Look at just about any list of what makes the super productive, well, super productive and you’ll find Morning Routine listed in the top 5 almost every time. There are entire podcasts and books dedicated to the importance of the morning routine. But why is it that morning routines are so important to productivity? Well, because they serve as the best possible way to get us in the mindset of working proactively instead of reactively and help us to focus on what matters most instead of what’s most urgent.
While morning routine recipes seem to be reserved only for top productivity chefs, this recipe makes the morning routine simple and easy enough that anyone can cook it up for themselves.
When to Serve (use) a Morning Routine
Morning routines should be a staple in every productivity chef’s diet. Starting with the basics, you can serve up a morning routine a daily basis. As you gain skill with this recipe, feel free to expand it based on your own needs and desires.
Ingredients
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Alarm clock or alarm app
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Water
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Set of desired behaviors
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Reasonable bed time
Preparation (Prep Time: 5 to 15 minutes)
- Determine current typical wake up time.
- Set Alarm for the next day for 15 minutes earlier than current wake up time.
- Determine a reasonable bed time. Sleep should be in 90 minute chunks so shoot for 7.5 hours of sleep.
- Determine one or two new behaviors you would like to commit to during the 15 additional minutes. Possible behaviors include but are not limited to: Meditation, Exercise (yes, even 15 mintues), Healthy Breakfast, Reading or Journaling. (Check out the Daily Journal template for a guided journal that will help you start your days off right).
- Write down your morning routine being sure that you have just enough time to complete everything before you must leave or your day begins.
Note: If you know you have more than enough time, you’ll be inclined to hit snooze. You should have just enough time.
Cooking (Cook Time: Varies)
- Retire for bed 15 to 20 minutes before desired bed time (more if your night time routine requires additional time).
- Place a glass of water on your bedside table.
- Just before you fall asleep, review the time you wish to wake up and WHY you are committed to doing so.
- Focus on one thing you are really excited about for the next day.
- When your alarm goes off in the morning, immediately turn it off and drink the glass of water.
- Think about the thing that excites you about the day.
- Get out of bed prepared to begin your morning routine as prepared.
Yield: 1 Morning Routine
Gourmet Tips: As you adapt to the morning routine, you can set your clock back earlier and add one or two additional behaviors. Do not add too many at once or your recipe will likely overcook and not come out as desired.