By W. Bradford Swift
One of the greatest gifts provided to us by the Universe is the gift of creation. Unfortunately, for too many it is a gift that is often left unopened. We are creatures of habits and routines, and while I'll be the first to admit routines and habits do serve a worthwhile purpose in life they can, if overdone, stifle our creativity. 

How many people create their day? If the question itself sounds strange, then it's likely you've not opened your gift of creativity lately. If your morning 'routine' has you on auto-pilot from the moment you rise until you arrive at work, at which time your work routine takes over, then it's time to break out of the rut of those routines. 

A simple and fun way to do this is to create special moments throughout your day that interrupt the 'rut routines' we all fall into from time to time. For example, one of my routines is to sit at my desk for hours at the time on the phone with my coaching clients. While I love my work, even coaching people in their life purpose can take on the mood of a routine. So, I've started creating special moments throughout the day. 

Here are some of the actions I've taken to keep my work fresh, alive and engaging:

1) Since I love candles, I keep 2-3 of them on my desk. Prior to a coaching call I often light one to remind me to shine my light of purpose into my clients life.

2) I also keep 2-3 of my favorite music CDs on my desk and play one in the background either prior to a coaching call or during the call. It helps to sooth me and keep me in a space of spiritual serenity.

3) I've created a new office outdoors. When my wife bought me a hammock for my 50th birthday, I put it up out side my office windows and turned it into a "peaceful place on purpose." I often take coaching calls from there, as well as using it for pure relaxation.

What actions could you take this week to create special moments to interrupt your regular routine. Whatever you come up with that's how to turn this thought provoker into action. 

ACTION 

This week, identify at least 3 places where you're stuck in a 'routine rut,' then come up with at least 3 different actions your could take in each area to break out. See if you can incorporate those 9 actions into your life before the end of the week.

The End

W. Bradford Swift is director of Life On Purpose Institute -- an organization dedicated to people clarifying their life purpose and living true to it -- where he is a coach, writer and trainer for other coaches. Hundreds of his articles have appeared in such diverse publications as Modern Maturity, Hope, New Age Journal, Yoga Journal, and many others. He may be contacted by email: brad@lifeonpurpose.com; by phone: 1-800-668-0183; or visit the Life On Purpose Institute website: http://www.lifeonpurpose.com. For a FREE subscription to Purposeful Pondering Ezine, send an email to purposefulpondering-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.