I firmly believe that the secret to unlocking success and potential in life and business depends on how one starts the day. For years, I've experimented with different morning routines and I've discovered a powerful formula that has transformed my life. 

It's all about creating a sacred 'space' for yourself to recharge, refocus, and 'tee up' the day ahead. A successful morning leads to having a successful, day, five good days lead to a good week, four good weeks mean a good month and so on. Eventually, you'll have a successful year, career and life before you know it!

As Opera Winfrey says "I believe in the power of starting your day with intention."  By this, she meant don't just fall into the day and let it unfold for you - make it unfold your way! Plan the day ahead with good intentions.

Today starts the night before: Have A Peaceful Night

I was always a night owl, but I've learned over time the hard way that a restful night is essential for a productive morning. To optimize my sleep, I've created a calming bedtime routine. Here are some key practices I follow:

1. Create a Sleep Sanctuary: My bedroom is my tranquil retreat. I've invested in comfortable bedding. You could consider blackout curtains, and incorporating calming scents like lavender. As Bill Gates wisely said, “I choose a better sleep over a longer sleep.”

2. Stay Off the Booze: I find not drinking alcohol from Sunday to Thursday very beneficial - it helps my body recharge and keeps my mind clear. Of course, one can have drinks at the weekend to socialise if so inclined.

3. Unwind Before Bed: I dedicate time for relaxation before hitting the hay. I enjoy a warm bath/ shower, doing a puzzle or reading a book or writing in my diary all help me relax and unwind. Unplugging from screens an hour or two before bed also hugely helps to improve sleep quality.

Morning Rituals: Nourishing Your Soul

My morning routine is a powerful tool for shaping my day. Here are some practices I use to start my day:

1. Gentle Awakening: I begin my day gently. I avoid harsh alarm sounds and opt for a gradual wake-up with natural light or soft music. Stretching in bed can help ease the transition from sleep to wakefulness.

2. Keep the phone off and don't check emails.  This is very important - this is my time and I don't want to give it up to someone else. If it's bad news it will worry me ruining my day's plan and I will have to respond. If it's good news I will be excited and want to share it or start to think about what it means.  The phone and and emails can be left off until after breakfast.

3. Hydrate and Nourish: I start my day with a glass of warm water sometimes with lemon or honey. It can help kickstart my metabolism and cleanse my system. A balanced breakfast provides the energy I need to tackle the day ahead. I find a good nutritious breakfast means I don't have to worry about lunch too much. "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper" is attributed to Adele Davis and is something I have lived by all my life.

4. Move Your Body: Even a short burst of exercise can work wonders. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or a home workout, movement helps to awaken my body and mind. A really good cheat I discovered quite late in my life is to get a dog. Walking a dog is a great time to think about the day ahead and plan it or to listen to an audio to learn something. 

5. Mindful Moments: I incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing into my routine. These moments of stillness can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness.

6. Set Your Intentions: I take a few moments to reflect on my goals and priorities for the day. Visualizing success can be a powerful tool for motivation.

7. Lifelong Learning: I dedicate time to learning something new. Whether it's reading a chapter of a book, listening to a podcast, or taking an online course, continuous learning is essential for growth.

Now, Personalize Your Practice

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to morning routines. This approach works for me.  Experiment with different activities and find what resonates with you. The key is consistency. As Elon Musk said, “It's important to have a regular schedule.”

By investing time in your morning routine, you're not only setting yourself up for success but also prioritizing self-care. It's a powerful way to cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life.

So, why not give it a try? Start small, be consistent, and watch as your mornings transform into a catalyst for personal growth and achievement.

Give it a go and let me know if it works for you.

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