How do you start your day? Is it with music, the news, a work out? Do you make a B-line for the coffee pot or snooze for a half hour? Why does it matter?
In a conversation with some friends recently, one girl mentioned that she starts every morning with worship music. It's joyful and positive…just like she is. She's a delight to be around and the way she starts her day emanates through her throughout the day.
Studies have shown that people who begin the day with a workout are more energetic all day long. Others hate the alarm clock with a passion and can never seem to get enough rest. Does that worn out feeling also seep into that individual's daily activity?
I start my day pretty slowly. I get up and get ready as quickly as possible to get it over with. I get to the coffee pot as quickly as possible and take great pleasure in having freshly ground coffee each morning, two cups to be exact. As I sip my java, I boot up the computer and start into the emails that came in over night. I read a few newsletters and get organized for the day.
After a while, I munch on breakfast, some yogurt or oatmeal or eggs if I'm lucky and have the time. By the time I finish this morning routine, I'm raring to go and have the capacity to be eminently productive. Being a pretty classic type A personality, I feel amazing when I get a lot done in a set period of time.
I've honed my morning routine over the course of the years to where it works quite well for me. One day I may mix it up and try to move the gym to the AM instead of the PM. I'd like to be as energetic throughout the day as all those studies show.
The only down side to my well-crafted morning routine is if something goes unexpectedly. If a hair gets out of place, it can be challenging for me to stay on track. I can focus really hard and still be super productive, but things don't flow as smoothly as when my routine goes as planned. I guess most of us have a hard time dealing with unmet expectations. Sometimes, you have to embrace the chaos and keep going without becoming too derailed.
Start your day in a way that will set you up for success all day long. You can!