I tend to overthink life. I like to efficiently combine things I do yet I also like to be spontaneous. In hindsight this leads to odd behaviour like declining to meet with somebody I know and value only to then end up spending that time with somebody who had no lasting impact on my life so far.
Mornings
One particularly tricky aspect are my mornings: Since I have the liberty to not put an alarm, my idea was to feel on awakening what I need to get ready for the day and then follow that. Unfortunately, even if I have prepared my options, this tends to leave me stunned. I then spend more time deliberating and preparing all options than any of them would require to follow through. Sometimes this leads to me just preparing options in the morning and not actually doing anything, hampering my start into the day. Oftentimes I then end up on the computer without having been outside first, which is rarely a good idea.
A typical conundrum: I want to go for a short morning run, but then come up with something I could do along the way or a destination for my run where I need to bring something. I ponder and prepare, and in the end often drop the run, even though I like running.
So today I remind myself: There is no harm going for a run and then going outside again shortly after. In fact I love being on the move outside. Just go!
Preparation
Despite my reluctance about it, I realize that routine is helpful. When I visited my godmother last year, I was surprised at the punctuality of lunch every single day, and it quickly gave my day an orientation point to revolve around. Afterwards I set out to imitate that, but failed from the start.
A crucial aspect here is preparation: If I really want to get out of the door quickly in the morning and not give my mind time to deliberate, I need to prepare everything beforehand.
From time to time I make daily plans, but more often than not they are not consulted throughout the day. They are a good first step, but I usually forgot the next one: Asking myself how to prepare for the agenda items, in time.
This spontaneity issue also affects my shopping: I prefer going to markets and mostly living off fresh produce. But sometimes I do enter a supermarket, often grabbing many things spontaneously. I haven't made grocery lists for myself in years, and maybe it is time to start again. Either way, one thing I realized again these days: If you are in doubt about buying something, leave it. Especially if it occupies space or spoils quickly. Or put it onto a list to buy for next time, and see if you still deem it useful then.
Know Thyself
When it comes to planning and preparation, one helpful thing is to know yourself. With my current rhythm of waking up at 8 and having a piano in my room I thought playing piano would be a good energizer for the morning. But unless I have something concrete laid out to practice, I end up grogging along, my brain not ready for creativity.
When it comes to the morning run, it is a matter of routine and overcoming my weaker self. Years ago I was very consistent about it.
Now it seems the time is right for me to commit to go to office at university straight after waking up. A short walk, a few minutes in the train for a morning read, a longer walk and then focused work at a height-adjustable desk with an external monitor. Then I can come back home for lunch and a nap and use the afternoon for music and strength training, enjoying the sun and relaxing.