It’s The Small Stuff
Many success seminars will focus you on the big stuff. You know what I mean by the big stuff? The lifelong goals that you want to achieve. The person you want to become. That’s the big stuff, and it’s super important or we wouldn’t call it big.
Today I want to focus a bit more micro—on something that seems small, but when you do it every day, it compounds, and the results become big.
Have you given thought to how to start your day?
Many of us have routines. The question I want you to think about is, do your routines work for you? Are they taking you where you want to go? Or are you just doing what you’ve always done, hoping it all works out?
9 Practices You Can Start Today
Here are nine different practices that successful people employ to get the day started. Why not try a new one out this week and see what happens?
Praying and Meditating. Yes, you just woke up, so why the need to be still? Because taking even a few minutes to organize your thoughts, calm your spirit, and increase your focus will improve everything from your blood pressure to your creativity. Take 10 minutes in the morning and try it out.
Massaging. Long ago, a yoga instructor taught me this one. When you first wake up, gently rub your feet, then legs, then hands and arms. Finally, rub your neck and face. Do this before you jump out of bed to increase the oxygen in your blood and boost your energy.
Reading something uplifting. Don’t jump up and start reading email and looking at your Facebook and Twitter feeds. Don’t jump right into the news cycle. Just a few minutes of reading something positive will orient your mindset. Read a positive blog or read scripture.
Exercising. This is not my practice, but many successful people automatically put on their running shoes and go immediately out the door with little thought. Physical activity will stimulate your system and flood your body with endorphins.
Savoring. Be mindful of the littlest things: the sounds that you hear, the birds chirping, the way food feels in your mouth. Especially first thing in the morning, increase your mindfulness to boost your awareness.
Visualizing and rehearsing. Spend five minutes visualizing your day. See yourself as successful, confident, and powerful.
Breathing. Try deep breathing for five minutes, breathing in through your nose, allowing your lungs to completely fill and then exhaling out your mouth.
Journaling. Wake up and start writing. Whatever is in your head, whatever ideas your dreams brought you.
Singing. Or Jamming. Basically, put on some upbeat, uplifting music that speaks to you. Go for it in the car and belt it out and dance a bit. Who cares what the other drivers think? Watch your mood soar before you hit the office or start your day.
You likely have your own practices to add to this collection. That is exactly how it should be. The goal is never to adopt someone else’s routine wholesale. It is simply to craft a morning that belongs entirely to you.
Try one of these tomorrow. Keep what brings you clarity and discard whatever feels like an obligation. Mix these ideas with your own habits until you find a rhythm that fits the exact shape of your life.
Just remember that as you grow, your mornings will need to evolve alongside you. The quiet stillness you require in one season might give way to a need for movement in the next. Pause every few months to look at how you are spending that first hour. Ask yourself if it is still grounding you. Ask if it is still preparing you to step into the world with a steady heart.
Your morning is yours to claim. I hope you find a beautiful moment in it today.
Have a wonderful day.
