How Do You Start Your Day?

“Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day.” (Og Mandino, 1923-1996)

Life can be challenging.

Whether people work for themselves, work for someone else, go to school or are stay-at-home parents, often they wake up just in time to hit the ground running. Emails checked, breakfasts whipped up, reports dashed off – all this chaotically jump-starts the day. No wonder evenings are numbly spent in front of televisions, blotting out that the next day only promises more of the same.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

One powerful solution is to begin each day with a habit that builds and strengthens your foundation. There are many options to choose from, based on interests, strengths, and available time. Here are some suggestions:

Meditate
Read something that will improve your life
Exercise
Pray
Sit outside
Listen to relaxing music
Practice visualization exercises
Say affirmations
Eat a good breakfast without rushing

And there are others. Find something that brings peace and relaxation to your heart and soul and build that habit into your life. If you can only fit in ten minutes, take it. Ten minutes spent sitting in a quiet room, breathing deeply and consciously relaxing your body can have amazing results.

I recently recommitted to start my day strengthening my foundation. Checking my email had somehow crept earlier into my day, which resulted in answering email and then starting the other tasks awaiting me on my desktop. Luckily it didn’t take long to realize that I was off-course and to readjust.

My habit is to read something positive (currently rereading The Success Principles, by Jack Canfield – highly recommended) and then hit the gym. At the gym I usually listen to educational or inspirational podcasts (one way to avoid the numerous televisions that are spewing negativity and despair.) When I finally sit down work I feel calmer and more focused, secure in the fact that I have already acted in the best interest of my clients and my own well-being.

And that is the best place from which to serve my family, friends, clients and the world.

If you have a morning habit that is a wonderful start to your day, please share. Your comments encourage and inspire me, as well as others.

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