Subscribe in a readerStop procrastinating: Your secret morning habit
This morning when I woke up, I did something terrible.
I hardly ever do this as it’s an old habit I managed to get rid of several years ago.
But after a few too many 4-hour nights in a row, my brain just gave in.
The fact is, the way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it.
It sets your expectations of yourself – high or low.
And whether you consciously choose how you spend those first few minutes, or not, you’ll be reinforcing good or bad habits.
Action or hesitation.
Enthusiasm or negativity.
…
Can you see how this can hugely impact the results you’ll get?
Financially. Emotionally. Physically.
I like to call this “Framing Your Day”.
This isn’t about exercising. Though exercising may be a key component of what gets you to optimum levels in the morning. There is more to it.
I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all morning routine. You are unique, and have unique ambitions about what you’ll get out of your day. So I suggest you experiment and find what works for you.
My personal rule of thumb is to include short activities that do 3 things:
- raise my energy levels
- get me to experience a small success (strecthing my comfort zone a little)
- get me focused.
…
Let’s be honest. At the beginning, you need to force yourself to make it happen every morning as soon as you wake up. But sooner or later it becomes natural.
Of course, you can also start the day groggy, whining about the alarm clock, spilling your coffee trying to do 12 things at once, knocking into the furniture helplessly rushing to get ready, grumbling “Grrr, it’s gonna be one of those days again!…”
It’s up to you to choose.
…
Don’t think that applies to you?
Next time you’ve had a bad day, when you feel you got nothing done, take the time to review how you started it.
If you consider how rewarding and productive your day has been, you may find it related to the actions you took in the first few minutes after you arose.
It’s your choice.
Only yours!
Talk soon,
Yann
…
PS:Â About this “terrible thing” I did this morning…
Okay, I’ll confess… I hit the snooze button.
Seriously, what kind of habits does that create?!!
Well, you won’t catch me again tomorrow. I’m off to bed early. And I’ll be jumping out of bed, going through my success morning routine – no matter what.
I hope you try it for yourself and feel the benefits.
:-)
Yann,
I agree. The way you start your day is a portent of things to come, most of the time.
Get some Sleep :-)
Lynn Lane
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
Yann I don’t know why, but I have to sign into your blog every time I leave a comment. Did you watch Craig’s videos hahaha Anyway, you are exactly right. There’s a woman named Loretta LaRoche, who is a comedian but also a psychologist I think. She talks about things like this and it is sooooooo funny but so true!
Lisa McLellan, Child Care Expert – Babysitters, Nannies, and Au-pairs
i keep my alarm clock in my head so i can’t hit snooze. the military programmed it in. i agree with what you say about a rough morning.
Don Shepherd
oregon or bust
Yann, For some reason your last post is showing up on google reader as april 3rd. I have a feeling some people are not getting your posts. I received your updated post only after directly typing in your email address.
Your post is very true. Your mind sets the tone for the day. My mood completely changes after exercising early or having my morning coffee.
Mark
Glacier Marketing
Glacier Ice Cream
The Snooze Button was invented by someone who didn’t want humans to succeed…
I suspect the Cylons did it. (Battlestar Galactica for those who still have this great series to watch in the future)
Seize the Day,
Rob
Personal Asset Protection For Small Business Owners
Have You Covered Your Assets?
Yann,
Great advice to start the day out on a good foot. I used to have a similar routine, but now start it off by hitting the blogs :-).
“Early to Bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” – Benjamin Franklin
Steve
Haha! I used to be VERY familiar with the snooze button.
Thing is, I love my bed. I could spend the whole day in bed.
That’s why I have to do things that excite me! Otherwise I’d never get out of bed.
As it is, I usually leap out of bed!
Please don’t remind of this after a bottle of red wine, though! I won’t thank you for it!
JJ Jalopy
Life Coaching and Home Business Advice with JJ Jalopy
I was wondering — through the entire post (which I REALLY enjoyed) — what was the ‘terrible thing’? Turns out it was the evil ‘snooze’ button … I remember that one. I haven’t used it in years, but there was a time when I pressed it every morning (and usually 2 or 3 times in a row)!
I absolutely agree with you regarding attitude upon awakening.
Sue Crutcher, Life Empowerment Mentor
Yann,
I can completely relate to your challenge this morning. You are so right, though, that the way we start the day often sets the tone for the rest of the day. Great reminder!
I, too, have been having trouble with my Google Reader picking up your new posts. The last one I got was April 3rd. I just figured that you weren’t posting daily. Sorry for the confusion!
Pam
Great Minds, Great Wealth: How to Raise your Return, Reduce your Risk, Cut your Cost
Yann,
I can relate the “Snooz” button situatoin. At times, it canbe so challenging when you’re dead tired.
Have thesame problem in getting Google Readerto pick up your new updates.
I’m commenting on your missed blog posts now.
John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion (WordPress)
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion (Vox Blog)
It has taken me awhile to find the morning routine that gets me energized, but you are correct, if I ignore it, the day does NOT go as well!! Very good advice!!!
SunnyMarie
Glamour and Glitz
http://www.sunnymarie.wordpress.com
I can feel a difference……..my normal day starts at the very latest 0400 because I have to at the hospital by 0600. On those days when I would sleep in, I’d feel sluggish.
Of course now every day starts at around 0400!!! :]
Thanks
JC JC
Yann, I have a similar start to my day only I realize after reading your blog that I haven’t made an actual habit. Time to do so to increase my personal productivity.
-Pat
Business Owners Fast Track to Internet Profits
Hi Yann,
I love your rule of 3!!
How you frame your day is SO important to what happens to you over the course of a day, week, year and a lifetime!!
Your view of the world is whats played on the projector of your mind!
So you better be playing a great movie!!
Duane
Learn Winning Persuasion
Techniques that Work Like Magic by Tapping Into the Psychology of
the Mind with Persuasion Expert Duane Cunningham!