Structure is self-care

I see myself as a responsible person, but I also know myself well enough to admit my biggest weakness: I struggle to stick to one plan for a long time. I get curious, inspired, and excited very quickly—and before I know it, I’ve jumped from one project to the next. A new trend catches my eye, and I immediately want to try it. Sometimes it’s another weight-management program, sometimes a new hobby, a course, or a fresh approach to exercise. The pattern is always the same.

When I was working as a teacher, I often noticed this same struggle in my students—the difficulty of staying focused on one thing. My advice to them was always simple: create a daily routine. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much I would need that advice myself later on.

Over the years, I slowly began to apply it in my own life. I discovered that structure doesn’t limit me—it actually supports me. I genuinely love beautiful stationery: planners, notebooks, and pens that make planning feel enjoyable rather than like a chore. Every year, I choose new ones to help me visually organize my days and set realistic goals. I have one planner for work, one for everyday life, and one just for my personal dreams.

Planning has become my lifeline. Seeing my week laid out in front of me, tracking my activities, and gently returning to my plan helps me move forward—even when my motivation fades. Progress doesn’t happen all at once; it happens slowly, through consistency.

So if I could offer just one piece of advice, it would be this: plan your day, plan your week, and be kind but committed to the plan you’ve made.

Structure is self-care.