Rediscovering the Power of Routine: Our Journey Back to Consistency as a Couple

In a world that’s always shifting—whether it’s global events, personal moves, or the demands of running our businesses—routines are the steady anchors that keep us balanced. They build structure, encourage discipline, and support our overall well-being. But life loves to throw curveballs, and even the strongest habits can get disrupted. As Ashley and Gus, the couple behind Conferences Connect and UtilityEvents.com, we’ve been committed to strength training and healthy eating since 2011. For years, we’ve rarely strayed from our routines for more than a couple of weeks at a time. This year, though, was different. After nearly seven months of upheaval, getting back on track has been a game-changer for us both. It’s not just about feeling great again; it’s sparked us to think about other areas where our habits slipped and how we can rebuild them together.

Ashley Baptiste & Gus Calabrese at Churchill Downs

Our fitness story started over a decade ago when we decided to make health a priority amid the hustle of building our companies. Conferences Connect and UtilityEvents.com keep us on our toes, organizing events and connecting professionals in the utility sector, but we’ve always carved out time for strength training and nutritious meals. It’s been our way of staying energized for the long hours and travel that come with the job. Most disruptions were short-lived, thanks to our shared discipline and access to good facilities. But this year tested us like never before. It kicked off with a five-month stay at a resort, where the top-notch fitness center was a perk—but we lacked the nutrition side of healthy living. We stayed active, sure, but the focused intensity of our workouts took a backseat.

Then, in April, we finally settled into our new home. We were excited, but almost immediately, our schedules exploded with non-stop business travel for Conferences Connect and UtilityEvents.com. Every few weeks, we’d be jetting off to another conference or event, dealing with irregular hours, quick airport bites, and missed workouts. Before we knew it, our routines had unraveled. What started as missed sessions snowballed into almost seven months without that daily rhythm we’d built our lives around. The impact hit us hard: lower energy, overly stressed, and a nagging feeling of being off-kilter. Studies from places like the American Psychological Association show how broken routines can spike stress and sap productivity, and we felt every bit of it—especially with the added pressure of growing our businesses.

The breakthrough came when we scouted out a new gym that fit our needs perfectly. As a team, we recommitted, and after just two weeks of consistent strength training and healthier eating, we both felt revitalized. Gus noticed his strength returning quickly, while Ashley felt sharper mentally, ready to tackle client calls and event planning with fresh vigor. It wasn’t just physical; it rebuilt our sense of partnership and control. Psychologists talk about how habits boost self-efficacy—that inner confidence in achieving goals—and reclaiming ours as a couple strengthened our bond. Even after such a long break, our bodies and minds bounced back, reminding us of our resilience.

This reset got us reflecting as a duo: What other routines had we let slide during the chaos, and how could we revive them together? We fixed that by syncing up on a wake-up routine, and daily strategy sessions. Meal prep, too, had fallen by the wayside, replaced by grab-and-go options. Now, we make it a joint effort: planning groceries weekly and batch-cooking meals that fuel our day and prepare us for back-to-back conferences.

And it’s not just health—our professional and emotional routines needed attention too. Daily check-ins for Conferences Connect, like reviewing event pipelines, had become sporadic. We reinstated them with dedicated time blocks, using tools we love for collaboration. On the personal side, things like evening sunsets and weekly beach time helped us stay connected amid the travel. We’ve drawn from experts like James Clear in Atomic Habits, stacking new routines onto old ones—like tying gym time to our mid day go-live ritual—and celebrating wins, big or small. It keeps the momentum going without feeling forced.

Life’s disruptions are part of the adventure, especially in our line of work, but flexibility is key. We’re not aiming for perfection; we’re building a framework that bends but doesn’t break. This seven-month detour taught us that routines empower us—as individuals and as a couple. They make room for growth, ward off burnout, and help us show up fully for our teams at Conferences Connect and UtilityEvents.com.

If you’re facing your own shake-ups—a relocation, career pivot, or just the daily grind—know that it’s okay to start over. As Ashley and Gus, we’ve been there. Assess what’s off, pick one or two habits to tackle together if you can, and build from there. The payoff is huge. In reclaiming our routines, we’ve not only gotten back to our best selves but emerged even stronger, more in sync, and excited for what’s ahead.

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