This is part of the series How To Develop A Daily Routine. Check out more from the series!

One of the most helpful things you can do to increase your daily effectiveness is build a solid daily routine. The sky is the limit for what you can build into your routine. But there are a few things you definitely need to include.

In order to be the most effective, simple tasks should be done so easily that you don’t need to think about them. That’s where your routine comes in. But there are a few tasks that you need to make sure happen each day. Otherwise, you can waste precious time and energy focusing on something that should take very little effort.

Here are nine habits that you should build into your routine to help your life run as smoothly as possible.

Wake early

I’m becoming a bigger fan of getting up early. I’ve never really been an early morning person, but over the past few months, I’ve discovered that my day seems to be more productive if I begin earlier.

Spend some time with God

I always begin my day with time spent in God’s Word in in prayer. Along with reading and praying, I spend some time hand copying a portion of Scripture. It really helps me to digest God’s Word much more meaningfully.

Always leave your keys in the same place

I always leave my keyport, my space pen, my wallet, my watch, a pocket knife, and a small notebook in the same place every day when I walk into the house. When I get home, the first thing I do is go place these things in that spot… every time. Keeping these things in the same place each day eliminates the need to search for the last place I put them when I’m trying to leave the next morning.

You can easily purchase or re-purpose something to become the repository for your small pocket items. That way, you’ll be sure to know right where they are every time you need them.

Keep a small notebook handy

I carry a small notebook from Field Notes Brand Notebooks with me everywhere I go. In this, I write down everything from errands to run, to a shopping list at the bookstore or Home Depot to blog post ideas to expenses and just about anything else that comes to mind. I’ve found this to be an essential part of what’s in my pocket every day.

Check your bank balances

Each day, I quickly log onto my bank’s website and check my accounts. This allows me to keep a close watch on my balances, helps me quickly identify any fraudulent charges, allows me to see what I spent yesterday, and reminds me to keep my financial priorities straight. This usually doesn’t take more than a moment or two of my day, and the impact lasts all day long.

Enter receipts and expenses in my financial software

My day gets pretty busy pretty quickly. If I make a purchase, I usually stick the receipt into my wallet. In order to stay on top of my finances, I take the time to enter these receipts into my financial software register daily. It help me keep my focus on what’s most important in the financial areas of my life.

Lay out your clothes for the next day

My morning routine needs to be as thought free as possible. It usually takes my mind a little time to start thinking coherently. Getting my clothes ready the night before helps me to feel more ordered and efficient. This is especially helpful if my morning is rushed or different than normal.

Take a look at what tomorrow may hold

Each evening, I look over my task list and my calendar for the next day, and even a few days ahead. I do this with my wife, letting her know what my work week looks like, and what things may be coming that will affect our whole family.

Be intentional in your gratitude

One of the things I jot down in that Field Notes Brand notebook is something I’m thankful for each day. It’s too easy to develop an attitude of entitlement if I don’t identify things to be thankful for.

I’m sure there are other things that you’ll find to be essential in your daily routine. These are just a few of the things that I’ve found to be helpful as I strive to be as effective as I possibly can.

What habits do you find essential for your daily routine? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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