Our brains have a way of creating daily habits and sticking to them whether or not they are helpful to us. Most of us already have a morning routine even if we are unaware that it exists. This may include having a non-negotiable cup of coffee, brushing our teeth without exception and searching for our car keys even after we swore we would not misplace them again. All too often it seems that we are wired to repeat ourselves with little awareness that we are doing it.
Without realizing, many of us choose to start our days the same way only to find later its outcome was not what we desired. By understanding this, we can quickly transform bad habits into a routine that gives us a greater sense of control throughout the day, prepares us for its inevitable surprises, and boosts us into the satisfaction stratosphere by adding a turbo shot of confidence.
In part thanks to ever-busier lives, it is increasingly rare to find ourselves excited to be waking up. In the twenty-first century, enjoying the sound of an alarm clock is simply unheard of. Sadly, the sound which commences our day is something dreadful far more frequently than valued. Waking up grumpy, tired and annoyed at our glued eyelids is a mentality that offers us less control over how we behave and the way we shape our lives. Below are four ways in which you can add an extra shot of confidence to your morning routine and succeed in life and business.
GRATITUDE
Taking a few moments to express gratitude in a journal or recite joyful affirmations are two easy ways to incorporate appreciation bubbles into a flat routine. After all, who shouldn’t be thankful that those glued eyelids opened up once again?
Being grateful before anything else- literally- is the best way to remember that you have control over your part in the beautiful day ahead.
Still, when your feet first touch the floor there is a great deal of uncertainty as to what lies ahead. Losing a client, traffic, a stained t-shirt, or an unpredictable fight with a loved one too often derail what would have otherwise been a favorable and productive morning. However, beginning the day by embracing the perfection of it all will serve as a propeller to respond better to unavoidable surprises.
MORNING CHECKLIST
An A.M. checklist is another fantastic way to evade sluggishness when something unforeseen goes wrong. The previous night, prepare a checklist of the things you will need to do or take with you before you leave home, being sure to leave enough time to clean up any spilled milk along the way. Acknowledging the unknown will leverage more confidence in yourself, in turn granting you the resources to handle whatever the day may throw your way.
COMMITMENT
Did you know that all the things you want in life and business all have something in common? They all require a level of commitment for achievement. Whether your goal is to lose weight, be promoted, or maintain a loving relationship, you must commit to the things you want by deciding they matter to you. In the same way, effectively converting your mornings into being more fulfilling and efficient takes a real commitment. By choosing to be a committed early bird you also strengthen your ability to get the proverbial worm. Get out of your comfort zone each morning and commit to doing something you would not normally do. Select something that will make you feel more attuned with yourself such as exercising, meditating or spending some time outdoors. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that uniquely benefits you. Remember- this is your morning routine and no one else’s.
SELF-ACCEPTANCE
Even with these concepts perfected, one final factor stands between you and your ideal sunrise- your inner dialogue. Conscious effort is necessary to shift speech in your head from self-sabotaging to self-accepting. Doing so provides you the confidence you need to keep you going all day long. Certainly, the combination of habits mentioned will elevate confidence noticeably, however to truly embrace this lifestyle you must be able to appreciate yourself for who you are. In front of a mirror, quiet your mind, and while looking into your eyes remind yourself of what a special blessing you truly are. Confidence is a choice to be remade every day as well as continuously nourished. This constructive activity will establish a positive relationship with yourself for your day and, with enough practice, the rest of your life.
By making the most of your morning routine, you will learn that you are both capable AND worthy of a having a delightful day. Don’t allow yourself be discouraged if circumstances cause you to miss one day; instead remember your alarm will ring again in twenty-four hours to bring a new opportunity to you. This notion alone is progress- who would have thought that you could appreciate that sound after all?
