Start your day right.
I’ve talked about waking with gratitude before. But, I can’t remind myself enough about it. Keeping the habit going is critical to my success in life.
As I was thinking about my typical day, I really start off with a double boost. I always wake with gratitude. Second, I always start out quiet in the morning.
Let me explain.
The moment I check my email, or voicemail, or Facebook or Twitter or whatever, is the moment I let the world into my life. Once I open the door to the world, my day is off to the races.
Perhaps the most critical time in my day is BEFORE I let the world in. Before I check even one email or voicemail. This is the time to get my mind and body ready for the day. This is the time to visualize and work my plan for the day.
Usually, I have the day planned out the night before. So, this is not a big planning time. Rather, this is time before getting in the game. From a sports analogy, this is warm-up. The game hasn’t started yet, but is close. From a flying analogy, this is pre-flight.
My energy levels haven’t peaked either. Again, I want to peak during my primetime, not as soon as I wake up.
This period of time must be guarded ruthlessly. The world, like ocean waves, is always looking to intrude. Give it an inch, and you are toast.
Here’s what I do specifically. I wake and give gratitude. This is always first for me. I might spend a few minutes in my head being grateful for what I had, have, and will have. I might read something inspirational on gratitude.
Then, I keep all electronics off. You get used to it over time. The pull to immediately check email, blackberry, iPhone is great. But, for your own sake, please resist.
Even if you do this for 5 minutes, you are developing a powerful habit that lets you explode out of the gate every morning.
I strongly encourage you to wake everyday with gratitude and solitude.
Try it and let me know what you think.
Jeffrey A. Betman, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, and life coach helping people toward the easy life. For a FREE newsletter ($197 value) on making your life easier and FREE report titled 5 Steps To An Easy Life That You Probably Know, But Don’t Do Yet, go to www.LifeIsEasyCoaching.com/sq
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