The Essentialist’s Daily Routine: What I Do (and Don’t Do)

There’s a myth that the perfect routine is rigid, hyper-optimized, and packed with productivity hacks. But essentialism isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing less, better.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned (the hard way) that simplicity isn’t just elegant — it’s sustainable. What follows isn’t a perfect day. It’s the one I try to live with intention — one shaped by what’s essential, and liberated from what’s not.

🌅 Morning: Starting from Stillness

What I Do

• Wake without scrolling. No email, Slack, or news in the first hour.

• Drink water. Stretch. Read or write — just a page or two.

• Move the body when I can. A walk. Some dumbbells. Enough to feel present.

What I Don’t Do

• I don’t sprint into my day. The first part of the morning is unclaimed space — I defend it like it matters, because it does.

🔁 Midday: Doing the Work That Matters

What I Do

• Define 1–2 high-leverage tasks. These aren’t urgent — they’re impactful.

• Use this filter: Will this matter in 3 months?

• Cluster meetings together to protect deep work. Block time for undistracted effort.

• Take a midday walk. Even 15 minutes around the block, or 2 miles, helps reset my mind and body. It’s not about steps — it’s about space.

• Pause for midday meditation. Just 5–10 minutes. Eyes closed. No apps. Just breath and reset. It’s not about “clearing my mind,” it’s about clearing my intention.

  
  

What I Don’t Do

• No multitasking. No chasing the dopamine of notifications.

• I don’t say “yes” because something’s popular or visible — only if it’s aligned.

🌙 Evening: Reclaiming Energy

What I Do

• Reflect on the day: What drained me? What lifted me?

• Set a light intention for tomorrow — not a task list, just focus.

• Disconnect slowly. Dim lighting. Soft music. No screens if I can help it.

What I Don’t Do

• I don’t try to “earn” rest by exhausting myself first.

• I don’t let digital noise crowd out the quiet that recovery requires.

🧭 Why This Rhythm Works for Me

This routine isn’t about discipline. It’s about design — shaping a day where what matters gets protected, practiced, and preserved.

Essentialism isn’t a destination. It’s a rhythm.

One decision at a time. One boundary at a time.

One day at a time.

✉️ If This Resonated…

If you’re navigating the noise and trying to carve out clarity, I’m walking it with you. You can follow me on LinkedIn to get future reflections — no spam, no clutter just peace and flow.

Or just pause for 5 minutes today and ask:

What’s essential right now?

That’s always a good place to begin.

— Erik