my morning routine (2019 version) – part 2

Read first: my morning routine (2019 version) – part 1

With the coffee mug in my hand, I go to my work desk and begin with the first part of my recalibration process, wherein I read my mission statement, go through the tasks that I need to accomplish that day as per my weekly plan (I use Darren Hardy’s Sunday Planning System for this) and my calendar, and track the one important habit I’m trying to cultivate for the current 90-day cycle using my personal habit tracking system (including a 30-day Seinfeld calendar for the current month). I used to track multiple habits previously, but now I’ve decided to pursue only one key habit or behavior for 90 days, i.e., per quarter. Only one, no more than that!

Once I’m done with that, I fire on my laptop computer. I quickly check my email (I’ve sorted to display the important ones first in my inbox so that I don’t get distracted) and open the DarrenDaily (daily mentoring session by Darren Hardy) for the day. Side note: On weekends I simply repeat the sessions from the week or go through my previous notes from the sessions.

Then, I read an essay from The Daily Apple. It helps me re-learn the insights, ideas, and lessons that I’ve previously written and packaged for you. I’m on the same journey as you.

After that, I start my first work jam session that comprises of mainly writing tasks for multiple projects. This jam session basically consists of two 45-50 minute uninterrupted sessions with a 5-10 minute rest in between, lasting anywhere from 100 to 120 minutes in total.

Once I’m done with that, I head to the bathroom where I take care of my grooming and hop in for a shower. (My current rule is no smartphone in the bathroom).

Post-shower, I make my bed. Even it’s a small task, I feel amazing and I get a great sense of accomplishment once I’m done with it. It’s a great habit to have as it sets the tone for entire day. As Naval Admiral William McRaven, the commander of U.S. Special Operations, said in his 2014 commencement speech at University of Texas at Austin, “If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.” I highly recommend reading his book Make Your Bed for some invaluable lessons. Once my bed is ready, I do some basic cleaning and tidying up and make sure things are organized and kept in their respective places. Along with tidying up my space, I light a tealight candle to create a soothing ambience. This helps me feel relaxed, comfortable and attain hygge in the mornings.

Next, I begin with my morning journaling, kicking off the second part of my recalibration process. I empty all my thoughts, worries, anxieties or questions in my journal. This proves to be very useful as we live our daily lives and avoids the bottling up of any negative emotions. Also, I write down 5 things I’m grateful for. After that, I read the meditation from the respective day from The Daily Stoic, written by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, and write my thoughts based on the corresponding question from The Daily Stoic Journal. After journaling, I read 1-2 pages from The Bhagavad Gita, followed by completing my affirmations and visualization sessions, which take around 5-10 minutes.

Then, I make some green tea for myself, and get started with the second work jam session immediately. My current goal is to finish at least two work jam sessions before lunch time. 

So that’s my morning routine as of right now. I hope it inspires you and gives you a framework on which you can build your own routine. Everyone is unique and I’m sure you may have a different perspective on how you would like to establish yours. Feel free to carve out your personal routine based on what suits you best. 

As I have mentioned previously, I keep experimenting with new behaviors, tools and strategies that I learn, thus tweaking my morning routine letting it evolve over time. I would suggest you be always willing to experiment as well, and try new things that you think may help you get in a better mindset, make you more creative and productive, and get you closer to the expression of your genius. If you feel inspired and would like to start your own morning routine, just go for it, no need to wait! It’s the best decision you’ll ever make both for your personal and professional life. Good luck!