How to Plan an Intentional Morning Routine and Stick to It
Your success is in your daily routine.
Routines are important but only if you make it your own. Copying someone else’s routine most likely will not work. Routines are not fun unless you have the discipline and consistency required.
I didn't like routines but I learned that if I want to achieve my life's goals I had to evaluate my values, learn how to plan my goals, and develop the necessary routines, habits, and behaviors that successful people use to achieve their goals. If they can do it then I can do it too.
An intentional morning routine provides a sense of purpose and direction, which keeps you focused and energized during the day. It's a great feeling to wake up early in the morning with intention and purpose for the day ahead.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish”
Having a morning routine means that we dedicate time every morning to specific activities that are imperative to achieving success. Ideally you’d make a plan the night before so that when you wake up you have your routine and don't use energy to think about what to do that day. It is important to know that adopting new, successful habits will not change your life overnight. However, if you keep doing them your life will be transformed. Guaranteed. You may have heard that it takes 21 or 61 days to form a new habit. Definitely more than 21 days and more like 90 day. If your goals are important and meaningful to you then you'll stick to it.
Your morning routine may look different than mine and it should. The goal is to develop your own morning routine that works for you and helps you to achieve your own life's goals. Don’t be afraid to try different activities and see how you feel.
Life is a journey so let's enjoy it and make the best of each day while we can.
My Morning Routine
Now I am ready to introduce you to my own intentional and powerful morning routine. I am also flexible to change and adapt as needed. Adaptability is a Superpower skill:)
Wake up - 5am - 515am. No snoozing.
Coffee
Meditation & Visualization - 15 min
Affirmation - 5 min
Workout - 60 min
Shower
Breakfast - 15 min - (not always)
Read - 30 min - 60 min
Journal
Ready to begin a productive day by 830 am -9 am
Let us briefly discuss my morning routine and maybe it helps you develop or adjust your own morning routine.
I Wake up at 5am, which means that I have to be in bed by 10pm- 1030pm, the latest. It was a challenge at first, as expected, but as with any habit after a while it becomes natural.
I have a delicious black coffee without milk/sugar.
I meditate for at least 10 minutes, sometimes up to 20 minutes or even an hour. I usually meditate several times a day. Meditation is very common these days and people from all walks of life use meditation to understand their mind/brain and how it works. It also helps with better sleep, less stress, increased awareness, emotion control, and just being mindful of our “here and now” experiences. I also teach meditation, which helps me improve my practice while helping others.
I Visualize for two or three minutes my goals, obstacles I may have, a situation I may be in and how I would behave to ensure progress towards achieving my goals. It is important to be realistic that achieving success is not a straight-line journey. You will have difficulties and how you overcome them will determine whether you will achieve your goals or not. For example, visualizing your best self will allow you to make choices that will lead you to grow and become a better version of yourself. Or staying calm while in traffic is the right thing to do; after all you do not have control over the traffic situation so why become upset? How about listening to music or an audiobook. Sure, easier said than done, which is why we need to practice meditation so we can cultivate patience and tolerance.
Affirmation –I use affirmations on a daily basis throughout the day, not only in the morning. Positive affirmation raises awareness, especially when you think negatively about yourself unconsciously. They work to shift your negative thinking into a positive one. You can start with a few and write them down, or print your favorite ones as I did and have them displayed in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and read them aloud until they become part of your thinking habit. You could even have a few in your purse or your car so if you find yourself thinking negatively or stressed out, you’ll shift your thinking to your favorite positive affirmation.
Here are some of my favorite affirmations, which you may also use:
Today is going to be an amazing day because I choose to make it so.
I am grateful for everything and everyone in my life, and I make it my business to let them know.
I use my mind and thoughts to create opportunities for myself and enhance my life.
I deserve to be rich and empowered because I add value to other people’s lives.
I have the ability to visualize every aspect of my success.
I view all my experiences as opportunities to learn and grow.
Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.
I am perfectly healthy, mentally and physically, and I do all things I need to maintain my health.
I give myself some quiet time every day. It is important that I connect with my deeper self.
I am my best friend. Other friends come and go, but I am always here for me.
I respect my boundaries and myself. I insist that others respect it, too.
I workout consistently 4-5 times a week, usually early in the morning, and on my rest days I go for walks. Notice I said consistently, which is an important factor in maintaining your weight and overall health and fitness. After all, it is a lifetime activity so it must work with your schedule.
I eat breakfast – breakfast is important after a workout, however, it depends. I eat when I am hungry and not because it’s breakfast or lunch time. I try to prepare my meals in advance so that I always have something healthy to eat when I need it. When I lift weights I’ll have a protein shake. I also love cakes and cookies and I reward myself as needed but count for it when I exercise.
I read every morning and every evening. Reading is an active mental process as it engages the brain, which needs exercise to keep it strong and healthy. I also take long mindful walks and listen to audiobooks.
I journal consistently. At the end of the day I reflect and write down things I did well, people I helped, new ideas, lessons learned, and opportunities to grow and expand on.
My morning routine is complete and now I am enthusiastic and ready to begin my working day. I know it will be productive because I planned it. My morning routine inspires and motivates me to do the best each day and never forget that tomorrow we have another opportunity to do it better.
Having a morning routine means that we dedicate time every morning to specific activities that are imperative to achieving our goals. But first, make sure it’s your own routine based on your goals and dreams and then go for it.
You deserve it.
It’s your life so feel free to experiment and design it as you wish.
Good luck.
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