Hi Friends,

So, a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that I had been in a stuck place for myself. A feeling of complacency and it has been killing me. I wake up to do the same tasks over and over again, but it’s never something that is helping me to reach who I am striving to become.

One day after sitting at the dinner table with a few friends while having some much-needed adult conversation, someone says that a low of theirs lately had been deciphering between motivation and discipline. That motivation is not something that helps you reach your goals. It is rather having discipline.

This resonated with me because without really realizing before, I had been struggling with the same notion. I would think that motivation alone is what will keep me going, but that is far from the truth.

Do not get me wrong, we need to know the why’s of what we are trying to accomplish and remember them when times get rough. But it takes discipline to get up and do what you need to do.

After feeling stuck and finding any and everything to complain about myself, I finally said no more and took action.

I created a morning routine that has been helping me to jumpstart my day in the best way possible. I’d been following this routine now for about two weeks and noticed changes in my attitude, my stamina throughout the day, and my thought process.

What to do for a morning routine?

Everyone’s morning looks different, but here are a few things to incorporate in your morning to get a good jumpstart in your day.

1. Wake up an hour earlier than you typically do or choose a time earlier in the morning that you can dedicate to. I began waking up at 6:00am. Remember, the earlier you rise, the more you can accomplish.
2. Drink water first thing. Begin your day with some hydration.
3. Show some gratitude. This can be done through prayer. Speaking aloud gratitude for just waking up in the morning also makes all the difference in the beginning of your day.
4. Start journaling. Allow your thoughts to just vomit through pen and paper. No need for sugarcoating how you feel, just start writing.
5. Move your body. Begin some sort of exercise. Even if this is a 15-20 minute youtube workout, get to it.
6. Speak affirmations upon yourself.
7. Read a book that focuses on a new skill or challenges your mindset.

What are the benefits of having a morning routine?

1. Improves mental health and well-being.
   • Reduces stress and anxiety.
   • Helps to feel more grounded and connected.
2. Helps to structure your day.
   • You begin to take control of your day.
   • Sets you up for success in the day to come.
3. Promotes using time better.
   • You are more productive in your day.
   • Improves your quality of work.

Now I know this may look like a lot, but having a morning routine is not to add more tasks to your day. It’s to encourage you to become more productive and helps to refresh, rejuvenate and refocus yourself for the day ahead. It’s a great way to improve your overall happiness and confidence. Which is what I have been experiencing myself in the last couple of weeks since starting my routine.

So, if you are like me and you are tired of feeling stuck and ready to just make some sort of change to improve your day, start with a morning routine. Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Happiness.