[Method] How missing a work meeting led me to create a balanced routine and schedule

You wake up feeling groggy, miss your alarm, then rush through your morning routine. By the time you're sipping that hastily made coffee, you realize you've missed an important meeting.
Yeah, that was me two months ago. 🤦‍♀️
It was that very day I decided - I needed a change how I handle my day.
I dove deep into understanding routines and schedules, so such mishaps never happen again. Here's what I learned:

Routine is NOT same as schedule!

👉 Routine: This is consistent activities that you do at almost same time every day. e.g. Morning routine: walk, breakfast, to-do list.
👉 Schedule: This one's dynamic. Think timeboxed work, meetings 📆 , and even social activities. It'll change daily based on your commitments for the day.

How I built my routine: 👇
1— Getting clear: First things first, I listed out what I wanted. Not just big goals but everyday stuff too.
2— Customizing for myself: I realized there’s no perfect routine for everyone. So, I made one that matched my day-to-day vibe.
3— Timing it : I paid attention to when I felt most awake and when I just wanted a nap. Then, I planned my day around that.
4— Trial and error: Before settling on a routine, I tried out different things. Changed stuff up based on what felt right and what didn't.
5— Sticking with It: After all that, I found what worked for me. And I made sure to keep at it, even on those days when I didn’t feel like it.

How I build my schedule: 👇
1— Laying it All Out: I start by jotting down all tasks and events, so I can see everything I needed to do.
2— Prioritizing: I rank tasks by what was urgent and what was important. It helps me focus on what to tackle first.
3— Blocking Time: Timeboxing is a game changer. I set specific blocks of time for each task. For this, Sunsama app was super handy.
4— Setting Clear Boundaries: I am always clear about when I’d start, when I'd take breaks, and when I’d wrap up for the day.
5— Regular Check-ins: Life changes, and so do my tasks. I review my schedule every day to make sure I am on track and making the most out of my day.
It was a bit of work, but totally worth it. Now my days feel more in sync. Anyone else have tips or tricks they used to build a calm and focused day?