Yes. I maintain a pretty regular schedule. It helps me and my children to maintain a certain rhythm. We change things up when it makes sense, but for the most part we keep things the same. Our school year schedule differs from our summer schedule. My youngest has a hard time dealing with change and keeping a schedule is comforting. I give him choices and opportunities to switch things up from time to time though to encourage him to grow in his ability to be flexible.

My therapist in IOP was pretty insistent on the value of a schedule. She made the point that it is easier to tell when you're out of balance if you have a well defined norm to compare your current state to. She also felt it is easier to avoid rumination and time spent in negative thought patterns if you keep yourself moving from activity to activity.

I think there's a balance. I've known people that are so rigid about a schedule that they turn down opportunities because they don't fit into the plan. I've also known people who experience extreme anxiety due to small shifts to their norm. I think the goal is to understand what kind of value you're looking for with a schedule and then to be able to reflect and ensure it is adding to your wellbeing after you try it for a while.

I agree it is a lot like goal setting. The two can go hand in hand. Every day can be like a mini roadmap toward your goals.