“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
When I set out on my 90-day journey to transform my life, I imagined the exhilaration of progress, the thrill of reaching new heights, and the satisfaction of ticking off goals. But what I didn’t anticipate is the monotony that creeps in once the initial excitement fades. This week, I discovered that the pursuit of a better life isn’t always a series of inspiring leaps forward. Sometimes, it’s a repetitive dance—a steady rhythm of doing the same things over and over again, even when they feel mundane.
Embracing the Routine at the 3-Week Point
This week of my 90-day challenge has been all about settling into a rhythm. Every morning, I head out for a 10,000-step walk. Then, I sit down to write, churning out words with a discipline that feels both satisfying and exhausting. It’s become almost second nature. I’ve built a routine that’s so ingrained it feels like muscle memory. And yet, there’s a paradox to this newfound consistency: the very routine that fuels progress is also becoming stifling.
I’m a terrible swimmer but I’ve watched a lot of people swim so the only thing that I can liken routines to are rivers. In the beginning, they’re exciting—unpredictable currents that carry you forward with a sense of purpose and momentum. But as you move along, the water settles into a predictable flow. The novelty wears off, and suddenly, what once felt invigorating starts to feel like a chore. You begin to question whether you’re actually making progress or just treading water.
This week, I felt that current slowing down. The walks, once a fresh start to my mornings, became predictable. The writing, which initially felt like an explosion of creativity, began to feel like an obligation. I found myself longing to skip a day, to sleep in, to let the words rest unwritten and the steps ‘unwalked’.
Did I Give Up? Of Course Not.
I’ve started and given up on so many projects that I now know that growth doesn’t happen in bursts of inspiration or dramatic breakthroughs. It happens in the quiet, unglamorous act of showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. This week was a test of my commitment—not to the challenge itself, but to the vision I have for my life. The me I want my daughter to see.
I showed up, day after day, and did what needed to be done. I walked those 10,000 steps, even when my legs ached and my mind told me to go back home. I wrote, even when the words came slowly, when each sentence was a struggle. And in showing up, I discovered something unexpected: a quiet sense of pride, a deep-rooted resilience that whispered, “You’re stronger than you think”.
Of course, I’m stronger than I think. I have to believe that.
This routine might feel monotonous, but it’s also a testament to my dedication. It’s a reminder that I’m capable of sustaining effort over time, of pushing through discomfort and boredom to build something meaningful.
My Lesson on Navigating Monotony?
First of all, I’ve learnt that monotony is a tricky beast. It can erode your motivation. It made me question why I started this challenge in the first place. “Why am I putting myself through this?” I have asked myself that question so many times this week, I’m sure that question is sick of me.
Secondly, I’ve learnt that monotony can be a powerful teacher. It taught me patience, perseverance, and an appreciation for finding joy in the mundane. This week, I had to remind myself why I’m doing this—to become a better writer, a healthier person, a more present mother. These goals are not just the final destinations for me; they’re the values I’m embedding into my daily life, one step and one word at a time.
Interestingly, the monotony also gave me space to reflect. With my daughter’s school resuming, my days were fuller, my responsibilities more demanding. I worried that adding school runs and homework to my already packed schedule would throw me off track. But somehow, the structure of my routine acted as a stabilising force. It kept me anchored, reminding me that even in the midst of new demands, I could still make time for myself and my goals. I tell you, this was the most empowering thing I experienced this week.
I didn’t drop the ball. I showed up for my daughter, for my family, for myself, and for this challenge. And in doing so, I realised that the monotony I was battling wasn’t a hindrance; it was a training ground. It was teaching me to find strength in consistency, to see that true growth isn’t about dramatic transformations, but about small, consistent actions repeated over time.
I Bodied Resilience This Week!
One of the most profound lessons of this week is that resilience is more than pushing through hardship. No. Resilience is about pushing through the ordinary. It’s about waking up each day, knowing that the path ahead isn’t going to be exciting or easy, but choosing to walk it anyway. It’s about trusting that these small, seemingly insignificant actions are building something bigger, even if I can’t see it yet.
There were moments this week when I wanted to give up, to let the challenge slip away. But then I’d think of my daughter, watching me juggle work, motherhood, and this personal quest for growth. I want her to see that it’s okay to struggle, to feel bored, to question herself. I want her to know that real strength is not about being invincible—it’s also about showing up, even when she doesn’t feel like it.
Somehow, I Found Joy in the Process.
As I reflect on this week, I’m learning to find joy in the process. Yes, the routine can be monotonous, but it’s also a testament to my commitment to myself. It’s a reminder that I’m capable of setting a goal and sticking to it, even when it feels tedious. And there’s a quiet, powerful satisfaction in that.
I’m learning that growth is rarely a straight line, but a series of loops and detours, of highs and lows, of excitement and boredom. And every step I take, every word I write, is a small victory. It’s a vote for the person I’m becoming—a writer, a healthier version of myself, a mother who’s fully present in her daughter’s life, for her family.
So, as I move into Week 4, I’m embracing the monotony of my routine, the cross I have to carry to become a better me. I’m learning to see it not as a barrier, but as a foundation. Because if I can keep going when it’s boring and hard, I can keep going no matter what. And that, to me, is what this challenge is really about.
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