On most days, I wake up extra early in the morning to get stuff done. It doesn’t always work, but it’s part of the productivity rhythm I’ve developed over the last year. This time is critical for me; no one else in the house is awake, the phone isn’t ringing and there are very few people online to chat with (no offense to people I chat with!) It means I can focus on a few important things to gear up for the day. Waking up early sets the entire tone for being productive.

But getting up early to get things done is completely useless if I have to ask myself:

What am I supposed to be doing today?

This is the most unproductive question you can ask. If you start your day not having a clear picture of what you want to accomplish you’re lost.

A better approach is to figure out your to-do list the day before.

Here’s why:

1. Ending a day with a clearer picture of tomorrow will set your mind at ease.
2. The day you just finished is clearer in your head. And since tomorrow’s tasks will flow from today’s tasks, your to-do list will be better written and prioritized if it’s done immediately after finishing work.
3. Figuring out what has to be accomplished requires time and brain power. When you start a day it’s better to jump right into things and not have to spend important time planning. Doing your planning at night when other things are calmer allows you to focus better.

You need to dedicate time each day to planning the next one.

It’ll make you more productive, and help you stay in a productive mindset. If you have to ask yourself, “What do I need to get done today?” the day is already slipping past you…

Babies and young kids thrive when they have a routine. They feel more comfortable and safer knowing what to expect and when. A regular routine or schedule helps kids develop and succeed. Creativity loves constraints, after all.

Are we really that much different?

Harrison at Journal To Financial Freedom tells us that one of his best productivity tips is to know his best working time. That’s an interesting idea. Figure out when you’re most effective during the day, and build your schedule around that.

As crazy busy entrepreneurs and business people we can’t expect to have routines and schedules that stay the same every day. That’d be impossible, and perhaps just a touch boring. But there is something to be said for developing a routine that works for you, a routine you can fall back on when you’re frazzled, exhausted or unmotivated.

To be productive, you need a rhythm.

A rhythm is looser than a routine, it has equal parts internal feelings + emotion and robotic-like execution. Your productivity rhythm lets you move in and out of a rigid routine without falling completely apart. It helps you understand when you’re at your best, and when it’s time to take a break.

I’ve been doing a few things to institute a routine and rhythm for myself. I wake up early to write and prioritize email. I take breaks at certain times during the day. I allot time to read and catch up on what others are doing. I usually spend my mornings being very productive on getting things done and my afternoons in meetings, conference calls and conversations.

None of this is down to a perfect science. Nor should it be. It’s about what feels right and good, but what also works efficiently.

Without some form of constraints many of us would be running around like headless chickens. Getting overwhelmed would be the norm of every day. There’s no way we could stay productive. Setting schedules, routines, developing patterns and a productivity rhythm can help; and it’s the type of thing that’s always evolving, which means you have the potential to constantly improve your productivity by always working on your rhythm.

So we can all learn a thing or two from babies and young kids. Routines are important. Drooling…not so much.