My Morning Routine
Behind the Scenes
Today I’m going to take you behind the scenes into my morning routine. Why does how we wake up and start the day matter? Stay with me to find out!
The first thing I try to do when I wake up is thank God for a new day! When we start our day in gratitude, we naturally exude more joy. When I wake up in the morning, I’m thankful for another chance. I’m thankful for the roof over my head. I’m thankful to be doing what I love. What are some things you’re thankful for today?
I don’t have a normal 9-5 job. I do much of my work from home, so I could easily just sleep in and take my time getting up. But any day I do that, I’m more groggy and less productive. I normally set my alarm (between 5-6 a.m.), and I get up when it goes off. I will let it snooze once as I adjust to the morning hours, but that’s it. Then I immediately get out of bed, sometimes even before the snooze goes off.
People who choose discipline feed their drive and desire.
“Me Time”
Then it’s time to head into the bathroom where my workout attire is set out on the counter. Sometimes I wear it to bed, sometimes I leave it out, it just depends. But if I have it ready to go, then I make less excuses for getting my workout done. I get dressed and head out to the living room to spend some time alone before I go for my morning run.
I have three boys, so in order to get my quiet time, I have to discipline myself to get up early. I’m not a night owl, so I’m in bed before they are half the time. I know after 8 p.m. I’m going to be useless. That’s just me. You can ask my friends. I’m the party pooper. If it’s going to go later than 10 p.m., count me out!
My first hour or two, I read the Word, pray, journal, and read a personal-growth book. I take time to just sit and think, visualize what I want my day to look like, and visualize my goals. I speak my affirmations, promises about who I am and things I want to be true in my life. These are key pieces to my daily disciplines.
Workout Routine
When my quiet time is done, I head out the door for my run. Sometimes I’m headed to the gym to lift, but I love running. At the moment, I’m sidelined from it with a broken ankle, so I have to skip an intense workout, but I’m still working toward doing a little something every day. I visualize myself running and am dreaming up new running goals for when I’m ready to get back after it! Usually my workouts take about an hour, give or take.
Now, here’s the thing. I also choose not to listen to music while I run. I put on a success audio or podcast and work on my personal development. It makes me feel extra productive! So many ideas or revelations come to me while I’m out on my run. Many of my writing or video ideas are thought up while hitting the pavement. Much of this comes from choosing to listen to spiritual or business or personal growth audios rather than iTunes.
When I get home from my workout, I feel energized and ready to go for the day. Exercise just makes you feel so good and motivated to do things. I’ve got my endorphins ramped up, and like Elle says on Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands, they just don’t!” I love that movie!!
OK, so that’s somewhat humorous, but let me tell you, when I miss a workout or two, my boys and hubby notice. I’m less energetic and a bit more edgy. I call myself a crabby bear. I can’t tell you how many times my boys have asked me, “Have you gone on a run yet today?”
Ready for the Day
After my workout, it’s time to hop in the shower and actually get ready for the day. I have my normal outfit set out on the bathroom counter as well, and even if I’m not going anywhere, I work to dress as though I am. When I actually put mascara on, I feel better about myself, and my productivity goes up. It’s strange, but it works. My normal outfits are usually athletic still, and I don’t apologize for that. I’m active and coach in different avenues, so that’s what I’m comfortable in.
My goal is to be fully ready for my boys by 9 a.m. The earlier I get up, the more “me” time I get. We homeschool, so the boys need my attention after 9 a.m., and I want to be focused and intentional with them the rest of the morning.
Discipline is the means to getting what you really want even when you don’t want to do the things necessary to get it. — John Maxwell
When I get up early and follow my routine, my day is so much better than when I don’t. I do let myself sleep in one to two times a week — which sleeping in is relative because I still tend to wake up early — but the days I sleep in, my routine is compromised. It’s kind of interesting because, the days my routine doesn’t happen the way it normally does, I feel like my day is less productive. It’s interesting how those habits, your daily habits, can make or break your day.
Final Stretch
So in a nutshell, that is what my morning routine looks like! You got the behind the scenes into my daily disciplines. Does your routine look similar or completely different? Are you a morning person or a night owl? I’d love to hear what your favorite morning disciplines are. Share in the comments below!
Discipline happens daily. You have to daily make the choice to be disciplined, and discipline is what is going to get you to your ultimate goal.
A person who is not disciplined is a lazy person. Period. People who choose discipline feed their drive and desire. They feed their purpose. So choose today to become that disciplined person one habit at a time.
Remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!
