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How you start your day matters – a lot.
You can choose to begin with a reactive or proactive mindset.
I started developing my morning routine a few years ago. The journey started when I saw this video about the impact of making your bed every morning – yes, mom was right about this!
I read The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod in December 2019. I wish I had read it much sooner. This book motivated me to be more intentional with my morning routine. The results have not disappointed!
Two things really stood out to me from Hal’s book:
Get Up. When the alarm goes off, get up – don’t hit the snooze button!
Using the snooze button sets a precedent for procrastination for the rest of the day. It may seem like a small thing, but it has a big impact on your mindset for the rest of the day. Be proactive and get a quick win by taking immediate action as the first thing you do in the morning.
Don’t Look at Your Phone. Looking at your phone soon after waking up is one of the worst things you can do in the morning! It puts you in a reactive state of mind rather than proactively beginning the day by preparing yourself to make an impact.
I used to look at my phone first thing every morning. I now wait until after I have completed my morning routine before I look at it. Trust me, there will be plenty of time for social media and email later in the day.
Below is a summary of my morning routine. I can say without a doubt, developing this routine has been a life-changer for me.
Most days begin at 5 AM or earlier. The first 60 minutes are devoted the following actions:
The next thing I do is go to the kitchen to hand grind some coffee beans and heat water for fresh, hot coffee made with a French press.
Time: 5 minutes
While the water for my coffee is heating up, I do 25 pushups, 25 air squats, and 25 situps.
This physical activity gets the blood flowing and helps my mind and body wake up.
Time: 5 minutes
This is a personal choice for each person. I chose to read one chapter of the Bible, followed by a time of prayer.
Time: 5 to 10 minutes
I used to think daily affirmations were a bunch of motivational mumbo-jumbo until I invested time creating my personal affirmation and began the habit of reciting every morning. Today, I cannot imagine starting my day without reminding myself why I exist and why my actions matter.
My affirmation is used throughout the day to help me stay focused and overcome challenges.
Time: 5 minutes
I spend 5 minutes each morning meditating using box breathing. I have heard a lot of people talk about their success with the Headspace and Calm meditation apps. This may be something I try in the future.
Time: 5 minutes
Journaling is one of the most favorite parts of my morning routine. I spend as much time as necessary recapping the previous day and writing down my thoughts for the morning. Getting stuff out of my head has proven to be very valuable to me. This activity forces me to confront and record my thoughts. Reviewing my journal at the end of each month has proven to be an effective tool to help me evaluate my progress and make adjustments to do better in the next month.
Time: 5 to 15 minutes
Time is our most valuable asset. Once a moment has been used, it is gone forever.
Beginning each day with a plan to use your time is essential if you want to maximize your productivity.
I am a big fan of the Best Self Journal. I use this planning tool in conjunction with the 90 Day Catalyst productivity system to help me maximize my productivity.
Time: 5 – 10 minutes
What works for me may or may not work for you. I encourage you to read The Miracle Morning and work to create a morning routine that fits your life and your goals.
I am certain of this, how you start your day matters. If you want to get the most out of a day, you have to start it in a way that puts you in a proactive mindset and allows you to control the things you can control – your attitude and actions.
“Either you run the day, or the day will run you.” – Jim Rohn
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