Beginning your day with intention can help you make fewer decisions and save your energy for when it’s most important. Studies have shown that having structure and routine benefits children, but adults can also benefit from having routines to thrive.

How to get started

Preparation

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

– Colin Powell

Preparing for your day begins the night before. Your mornings can be disrupted if you can’t locate your car keys, or if you’re unsure of what to wear. You may also discover that you don’t have enough gas in your car to reach your destination.

Before you start your day, it’s important to plan ahead. Check your calendar to see what you have planned and consider what you’ll need for each activity. Set your alarm for the appropriate time and set a backup, just in case you hit snooze. If you plan on going to the gym, pack your gym bag with everything you need and lay out your clothes for the next day. Make sure to pack a healthy lunch and ensure your car has enough gas to get you where you need to go. By preparing ahead of time, you can start your day feeling confident and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

What’s Next?

Master Your Morning

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to see what lies in the day before you. Priming is a way to get into a state of mind that prepares you to take on the day in a more positive way. We have 50,000 to 70, 000 thoughts in a day with the majority of them being negative. Why not create the shift to focus on positive outcomes from the start?

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

Lao Tzu

Starting your day can vary greatly depending on personal preference and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Numerous personal development experts have shared various methods such as journaling, meditation or prayer, exercise or fitness, silence, reading, and visualization, all of which have their own benefits. It’s common to experience some resistance when setting up your morning routine, as your brain likes to keep you safe and may be fearful of change. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different methods to find what works best for you. I recommend waking up at least 1-2 hours before you need to start your day’s activities.

Then What?

Focus and Reflect

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”

– Alexander Graham Bell

Starting your day on purpose begins with intention, breathing through the tough parts, and critically thinking through scenarios as they arise. Focus on how you want to feel – it is easy to get caught up in analyzing situations. Stay curious at all times. Individuals who have established routines are disciplined and have built resilience.

Dealing with inconvenience in life is a true test of character. It’s important to keep the promises you make to yourself and learn from your experiences. Take some time to reflect during the day and at the end of the day by asking yourself these questions:

How would I rate my day on a scale of 0 to 10? What can I do to improve it? How can I set myself up for success tomorrow?

What were the positive outcomes of today? How can I replicate or surpass them tomorrow?

Which part of my morning routine energizes me the most? What can I add to it tomorrow?

Get ready for a successful day tomorrow by preparing and taking control of your day. Embrace your success by starting off on the right foot.

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC PCC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up for the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free 10-page PDF of Reset Your Mindset download today! www.debrakasowski.com