The Difference Between a Routine and Schedule

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It’s a new year, so that means a new you right? Right! But while you establish the new you in this new year, there’s a few things you have to look at in order to achieve that change. One of those things is the changing of your daily habits.

But when changing your daily habits, the biggest factor you have to look at is, do you want to have a daily routine, or a daily schedule?

Most people use these two words interchangeably. But in reality there’s one big difference between the two: and that is time.

Routine is defined as:

noun; commonplace tasks, chores, or duties as must be done regularly or at specified intervals; typical or everyday activity. (source)

while schedule is defined as:

a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period. (source)

Tthe main difference is that a schedule is a series of events that happen at the same time every day. Where as routine is a series of events that happen in a certain order, but are not attached to a time table.

So you could be getting up every morning at 8 and taking a shower, then doing your schedule, or whenever you get up each day, the first thing in your routine would be to shower, no matter what time you get up. So the big thing is deciding: what works for you?

Routine

If you’re a highly motivated, a self-starter, and like to get things done; then a routine might be for you. A routine gives you the flexibility to do things in an order that ensures completion of tasks, but a more relaxed attitude. So whether you wake up late and do things throughout the day, or wake up early and do everything in the morning, it doesn’t matter. You know things will get done and it gives you the flexibility to do more with your day.

Schedule

You might need a schedule if you are not someone who is highly motivated. From setting multiple alarms each day to making sure you’re doing everything on time. Wake up at 7 am, check. Shower at 7:10 am, check. 7:30 am make breakfast, check. 8 am dishes, check. So on and so forth. Sometimes it takes getting into a schedule and doing that for long enough to be able to motivate yourself and ease yourself into a routine, that could give you more freedom in your day.

What’s Best for You? A Routine or Schedule?

Now some people, may be able to transition from a schedule to a routine (which I personally believe is more freeing), but many people have to stick with a schedule on a daily basis for whatever reason. And that’s okay.

So when it comes to your daily life, here are a few questions you can ask yourself, if you’re not sure which way you should structure your day?

1. When it comes time to wake up in the morning, do you hit the snooze button, or feel ready for the day?
   A | Snooze          B | Feel refreshed and ready
   
2. When you look at your to-do list each day, do you feel motivated to get it done? Or do you just want to hide and hope it does itself?
   A | Hope the chores do themselves          B | Ready to get it done
   
3. When something unexpected pops up in your day, how do you feel?
   A | Hurried, overwhelmed          B | Easily adaptable

If you answered mostly A, then you might need to get into a schedule for a period of time. If you answered mostly B, you are probably ready for a routine. While those questions may help some, I will admit, they may not help others.

Keeping up a homemaking routine or schedule is hard, and there will be setbacks. But having a great support system to lean on is one way you can help yourself stick to your daily routine/schedule.

No matter what works for you, there is no right or wrong way to manage your daily tasks. It’s important that you keep your heart and mind focused on God, and that you’re working to be the best you can be for Him.

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