Did you know that your mind is racing faster when you initially awake than at any other time period of the day? It is during these first 20-30 minutes in which researchers have discovered that innovative ideas, strategies and problem solving answers are brought to the forefront of the human mind. So how you use those initial moments when your eyelids open from a full nights rest will directly correlate with your capacity to generate a successful day.
First thing you should do is NEVER SNOOZE! Set your clock with those 10 advance minutes if you know you have the tendency to be constantly late or procrastinate in your movements, however don’t use that snooze button. Use it to instruct your brain to plant your feet on the floor, pull your body off the mattress, flip the covers to the side and stand for an initial stretch of about 30 seconds. Trust me it works!
Secondly make your bed. You’re out of it so it really should be the next logical thing. Making your bed creates your first success of the day! You completed a task which allows you to return home to a bed with freshly cool sheets to allow for better sleep.
Third drink a 16 oz. glass of water. Why? Because it hydrates you, gives you metabolism, delays your hunger pains and refreshes your mind. Your body is made up of more water than any other substance. After sleeping for 6-8 hours a night (or four if you are a non sleeper) your brain needs to be rejuvenated.
Fourth brush your teeth and comb your hair with your least dominate hand. This action triggers your brain to “awaken” because you are requiring it to think about how to do something you normally wouldn’t do. Sure your countertop and clothing may resemble Crest but who cares, your brain is more engaged than if you maintained the same routine which requires no additional insight.
Fifth spend 20-30 minutes building your spiritual body. This is not about religion but rather coming into oneness with whatever centers you. Whether its God, music, reading or meditation, get the time in with your source of inspiration.
Sixth write in your gratitude journal. I like to do this in the mornings because it reaffirms that there are more good things happening in my life than bad. I also use this to confirm my expectations for today. I relist my personal affirmations in my gratitude journal and read them allowed to myself in the mirror.
Seventh Exercise your body. No matter what methods excite you find something that does and get moving. Your health is critical to your daily performance both mentally and physically. You don’t need fancy equipment or even a gym membership. YouTube is flooded with options and those DVD’s that you brought 10 years ago still offer the same solutions. There is an app for iPhone and androids to meet any health goal.
Eight review your daily plan which should have been written and/or reviewed before you dozed off to sleep the night before. Know exactly how your time will be spent each day. Don’t use your meals and break times to sit and converse with colleagues about the nothingness of their lives or spend your time twitting, liking and commenting on social media platforms unless it is directly correlated with your success goals. Count every minute as an opportunity to gain better footing towards your achievements.
Ninth Eat something balanced and healthy rather than stuffing a doughnut and a cup of Joe down your throat. Your brain needs adequate antioxidants, fiber and protein to maintain healthy performance. Skipping meals is never a good option, reduce your portion sizes, pay attention to the labels and eat fresh fruits and vegetables over sugars and carbs.
Finally be kind to someone. The earlier in your morning that you convey a greeting, kind word, hug, kiss or expression of gratitude to someone the faster it returns to you. Instead of throwing that crazy driver beside you the bird, through them a kind wave and smile. If they are angry or stress you could be the influence in how they command their own day.
These 10 simply yet effective steps will catapult your ability to focus and become a better listener, business owner, parent, spouse, friend and student. I can’t begin to express how crucial a morning routine will be in your pursuit to successful days. The one step I didn’t list because I believe it will give you the strength to complete the others is simply RISE AN HOUR OR TWO EARLIER! Yes that’s exactly what I said. The millionaire doesn’t sleep in late and lose 4 hours of daylight to get started because they rose hours before the sun did. This is significant especially if you have a spouse /or children. While they are asleep being in their angelic state you should be getting that most needed quiet time to take care of your personal development. If you want to see a major difference in your life you have to choose to do something different. Kill the excuse and command your morning, success is going to happen for someone today, why not you?
Joshua 1:8-9 NIV
“Keep this Book of the law always on your lips: meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9-Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
LIVE UR JOURNEY 