“He who knows others is wise.  He who knows himself is enlightened.” – Lao Tzu

Most of us have some kind of daily routine.  We get up in the morning, we workout or meditate or eat breakfast or whatever, then we work, there are more meals in there, maybe a coffee or two, then we stop working, and eventually we go to bed.  Then we get up the next day and do the same thing.

Routines aren’t necessarily bad.  The stability can be helpful, and some routines are energizing or provide us with clarity in our day.  There’s nothing wrong with doing similar things regularly.

Sometimes, though, routines become a mindless crutch.  We don’t really want to think about what else we could be doing because it might be scary or make us uncomfortable.  We just want the safety of doing what we know.

Leaders do the same thing.  There are a lot of leaders – maybe most leaders – who do similar things, day after day, year after year.  The things they’re doing may not necessarily be bad, but they may not be the best use of that leader’s time.

As leaders, we need to start our day or week or year by stopping and asking questions.  What is my highest and best use?  What are my real strengths?  What value do I bring?  What’s the most important thing this organization needs from me?

We need to be constantly questioning our routines & habits.  We need to consider every day whether what we’re doing is really the best use of our time.  If it is, great.  If it’s not, then it’s time for change.

And remember, the best thing for us to be doing today may not be the best thing tomorrow, or next week, or next month.  It’s almost certainly not the best thing next year.  Things are constantly changing, and where we fit in our organizations is constantly changing too, even if we’re the leaders.

Take time today to think about what you do.  Think about what you bring that is special.  Think about what the organization you lead needs from you.  Is that different than what you’re actually doing?  If it is, then it’s time for a change.