You know the following scenario all too well:
Your alarm clock goes off. Dammit. You roll out of bed, groggy, and not particularly excited to get dressed or get to work. Half asleep, you shower, get dressed, throw together a quick breakfast (or maybe skip it altogether), and you're out the door for the morning commute. Another day rises and fades away, not to be remembered for anything in particular.
I have fallen into this routine, and I'm not proud to admit it. Something inside tells me that there is much more potential waiting to be tapped in the corners of every day. It feels like I'm dishonoring the state of being alive when I simply go through the motions like an automaton. Life feels better when there is inspiration and invigoration.
Now imagine a new scenario. Erase the initial drudgery out of your head, and envision starting every day with energy and enthusiasm. Imagine feeling like each day is yours, like the world is waiting for you to start your next great performance every morning. You don't simply drift along with the current, acquiescing to wherever it sweeps you next -- you take deliberate steps in the direction that you have decided to move.
That feels like a better way to be alive.
Thankfully, there is a way to set the tone for a powerful day and a powerful existence: with a strong morning routine.
A morning routine that saturates you with confidence and focus will benefit you throughout the remainder of each day. Think of it as a microcosm of the actions you'll take that day. How you do one thing is how you do everything, so if you can pull off a series of just a few decisive, motivating, and centering actions, this can soon become how you habitually go about all actions.
Set aside 45 minutes tomorrow morning (don't wait), and give the following routine a shot.
1. Vigorous exercise
Go for a 15-minute run, do Zuu or Zumba, lift weights, bike, dance through some power yoga -- whatever exercise excites you. The idea is to really get your blood flowing. It will increase brainpower and energize your body.
2. Cold Shower
I know what you're thinking: "Whoa, whoa... I understand the exercise part. But why would I ever put myself through a cold shower?" As it turns out, there are major health benefits to cold showers: improved immune function, fat loss, clearer skin, a faster metabolism, better circulation, relieved depression symptoms.
Not to mention the psychological benefit of conquering your fears. If you're like me, before the first time you take a cold shower, you'll turn on the water and stand there cursing for 5 agonizing minutes before actually getting in. But again: how you do one thing is how you do everything, and getting in the habit of doing what you fear -- even something small like a cold shower -- will teach your mind that fears are not impassable walls, but ladders to a bigger you.
3. Ridiculously nutritious breakfast
Few things feel better than giving your body the best fuel possible. Set yourself up for success by stocking your kitchen with healthy, unprocessed foods. How you concoct your own super-breakfast is mostly up to your own tastes and creativity, but here are two of my favorites:
•Smoothie: throw in spinach, bananas, peaches, berries, yogurt, a scoop of peanut butter, orange juice, vanilla almond milk, and the superfoods cacao powder and chia seeds. Try to maximize vitamins and protein and minimize bad fats.
•Sautee protein powerhouse tempeh and bell peppers in coconut oil and season to taste. Add cheese if desired. Have a banana on the side.
4. Explore yourself
So far we have taken care of your physical needs. Number 4 is your opportunity to find mental clarity.
Think about what you want out of today, and out of your life. Is what you're doing today going to bring you closer to your long-term goals? If not, why?
Pay attention to how you think. Is there a small voice telling you not to dream? Do you truly believe that you can find success in your endeavors? If you have an inner Saboteur or Critic, dreaming big will usually bring it out of its cave.
Sometimes, during mindful thinking sessions like this, I'll notice that I've been telling myself that I'm not ready, or not good enough, to achieve what I want. If you notice something similar, don't condemn or judge that small voice. Just noticing it without judgment is usually enough to make it dissolve in the clarity of your newfound mental light.
Meditation is a useful technique. The goal is simply to think on purpose. Don't be carried away by any thought. The mind is a great servant but a terrible master.
Most importantly, find a routine that works for you. Tinker with each of these exercises. Tailor it to your personality and your goals. Don't get mad at yourself if you miss a day. Just observe how you feel on the days with the super-routine and the days without it. Being a strict disciplinarian can deaden the joy that these activities bring you -- sometimes it feels good to break the rules, and that's fine, too.
Start your day on the right foot, and the momentum will carry you to better places.