My solution has been to use time blocks and checkboxes. I have a plan for every single day, including occasional chores and water intake (because I forget to drink most of the time). I don’t assign any time except for wake-up time and bedtime. My time blocks are titled “morning,” “deep work,” “movement,” “chores,” and “evening.”

I use the Pomodoro method for deep work and just assign how many sessions I do, instead of the length of time, and force myself to take breaks to avoid burnout (I tend to struggle with letting go of a task before it’s finished). I also use timers to help with other tasks, say no more than 15 minutes for chores or getting ready for the day.

I used to plan out very detailed schedules and get overwhelmed and frustrated when I inevitably didn’t follow that routine precisely. I used to have meltdowns over doing a task a few minutes later than planned. I now allow myself to take as much time as I want, as long as I have around 80% of the checkboxes marked as done by the end of the day. I also repeat positive affirmations and journal at least 1 win every day to keep myself from criticising myself over minor details like not vacuuming that day.

This way, I don’t have to focus on little details of my day and when, but on what needs to be done. I can mix up my time blocks however I want; what matters is that they get done. I’ve recently started this system of setting 3 goals for every 4 or so weeks, then breaking down those big goals into smaller actions, and then plan out gradual progress towards those goals each week (e.g. if my goal is to drink 1.3L of water, I work my way up each week). And every Sunday night, I plan out every day of the week, including my sample day (breakfast, shower, dinner, etc) and the goals (e.g. drinking 1 glass between blocks, going outside for a few minutes, occasional chores, etc) using time blocks. I know it seems like a lot of work and hyperfixation, but it’s been saving me a lot of stress lately.

So if you’re confused, my day typically looks like this:

1. Morning

• wake up at 07:30
• read positive affirmations, stretch, meditate, etc.
• have breakfast and 1 glass of water
• brush teeth, cleanse face, get ready

2. Deep Work

• 2-4 Pomodoro sessions
• 1 Pomodoro for goals
• 1 Pomodoro for language learning
• 1 glass of water

3. Movement

• posture stretching
• exercise, depending on the day (walking, workout, cycling, etc)
• 1 glass of water

4. Cleaning

• daily chores (dishes, wipe counters, quick vacuum, make the bed)
• occasional chores (mop the floor, laundry, dust, etc)
• 1 glass of water

5. Evening

• cook and have dinner
• place medication nearby
• have 1 glass of water
• shower (and shave or wash hair if needed)
• brush teeth, cleanse face, overnight haircare, etc.
• turn off screens, hobbies, etc.
• journal, plan the next day, relax, meditate, take medication, etc.
• sleep at 22:30

I understand how it can be miserable, especially if one has been raised in an environment where marks and discipline.

Not exactly. I get OP’s point. I’m 25 so I’ve experienced both, and they weren’t the same for me.

School is more about the experience and the journey than the results, or at least that’s what it feels like. It’s the place where you get to spend time and joke around with your friends while developing knowledge together. Your teachers form genuine connections with you, and most of them do care about your well-being and development. If you’re lucky, you get to have a mini party on your ride home with fellow students singing and dancing on the school bus. You get to go on fun outings and field trips. You’re ultimately responsible for no one but yourself, and every day yoy learn something new.

With work, there’s a very hostile environment. Everyone has a huge ego problem, your boss makes it clear that they’re not your friend, you’re forced to collaborate and be friendly to your colleagues even though you may not like some. You can’t just decide to take a day off because clients and colleagues are depending on you. It can be monotonous and stressful. Your only social activities are probably icebreakers or eating out on a day that’s supposed to be relaxing (like Christmas holidays and whenever you’re nearby). You have other responsibilities when you get home as well, which aren’t a sports club or music lessons but chores and admin stuff.

I know not everyone’s experience is the same. For some, school is where they met their worst bully and had a miserable time whereas work was where they met their best friend and had fun. This is just me explaining why I relate to OP in our view of school vs work.

School didn’t even feel obligatory for me, it was just a planned fun day. I enjoyed most of it: the teachers, the students, the timings, the duties. I even enjoyed some of the homework (and I hate the idea of homework)! There were little tasks that seemed exciting like taking the attendance to the administration’s office, going around picking up each class’s donations and consent forms, decorating the classroom door for the Christmas competition, getting the keys for the teacher from their staffroom, going next door to borrow a marker, doing group presentations, and being my turn to read the class book, and so on. Work usually lacks these little everyday tasks and just focuses on earning the company money and being professional. It kills joy and personality.

Oh how I miss that 💔 Mine passed away two years ago, and I used to love it whenever we slept next to each other. Sometimes, mine even liked to rest on my pillow like a human. I keep having this recurrent dream about her mysteriously coming back to life (which is funny because her remains are ash) and it breaks my heart every time when I wake up. I know that you already do, but please cherish these moments with everything that you’ve got! Observe as many details as you can like the facial features, the size, the ears, the softness of the fur… One of my many fears is that I’ll forget what my dog looked like and felt like.

Sorry if this is melancholy, but I just had one of those dreams last night and your comment moved me.

I just woke up so I’ll talk about yesterday. I made a very solid self-development plan for 2026 and I feel proud of it. I have general anxiety so I tend to overthink and overcomplicate things, but I think I kept it as minimal and realistic as possible. I’m trying to focus on progress over perfection, so I feel relieved not to have the pressure to be “done” by the end of every month. I’m mainly doing this because it helps to know what comes next and that I’m waking up every day with a plan. Otherwise, I get overwhelmed with what to do and experience executive dysfunction. So I’m happy that I took some time for myself, reflected deeply, and invested in my future :)