“Adulting is hard”. We’ve all heard the phrase. You know…cause it’s a problem for us “millennials”. But really, self-discipline and mounting responsibility is difficult for all of us at any age.

Some people are really great with routines and schedules and have no problem sticking to them, but if you’re like me, while the idea sounds great and wonderful, creating and maintaining those habits is a hard task.

After struggling for the past couple weeks trying to get to bed on time, wake up on time, pick up the house, workout, etc., it didn’t take long for me to realize that I have an awful case of the “I don’t wanna’s” – I don’t wanna workout, I don’t wanna clean the house, I don’t wanna get up…

In the moment, I don’t realize my adult self is acting like a 2 year old. I have become an expert at coming up with logical reasons and excuses to do not the responsible thing.

I figured after becoming a mom that I would be immune to behavior like this. Clearly that is not the case and in some ways it’s gotten worse. I’m incredibly embarrassed to admit this.

My drive is lacking these days. I think part of it is that I’m in a crazy cycle. I stay up late and I wake up tired. I manage to make it through the day only to find that the struggle continues on and on, every day, and every night.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on how I can break this cycle and I’ve come up with a small plan of action and I think it can be applicable to many situations. Here it is…

~ Start Small

Focus on the one thing that is the most important and go from there.

For me, my #1 priority is going to bed on time and waking up on time. The rest can come later.

~ Be Intentional

You have to think, plan, and take action for what you want to acheive.

This means I have to think and plan around my bedtime. If I want my light out at 10:00 then I better get ready for bed well before 9:59.

~ Sheer Determination

You have to make to make up your mind, right here and right now, that you’re going to _____ (fill in the blank)

I could do everything leading up to my bedtime, but when it comes down to it, I’m still faced with a choice – am I going to shut off light or am I going to say “just 5 more minutes”? I need that sheer determination that I will do this, even if I don’t feel like it.

~ Don’t give up

This is what makes it a routine and helps you do this each and every day. Try, try, and try again until it sticks.

~ Have an Accountability Partner or Mentor

Having someone come along aside you and encourage you is huge! Maybe you know someone else who is struggling with the same problem and you can hold each other accountable- or better yet, maybe you know someone who is really great at achieving what you’re struggling with and is able to help coach you through it.

~ Prayer

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always include God with the small and seemingly insignificant parts of my life. I got to thinking though, God CARES about the small and insignificant parts of our lives. God is in the details both big and small and he wants to be involved with all that we do, not just in the really important parts. Definitely commit it to Him.

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If you struggle with your daily tasks and routines, you’re not alone. I would love to know your thoughts on the issues of adulthood and the struggle of responsibility.

Much Love,

Cami