I believe that having a morning routine is crucial for success. Personally, I feel that my morning routine centers me and prepares me to make a masterpiece out of my day. My morning routine is so important to me because it is my time to be alone with myself and my thoughts.
I work with people all day long, engaging with them to help them reach their goals. My clients have my full attention when we are together. I love what I do and I love helping people, but I also need to balance my day with time for myself to focus on my own personal growth and goals. Enter the morning routine.
My Current Morning Routine (looks something like this most days)
- Wake up between 5:00-5:30 am. As my first foot hits the floor I say "thank" and as my second foots hits the floor I say "you." I'm thankful for so many reasons, but in this case I'm saying thank you for the day I've been given and the opportunity to make a masterpiece with my day.
- Make a nutritious shake that I call my "sunrise shake"
- Stretch and exercise circuit (15 to 20 minutes)
- Meditate (15 to 30 minutes)
- Prepare for my day by reviewing my schedule and writing out my daily goals
- Write in my journal
- Enjoy breakfast and coffee
There is one thing that is really important to keep in mind. Think of your morning routine, and entire daily routine, as the rhythm to a song. The rhythm of a song can be slowed down or sped up depending on what the artist is trying to do with the song and the setting. If the artist wants to ease the mood and give the song a more relaxed vibe he will play slower and softer. On the other hand if the artist wants to fire the crowd up and bring the energy he will play faster and louder. Regardless of how the artist plays the elements of the song are the same.
Apply the same musical principles to your morning routine. When I don't have as much time for my morning routine I strip it down to the essentials and move through it a little more quickly with a sense of urgency (without being rushed...never rush your morning routine). If I have more time or wake up feeling like I need to relax my mind I will spend more time on each element of my routine, particularly meditation and journaling. The point here is that the elements of your morning routine should stay consistent even if they shrink and expand depending on the day and your needs. You instinctually know what you need. Get in touch with and listen to your instincts.
Some ideas for your morning routine courtesy of me and Leo Babuata:
- Have coffee or tea
- Exercise
- Meditate
- Stretch/Yoga
- Take a bath
- Read
- Eat breakfast
- Journal or write
- Take a walk
- Write out your daily goals or To-Do list
- Review goals
- Prepare food for the day