If you’re a regular in self-development circles, then the term “morning routine” is not a new one for you. For those not as familiar with the idea, a morning routine is a set of actions that you routinely perform each morning that set you up for your day. It’s all about optimum performance and getting off on the right foot so you are at your best. It puts your mind and energy in the right space so you can operate effectively and efficiently.
There are things that we can do that will bring our mind and our energy levels up to that optimum level for productivity and focus within our work. As we are all different human beings, this is going to look very different for each of us. Also, depending on what work you are doing, your approach may even vary for that reason too. If you want to regularly create a “peak state” where you can work at your best, it comes down to regularly doing things that will bring you into that space, “setting you up” so-to speak.Here’s how to get started in establishing your morning routine:
1. Have a think about what your “ideal” working day would be like. How would you start the day? List any activities/rituals/habits that you would ideally like to start your day with. Eg. this might include exercise, yoga/meditation, listening to music, eating certain foods, getting up at a certain time, writing in a journal, preparing your work in a certain way etc.
2. Now look at your list and choose your absolute top 3 ideas- the ones that you’d totally love to do to start your day.
3. Make a plan to incorporate the 3 morning rituals into your morning. Starting with just a few days a week, complete the 3 morning rituals.
4. Review the outcomes: At the end of each day for just 1 week, take 5 minutes to reflect on how your day went. Consider your level of productivity and how you felt on the days when you did the morning routine compared to those when you did not. Was the routine easy to incorporate or do you need to simplify it? Ultimately the question is: Did the morning routine improve your focus, energy and productivity?
5. Refine and repeat. Make small changes to improve the effectiveness of your morning routine. Don’t be afraid to change it completely to see what might work better for you. Once you are seeing and feeling the results, keep it going. The key to repeating it is to track it. So draw up a checklist and each day you complete your morning routine, check it off.
A good morning routine can really change your life and work productivity. You’re essentially tailoring an approach that optimizes your enjoyment and productivity of your work. You’ll no doubt find, like I did, that a morning routine, however small or simple, will also truly enrich your whole day. Before you know it, you’ll be convincing everyone to create one!