How you start your day sets the tone for your entire day. Do you agree?
I’ve been asked a lot lately about my morning practice, probably for three reasons in particular: 1) the “fresh start” of the new year, 2) I speak so highly of it, and 3) it’s a purposeful habit that I implemented nearly a decade ago that I still practice. Daily! For an all-or-nothing personality like mine, this is huge. 🙂
Here’s what my morning practice looks like, which I share with the hope that it prompts ideas for yours!
The Night Before
I actually begin my morning practice the night before. Just prior to going to bed, I take a few moments to reflect on my day, review my goals, and give thanks for the blessings in my life. I have found this helps me sleep better and I often wake up in the morning with an idea for an article or for my book, the perfect next step for my goal, or a solution to something that’s been challenging me.
5:30 Snooze-Free Wake-Up
My alarm has a soothing sound but is upbeat enough that I don’t sleep through it. I do not hit snooze. The snooze alarm makes you start the day already feeling behind, and I am no longer willing to begin my day in that mode just for an extra 9 minutes of sleep. I know some people who put their alarm on the other side of the bedroom for this get-up-and-go purpose. Whatever works!
Water Infusion
I am not always the best at drinking water consistently throughout the day, so a few years ago I decided to start my day with it to ensure I had a foundation already built. I also read that water first thing in the morning wakes up your nervous system and gets things pumping inside. I drink two glasses of water as soon as I wake up.
Hot, Fresh-Brewed Cup O’ DelightYou might not find “cup of coffee” worthy of its own bullet-point, but I love the whole coffee experience! I choose a mug that means something to me – typically the simple orange one that belonged to my grandparents or the one gifted by a dear friend that says, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” I sit in my cozy chair (these days often by the fireplace), wrap my hands around the warmth of my mug, close my eyes, breathe in, again give thanks for the morning, and take my first sip.
(Look how long that paragraph about coffee turned out to be?! Do What You Love at its finest. ;-))
Journal
Journaling is the heart of my morning practice. I write a lot and go through several journals per year. At the front of each journal I record my Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles, Values, and Bold Goals. (I also have these at the front of my Purpose Planner, so I see them again when I start my workday.) I typically just scan this page quickly as I’m flipping to my current page in the journal, but I appreciate the focus it brings.
I love to read, but even more, I love to write, and early morning journaling captures my heart like nothing else. I write whatever comes up: hopes, challenges, project ideas, breakthroughs, lists, dreams for my kids, vacation ideas, you name it. I allow my pen to flow freely and do not edit, censor, or judge as I write. I cannot tell you how many problems I’ve solved, ideas I’ve generated, and issues I’ve worked through simply with my journaling practice. I savor this and highly, highly recommend it.
Connection and Uplift
Once I’ve cleared my mind a bit and downloaded onto paper, I read a devotional. Typically it is faith-based and gives me something powerful on which to reflect in this quiet, peaceful time of morning. This brief time spent in prayer helps bring me back to my center and reminds me what matters most in my life. Usually, this reading also prompts further journaling – sometimes related, other times in a completely different direction. I just go with it.
Look Ahead And Decide
If my calendar and Purpose Planner are nearby, I will look at the day ahead. I decide who and how I want to be throughout the day, choose a word or phrase that captures it, then set that as my daily intention. For example, the other day looked especially packed, with some really important – and potentially nerve-wracking – events. I chose “Smile” as my intention and called it to mind throughout the day. It’s difficult not to smile when you’re thinking of smiling, and it’s difficult to be frenzied when you’re smiling! I love deciding this intention in the stillness of the morning because it allows me to be proactive instead of reactive once the hustle-and-bustle of the day begins.
Wrap Up With GratitudeI am thankful for life, for my family, for meaningful work, and for countless other blessings. I take none of this for granted and express thanks for it every day.
There you have it! Sometimes I vary this routine – I’ll add stretching or a walk, for instance, or these days while I’m working on my next book I may spend some time writing on that. For the most part, however, this is how I start nearly every day – and when I don’t, I feel “off.”
One final note I want to point out: Electronics do not make an appearance in my morning practice. I think of this time like freshly-fallen snow: I want it to be clear, pure, directly from the heart – NOT jumbled by email or social media or the latest headline that pops onto my screen. Again, I strive to be proactive rather than reactive, and this is an important measure in that regard. If you start your day checking email, I urge you to reconsider. You’re running the risk of letting others set the tone for your day (and perhaps decide what’s important for you) rather than choosing, with intention, for yourself.
I’d love to know how you start your day! Do you have a morning practice? Do you plan to start one, and if so, what will it include? Share your thoughts below, Facebook, Twitter, or (new!) Instagram!
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I am Dr. Christi Hegstad, and I coach people to work, live, and lead with meaning and purpose. Ready to join the movement?
I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).
On the personal side, I am a book addict, coffee lover, and mom to three amazing kids. I am passionate about growth and believe kindness is a game-changer. I am a recovering perfectionist and am learning to lean into my vulnerability more and more.
I love working with meaningful achievers who want to make a positive difference in their work, lives, communities, and world. Join our mailing list, connect on Facebook (/MAPIncFan) Twitter (@DrChristiCoach) and Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!