I’ll be honest my morning routine was horrible. It’s actually still a work in progress for me. I’ve always been an early riser. I try to sleep in and I just can’t. I’m wired this way. But I like it. It allows me to get more accomplished in the early hours than most people in an entire day. My challenge is that I like to get right to it. Right to my phone, right to distractions, and right to work. What I’ve learned through several great books is that I had it all wrong.
The way you start your morning sets the tone for the entire day. In the pursuit of success and well-being, cultivating effective morning habits is a powerful strategy. This article explores the concept of “Morning Mastery” and the key habits that contribute to a successful and fulfilling day, focusing on building habits and creating habits that support long-term success and well-being. Per Robin Sharma’s book “The 5AM Club” you can simplify your morning into 3 main areas.
MOVE. REFLECT. GROW. It’s simple but genius!
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
– Marcus Aurelius
early rise
The first step in morning mastery is embracing the power of an early rise. Waking up with the sun allows for a peaceful and undisturbed start to the day, providing valuable time for self-reflection and preparation. An early rise is truly the key to this practice. The earlier the better. There will be less distractions and less noise. You’ll actually be able to hear the birds chirping and be one with nature.
mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your morning routine can significantly impact your personal development and overall well-being. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or mindful stretching, taking a few moments to center yourself sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
hydration and nutrition
Fueling your body with the right nutrients is crucial for sustained energy throughout the day. Start your morning with a glass of water to rehydrate your body, followed by a nutritious breakfast that provides the necessary energy to kick-start your day. These habits are foundational to both personal growth and habit building.
physical activity
Incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine jumpstarts your metabolism, boosts energy levels, and enhances your overall mood. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick workout, or yoga, moving your body in the morning contributes to a successful and productive day. Simply put, just MOVE. This movement will help lower your cortisol (the stress hormone) and allow you to be more focused.
goal setting
Morning mastery involves setting clear intentions for the day. Take a few minutes each morning to outline your priorities and set achievable goals is essential for personal growth. This practice not only provides focus but also instills a sense of purpose in your daily activities.
Reflect
Cultivating a positive mindset is an integral part of morning mastery and is also crucial for personal growth. Take time to express gratitude, visualize success, and affirm positive beliefs. This mental preparation fortifies you to face challenges with resilience and optimism.
Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
– Dalai Lama
Tech-Free Start
Resist the urge to immediately check emails or social media upon waking. A tech-free start allows you to focus on your priorities without external distractions, fostering a sense of control over your day.
Continuous Learning
Dedicate a portion of your morning routine to learning and personal development. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to a podcast, or engaging in educational content. Continuous learning fuels professional and personal growth.
The Ultimate Trifecta
By incorporating these practices you’ll ensure you hit the ultimate trifecta. You’ll lower your cortisol level. You’ll increase your dopamine level. And you’ll increase your serotonin level. Essentially lowering your stress and increasing your drive and happiness. Sounds like a great way to start the day.
If you want to UP your game and take it to the next level I would highly recommend you read Robin Sharma’s book “The 5AM Club“. This book is truly amazing, as is Robin. There are so many great tips in this book, I took like five pages of notes. The motto for his book says it all “OWN YOUR MORNING, ELEVATE YOUR LIFE”.
Tips to Consider
1. Don’t jump right to your caffeine goto. Get into your day first. You’ll find it will be more of a boost for you.
2. The mornings are a great way to get out your journal or notepad and get creative before the emails start pinging you.
3. Prepare your food or outfit the night before. This eliminates one more decision you have to think about in the morning.
4. Everyone’s morning routine will be different based on your season in life and commitments. Create a routine that works for you. Start small. This routine can be a tough habit to get into.
5. If you’re an early riser this may be the best time to get your most creative and thought-intensive work done. Take advantage of this time.
6. Before your first interaction of the day, SMILE. You’ll be amazed at how this helps set the tone for your day and conversations. 🙂
Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush
SUMMARY
Morning mastery all starts with the early rise. Remember to move, reflect and grow. By incorporating these key habits into your morning routine, you set the stage for a successful day focused on personal development and personal growth. Morning habits are a personal journey, and finding what works best for you is the key to unlocking your full potential. Start small, celebrate your wins and you’ll start building momentum.
Embrace the power of morning mastery, and witness the positive impact it has on your overall well-being and success.
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