Yesterday, I made a decision.

Armed with my notebook and a pen, I carefully wrote down how I wanted today to look. I was ready to begin my 90-day self-improvement journey with structure, clarity, and purpose.

Here was the plan:

• Wake up at 5:00 AM and do a 1-hour morning walk
  
• Drink lukewarm water
  
• Turmeric tea with an oatmeal breakfast
  
• Work for 5–6 hours
  
• Afternoon walk from 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM
  
• Study Biology
  
• Eat kiwi
  
• Drink chamomile tea
  
• Read a book
  
• Sleep at 10:00 PM
  

It looked solid.
It looked doable.
It looked… inspiring.

Reality Check: What Actually Happened

My alarm did go off at 5:00 AM.

But I didn’t get up until 9:00 AM.

I drank my turmeric tea — but skipped the oatmeal.

I worked longer than planned, about 6–7 hours.

Lunch? GrabFood, courtesy of Classic Savory.

My afternoon walk didn’t happen because it drizzled.

Instead of studying Biology right away, I watched an episode of Grey’s Anatomy (still sort of academic, right? 😅).

I drank sencha and hibiscus tea instead of chamomile.

I ate, I rested. I didn’t follow the plan completely.

Scheduling vs. Flexibility: Finding My Middle Ground

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s this:
I’m not a fan of rigid schedules. I tend to resist anything that feels like a to-do list written in stone. I like freedom. I like spontaneity. I like doing things because I want to, not just because I planned to.

And guess what?
I’ve tried doing life without a schedule.

No structure.
No reminders.
Just going with the flow.

And while it felt “free,” it didn’t feel fulfilling. I forgot things. I missed opportunities. I did less — not more.

The Shift: Becoming an “In-Between Scheduler”

So now, I’m learning to be something new:
An in-between scheduler.

I still write my plans.
I still try to follow them.
But I allow space for imperfection.
For shifts.
For real life.

Because even if I didn’t wake up at 5AM, I still got up.
Even if I didn’t go for a walk, I still moved forward in other ways.
I still worked. I still studied. I still showed up.

It may not have been exact…
But it was something.

And in this journey, something is better than nothing.
It’s progress.
It’s momentum.
It’s proof that I care enough to try.

Lesson of the Day: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect, Just Purposeful

Today taught me that scheduling isn’t about control — it’s about intention.

Even if I don’t follow every line on the page, that schedule serves as a compass. It reminds me what matters. It guides me when I drift. It helps me remember what I promised myself.

I’m not aiming for perfection. I’m aiming for consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me — someone who’s tried both strict planning and total freedom — you might find yourself somewhere in between. That’s okay. You don’t need to check every box to be proud of your day.

You just need to move with purpose, however that looks for you.

Because doing something is still doing.
And showing up, even imperfectly, still counts.

So here’s to Day 1 of 90.
To schedules that guide — not suffocate.
And to progress, no matter how small.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is an in-between scheduler?

An in-between scheduler is someone who uses a flexible approach to planning — setting intentions for the day without being rigid about following every detail.

2. Why didn’t your schedule go as planned on Day 1?

Life happened — waking up late, unpredictable weather, cravings, and distractions. But instead of giving up, I adapted and still made progress.

3. Is it okay not to follow a schedule perfectly?

Yes! Progress doesn’t require perfection. Even if you don’t stick to your schedule exactly, doing something is still meaningful.

4. What did you learn from trying to schedule your day?

I learned that scheduling helps me stay intentional. Even if I deviate, I’m more productive and aware compared to having no structure at all.

5. How do you stay motivated when you miss parts of your schedule?

By focusing on progress, not perfection. I remind myself that every small action counts and that consistency over time matters more than flawless execution.