A Great Morning Routine for Improved Performance

If you’re like me, getting the most out of your day is challenging.  The start of each day can make a big difference in your mood and performance.  Thankfully, I encountered a great tool that not only helps me start the day effectively, but also increases my daily productivity, a morning routine.

To be honest, I really haven’t adopted a consistent morning routine at any point in my life.  Nothing planned anyway, but since it’s the New Year, and I resolved to prioritize behavioral goals, a planned morning routine is the perfect place for me to start.

After listening to a great podcast titled “The 6 Morning Habits of High Performers” by Pete Mockaitis, I formulated my own morning routine that works for me.   

Step 1: Read a good book

This is the first thing I do after morning hygiene.  Reading calms me down, and sets my mind at ease, so I am clear when taking the next steps in my day.  In my opinion, the book itself doesn't really matter.  I love biographies, so I often choose them.  Don’t feel pressured to read something heady or intellectual.  Reading itself stimulates your mental faculties, without bombarding your senses with light or sound.  This simple step is a very good jumping off point for me. 

Step 2: Ten Minutes of Silence and Stillness

This step is something my wife has pressured me to do for years, but I was never overly enthusiastic at the idea of meditation.  I used to feel overwhelmed by the time commitment for meditation, but I’ve found it really easy to remain silent and still for 10 minutes, and move on with my day.  It’s actually really nice.  I sit quietly, focus on breathing, and let my mind go.  I don’t pressure myself with any intentions, and simply let my mind receive.  I get a lot of my best ideas when I’m not focused on a particular outcome, so this period of silence is another great step I’m just getting started with.  Pete Mockaitis noted the only mistake you can make during this step is judging the thoughts that come to you.  Overall, this is a great practice anyone can do.

Step 3: Journal 

After my period of silence, I take time to journal.  I might record some thoughts from meditation, or what I’m grateful for in my life.  The simple act of writing makes me feel good, and allows me to review my thoughts at a later date.  

High performers like Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci kept a journal, so I figure I have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Step 4: Exercise

Any amount of movement helps me get my day started.  This is a really important step for me, and one I regret not taking on sooner.  I’ve worked out my whole life, but this is different.  Pete Mockaitis said any form of movement for even a short period of time makes a big difference.  It could be 60 seconds of jumping jacks, the key part is committing to some kind of movement.  I personally perform a dynamic stretching routine, and 5 rounds of 10 pushups and 15 air squats.  The time commitment is about 15 minutes.  It’s made a major difference for me thus far.

Step 5: Create/Review Daily Priorities 

Finally, I create a list of priorities, or tasks I plan to achieve for the day.  I make sure I can start and finish all my priorities for the day, or I don’t add them to my list.  Items like sales calls, responding to specific emails, and chores are all good examples. 

Since I’m wrapping up the first week, it’s too early to tally any results, but I can testify to the fact that I feel better and more focused throughout the day.  If you haven’t tried a morning routine, I highly recommend doing so.  None of these habits require any talent or cost any money, and I can all but guarantee you will find the results favorable.  Let me know in the comments if you have any morning habits that help you get the most out of your day.

Reference:

https://www.dhirubhai.net/learning/the-six-morning-habits-of-high-performers/six-practices-to-get-back-on-track