting the bar too high, failing to meet it, and then wondering why we feel demoralized three days later.
What I’ve attempted is a 4 step framework for cultivating a routine that leaves you feeling like a better version of yourself.
1. Identify the Pain Point
Which part of your day leaves you feeling rushed, exhausted, or overwhelmed? Is it the scramble to get out the door in the morning? That post-work, pre-dinner haze when you're too drained to move your body but also hyper aware of the evening chores that need to be completed - namely, feeding yourself.
Choose one part of your day that needs a little TLC. Let’s say mornings are your problem. You’re frantically searching for your keys, sweating through your business casual attire before you even step outside into the July heat. Or maybe you’re stiff from sitting for 8 hours a day and want to move more, but the idea of fitting in a workout feels impossible. Whatever it is for you, identify a specific point in your day that needs to be refined.
2. Create a Tangible Goal
Saying “I want calmer mornings” is a great goal, but how will you achieve it? Try: “Wake up 30 minutes earlier to give myself space to start slow.” Or, “Set the coffee maker to auto-start so I wake up to the smell of motivation.”
If your overarching goal is to work out more frequently, start small. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of movement each day. A workout doesn’t have to be lengthy to be impactful. Grab a mat, pull up one of our YouTube Pilates videos, and move while your dinner simmers or your pasta water boils. Progress happens in these little pockets of time.
3. Track Your Progress
There’s something satisfying about watching your streak go (Think: Wordle) It’s not just accountability, it’s momentum.
We love the free version of the Tally app. It’s simple, clean, and lets you track however you want.
4. Build in Room for Frustration
Let progress be flexible, not fragile.
If your goal is to move for 10 minutes a day for 10 days, expect that life will get in the way at least once. Consider giving yourself a grace day or day two, and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised when you blow your own expectations out of the water. Let’s say that your 10 minutes of movement a day is leaving you hungry for more. Niche members have free access to “Niche on Demand”, a library of mat and reformer pilates videos you can use at home or in Pilates gym. Even if you’re not a Niche member, you can access Niche On Demand for $12.99/month.
At the end of the day, building a routine isn’t about achieving perfection, it’s about cultivating a lifestyle that allows you to move through life feeling taller, stronger, and more confident. Whether that’s easing into your mornings, moving your body a little more each day, or simply feeling less frantic during the in-between moments, it starts with one small change. Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. And if you’re looking for a little structure, support, or movement to plug into your day, we’ve got you. Niche is here whenever and wherever you need us. We can’t wait to watch you crush your goals!