Master the Day

Whether you’re aware of it or not, we all have routines in our life.  Most notably, a morning routine during the workweek, your days may start something like, alarm, exercise, shower, breakfast, drink coffee, brush teeth, and go to work.  AmIriiiiiight? Guaranteed most people are on autopilot, unaware of how the way they start their day affects their entire day. 

So, what if you could start a routine that would set you up for not only a successful day but also, a successful life?  That’s the idea behind establishing a killer morning routine.  Having started my own version of a success driven morning routine almost 2 years ago, I’m astounded by how simple practices repeated everyday have improved my life. 

Some morning routines are elaborate and can take hours. I keep my routine modest with daily morning exercise and writing in a journal.  Now, I know what you’re thinking, I've lost the plot, gone all woo woo on you, but no, I’m still the same kiwi.  Except now, having established a simple morning routine, I’m a super productive, mission-orientated entrepreneur who’s kicking my daily tasks in the face with a smile! (Most days, come on, I’m still human)

Exercise has long been proven to be good for us.  I think it’s safe to say by now that most of us know that.   The problem is finding the time to do it, which is why I have to exercise first thing in the morning, otherwise it just doesn’t happen.  I hate, and I mean hate waking up early but, I always feel good after a workout even if I don’t give it 100%, the fact that I made it to the gym and moved my body is enough.  Plus I love that I can get so much done without feeling rushed and still have the whole day ahead of me.

The journal is a pivotal part in my morning routine and it’s not what you think.  A couple years ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook ad for a journal, I think Facebook had caught on that I was into self-improvement and suggested it?  Weird, but also, Thanks, Facebook!  The Best-Self Journal, in a nutshell, is a 3-month journal that you write in daily.  It includes block scheduling your days, a morning and evening gratitude practice, goal and task driven prompts, as well as recapping wins and losses for each day.  Having to handwrite your goals out daily keeps them at the forefront of your mind and helps to keep you accountable.  Keeping a journal also helps to reduce anxiety and depression.  I’ve used the Best Self Journal for the last 2 years and I would feel absolutely lost without it.  You can grab yours here. 

Doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, keeping a solid morning routine can help alleviate stress and propel you towards your goals.  It’s science.  I’d recommend starting small with one consistent activity.  Start by creating a gratitude list, write down 3 things you’re grateful for each morning and 3 things each evening.  And if you can, grab yourself a Best Self Journal.  Practicing gratitude alone, according to Harvard Health Publishing, is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.  And, after all, Happiness is the point.