There’s something about having to wake up at 0430 ready for a 0500 drive to an airport. Oversleeping isn’t an option. Duvet days can’t exist (they are a myth anyway). You’re brain kicks in and gets you moving. And part of this is the excitement of having a good drive on a clear road, with the chance of arriving at the time you expect to. That’s what life has become – thinking you’re winning by getting a traffic free drive at 0500 in the morning.

But it’s not all good. I know I’ll hit every possible red light on the way there. No other cars will be on the road, and I will have to stop. This breaks up my flow. In fact many things disturb my flow. The feeling of being in the “zone” is so rare. And I know I could get so much done, but the feeling is so, so rare. I’ll go, and have no flow.

Routine kicks in, and that can be a good thing. I’ll adapt and get by. But I will be shouting at the traffic lights! But will behave on my flights. After all, everyone is pushing on and going where they are told.

Then there’s the small matter of a Monday. They are bad enough when they are not twelve hour days. Yes, the travel is work. And again, routine kicks in. Always look sharp, say sensible things, and most important of all – don’t break anything!

There is something much more important, and that is looking after yourself. It’s my health and my free time that it eats in to. We all like to be tough and not give in, but look after yourself.

It’s 2140 – Bags are packed, money, keys, and cards are where they are always. No thinking is required, which is a good thing. There’s no room for error, and no time to waste. Feedback for messing up hits quickly and hits hard.

Normally in life, routines can slip, because it doesn’t matter so much. Feedback for mistakes or being lazy are deferred. Sometimes, we will never know. But being relaxed about things is so much easier generally. For one thing, it teaches me how to deal with things when they go wrong. A person, who is always organises things and is in control may not be able to handle chaos when routines break down. They’ve lost control.

I can’t control where I have go. I could, but I’m not organised to have planned my way out. And this is my deferred feedback. So, all I can do is follow my routine, because this one is really important. I know that much.

I will spring out of bed, I will waltz through airport security (I know the routine), and I will enjoy the journey.

And finally, I will look annoyingly fit and well. Don’t get dragged down. Routine helps with that.