Every morning we wake up with a new opportunity to start over, to make a different decision, or even just to choose a different route to work.  Choices are thrown at us from the moment we open our eyes.  Many of the smiles on our faces come from the choices we’ve made in life, as like the opposite, many of the frustrations we see come from the decisions we chose not to make.  What I know to be true is the way we start our day has a big impact on the energy we attract along the way.  Have you ever wondered why the person that cut you off in traffic flipped you the bird shortly after breakfast?  Like what actually pissed you off that badly before the 9 o’clock hour?  My grade school teachers would say, how you start your day is a direct reflection to how your day will end.  With that being said, I would like to share five morning rituals that are sure to give you a jump-start on your day. 

#1 WAKE UP EARLY   

Waking up early gives you extra 1-3 hours to check things off of your To-Do List.  It also provides you the time to pray or to set an intention for the rest of your day.  Those that wake up early are known to procrastinate less, and said to have more energy to expend throughout the day.  Most people think waking up earlier is near impossible, but remember changes are doable if taken slowly on a steady progression.  Waking up 15 minutes early for a period of time until you settle into that adjustment, and then moving the clock back another 15 minutes may be helpful.  It has been said that the wealthiest people in the world wake up between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., so what are you waiting on? 

#2 PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Admitting, I don’t meditate near as much as I used to.  But when I consistently spend time in silence and being still, I feel less likely to over react to daily oppositions.  Whether its 5 or 15 minutes, that inner calm helps to manage anxiety and removes that inner bias off of your brain.   

#3 JOURNAL

I did not grow up journaling, but have used it during my adult life to release frustrations and to vent in private.  Many times we choose to vent, or as I call it, bleed on other people.  Dumping your reality on people that may or may not be interested can be detrimental to a relationship.  Often times it comes off as complaining, but the fact of the matter is, we do need a healthy outlet.  Journaling also affords us time to plan our day, and to write down our 3-5 year goals.  Even when our memory fails us regarding our plans for life, keeping a journal acts as a reference point for our future endeavors.  And plus, there is something about writing things down that holds you accountable.  Write the vision, and make it plain!    

#4 WORKOUT

Working out has been known to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.   It creates a newfound energy that you didn’t even know you had; this helps to jump-start your day.  It’s a mood booster, and promotes a positive attitude giving you a sense of accomplishment for the rest of your day.  Many researchers have said that a quick morning workout is as effective as taking an antidepressant. 

#5 WRITE DOWN YOUR TO-DO LIST

Writing down your intentions for the day will help to keep you on task.  It will help you be more realistic about the hours that are available to you.  I recommend having less on your list and spending more time on those things versus have many things on your list and not giving quality time to finish each task.  We are all given the same 24 hours, what you do with those hours is what separates the good from the great.