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The Liberating Power of Routines and Discipline

Unmasking the Hidden Freedom within Structure

Jane Grismer
3 min readSep 15, 2023
[ Photo: Averie Woodard ]

I’ll admit it. I recoil at the thought of imposing rules and limitations.

At first glance, words like “routine,” “structure,” and “self-discipline” can sound restrictive and stifling. After all, isn’t life about spontaneity, feeling the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and diving into unknown adventures? It sure is. But here’s a twist — it’s the very structures we set that grant us the freedom to enjoy those exhilarating experiences more profoundly.

The Paradox of Freedom

The reality is that freedom doesn’t always mean the absence of boundaries. Just as a river needs its banks to flow powerfully and purposefully, we, too, thrive within certain limits. When there’s no routine or structure, chaos ensues, leading to stress, missed opportunities, and wasted potential. With a well-defined system, we reduce decision fatigue, increase productivity, and unlock time for those spontaneous joys and adventures.

The Magic Behind Discipline

The misconception about discipline is that it’s rigid and boring. In truth, discipline is about setting priorities. It’s choosing what you want most over what you want now. By practicing…

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Jane Grismer
Jane Grismer

Written by Jane Grismer

Writer | Designer | Productivity + Empowerment Coach✨ Helping You Master Focus + Skill Stacking | ADHD 🦋

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