4 Key Questions to Improve Your Daily Routine: Start, Stop, Swap, and Continue

By Patricia Wooster

As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in routines and habits that may not necessarily serve us. It's important to take a step back and evaluate our actions, and one effective way to do so is to look at our calendar or current to-do list and ask ourselves four questions: what do I need to start doing? What do I need to stop doing? What can I swap? And what is working for me that I can continue doing?

Starting with what we need to start doing, it's crucial to prioritize activities that contribute to our physical and mental well-being. One common area that people tend to neglect is exercise. Making time to move our bodies can improve our overall health and energy levels. Whether it's going for a walk, hitting the gym, or taking a fitness class, finding a form of exercise that we enjoy can make it easier to incorporate into our daily routine.

Next, we should consider what we need to stop doing. For many of us, it's easy to fall into the trap of mindlessly scrolling through our phones first thing in the morning. This can set a negative tone for the day, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. By making a conscious effort to disconnect from technology in the morning, we can start the day with a clear mind and a positive attitude.

Thirdly, we should think about what we need to swap. This can mean trading one activity for another that better aligns with our preferences and goals. For example, if we dread running but enjoy the mind-body connection of pilates, it may be more beneficial to swap running for pilates in our exercise routine. By finding activities that we enjoy, we are more likely to stick with them and see results.

Lastly, it's important to reflect on what we need to continue doing. This can be anything that contributes positively to our lives, such as a daily meditation practice or making time for hobbies we enjoy. By recognizing these actions and continuing to prioritize them, we can maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment in our lives.

Overall, taking the time to evaluate our calendar or to-do list can help us identify areas where we can make positive changes in our daily routines. By asking ourselves what we need to start, stop, swap, and continue doing, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life.