How to Design Your Morning Routine
For the past year, I’ve been diligently following a morning routine. It has literally been life-changing. Since adopting a morning routine, my days have forever changed. I’m happier, far more efficient, I’ve seen tremendous success, and I consistently live in abundance!
Every morning, I’m up an hour before I have to get my day started. Sometimes that means I’m up at 5... which can be daunting at times. But, I’ve come to a place where I now intimately value my morning routine and can’t imagine life without it.
Let me walk you through my process in an effort to help you design a routine that best suits you!
20 Minutes: Meditation
I take 20 minutes for meditation. It’s awkward at first, I know. But once you get the hang of it, it’s magic. A few apps I love are Insight Timer (my fav), Headspace (great for beginners as they have a 10 day intro program), and Calm. Many people say meditation isn’t for them and I used to be one of those people. Then, I committed for 90 days and it changed my world. So I challenge you: Try it for 90 days (which in the grand scheme of life isn’t that much), and your perspective may switch!
And let me remind you, meditation can look different for each individual. You don’t have to be seated on the floor, cross-legged, with your hands in a mudra position, and counting your breath. You can simply lie in your bed, in silence, present and alone with your thoughts. You can use the time in silence to assess your emotions, where you are in your journey, and the steps you’ll take today to get your further along your path.
My personal approach is guided meditation or soft music playing in the background. I start off with 5-10 deep intentional breaths, then I shift my mind on what my soul is craving for the day. Sometimes it’s gratitude, and other times it’s focused on clearing negative energy. No two days look the same, and I don’t conform to what anyone says meditation ‘should’ look like. I Just focus on being present and intentional with my thoughts.
So give it a try, don’t overthink it, and watch the miracles happen.
10 Minutes: Affirmations
The next 10 minutes are focused on any of the below affirmations. I don’t just skim over them, but I read them aloud and fully digest them. The affirmations are typically followed by a few breaths to help fully grasp the words I’m saying.
Affirmations have changed my world. I can confidently say that I’ve manifested many areas of my life (which is fabulous) through the repetition of these words. Affirmations are so powerful; they’ve helped me to rewire my perspective to that of gratitude, positivity, love, and success. And the best part, it’s so easy to do! My affirmations change regularly based on what I’m in need of, but here are some to help get you started:
I am a force
Wealth is pouring into my life
I radiate love, beauty, charm, and grace
I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind
Something amazing is going to happen today
My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite
When feeling off, I will shift my expectations, better is on the way
I speak peace and calmness over my life
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I am driven by passion and purpose
I am the master of my day, things will happen outside of my control and that is a natural part of life, how I react to this is my choice
Everything I experience is a part of my learning process and life supports me in every possible way
I am gentle and loving to myself and I am worthy of love, kindness, and respect
I allow abundance to flow freely through me
I respect myself, I accept myself, I love myself
I choose to make a positive difference in this world every day, and I show up in my life to honor this opportunity I have been given
I choose to be happy and choose to do the things that bring me joy, in turn, I am able to spread joy
I am present, here, and now… absorbing life in every possible way
I am grateful for this sense of well-being that fills my consciousness every day
I am always finding new things to appreciate in my life
Where focus goes, energy flows
I am a positive, powerful, and conscious thinker
And here are some additional affirmations that can particularly help you if you are on a health journey:
I love myself unconditionally and accept myself for who I am
I bring the qualities of fulfillment, happiness and contentment into my life as I am now
I am grateful for the body I own and all it does for me
I let go of unhelpful patterns of behaviour around health
I am the creator of my future and driver of my mind
I free myself from the doubt and pessimism that keep me from achieving my goals
My planning, action and hard work will translate to the achievement of my desires
If you are new to affirmations, just pick 10 from the above that resonate with you and repeat them daily! Ideally you do your affirmations after your meditation practice - once your mind and thoughts are as clear as possible and you are present and open! Try them for the next week and I guarantee your day will be changed for the better!
30 Minutes: Nourish The Brain
Once my mindset is right, I take 30 minutes to feed my brain! I read or listen to a podcast, a TED talk, a sermon… anything that helps set the tone for the day ahead.
If I’m reading something, it’s usually nonfiction personal development books! The topic often depends on what I’m craving. For the last year, most books have been on entrepreneurship or financial freedom. I’ll sometimes throw in some good fiction to help balance it out!
My favourite podcasts also depend on what I need at that time:
If I need spiritual enlightenment, I go straight to Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations.
If I need to focus, The Tim Ferris show is great motivation for efficiency and effectiveness.
As an entrepreneur, The School of Greatness inspires me regularly and always reminds me to connect back to my purpose.
At least weekly, I listen to something financial and the Dave Ramsey squad always helps. This podcast and The Chris Hogan Show are tools I use to constantly remind me of my path to financial freedom.
When I need a kick the in ass and want to be productive, GaryVee always delivers.
When I need to be amped up, Tony Robbins helps to get me hyped! I usually listen to him on Mondays to help kickstart my week.
I’m a proud minimalist, so my weekly dose of The Minimalist Podcast always entertains me.
And when I need someone to PREACH the word to me, TD Jakes and Joel Olsteen are often on rotation.
And there’s an hour. If this particular routine isn’t for you... give something a try and stick to it! Perhaps it involves devotion, prayer, stretching, a walk, journaling … I just suggest starting your day off with intention. Create a meaningful routine that works for you.
Throughout the day, we have so many external demands that pull us in 100 different directions. You deserve some time for you. Even if it’s only 15 minutes, carve out the time and prioritize it. Your life will be changed!
