The Paradox of Routines

Hi friend,

Morning routines have been everywhere lately.
A mega-viral video of an influencer showing his minute-by-minute ritual lit up Instagram.

It’s great content.
Perfect lighting. ASMR sounds. Smooth editing.
A flawless, cinematic version of the “perfect morning.”

But here’s the question:
Will having a fancy, complicated morning routine actually change your life?

If you aren’t dunking your face into imported bottled water before sunrise, are you doomed to fail?

Let’s be real.
I love cold plunges and early mornings as much as anyone, but there’s a truth you don’t hear often enough:

The best routine is the one you can break.

I call it the Paradox of Routines.

If it sounds strange, it should. It’s a paradox for a reason.

You've been told to chase the perfect protocol:
No caffeine for 90 minutes. Saltwater first thing. Breathwork. Journaling. Stretching. Ice baths. No phone before 10 AM.
The list keeps growing.

It looks amazing on paper and even better on social media.
But here’s the hidden cost:

When your routine becomes too rigid, it becomes a source of stress instead of strength.

The routine designed to serve you ends up owning you.

The real win is flexibility.
It’s knowing you can adjust, adapt, and still show up for the work that matters.

That’s why I believe every effective routine needs an A, B, and C level:

• A Routine: Your ideal start when everything goes perfectly

• B Routine: Your solid baseline for a normal day

• C Routine: Your emergency mode when life goes sideways

Personally, I might hit my A Routine 20 percent of the time, B Routine 70 percent, and C Routine 10 percent.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency through chaos.

Think of a skyscraper.
It’s built to sway and bend with the wind.
The stronger the structure, the more flexible it has to be.

You need the same flexibility.

Because life is dynamic.
Energy shifts. Deadlines pop up. Travel scrambles your mornings.

Rigidity cracks. Flexibility lasts.

Here’s how you can apply it:

Ask yourself:

• What core habits get me into a strong state for the day?

• Which actions are essential versus optional?

• If I only had 5 minutes, what would I absolutely prioritize?

Then, map out your A, B, and C versions of your morning routine.

Track it for a few weeks.
Notice how your energy, focus, and self-respect evolve.

The best routine isn’t the one that looks impressive.
It’s the one that gets the real work done no matter what life throws at you.

Your routine should serve your success, not control it.

Own your mornings.
Own your momentum.

Until Next Time

Lorenc- Founder of Success Skill