I believe that the way you first start your day determines how your whole day will go. Some of us might hit the snooze button, or perhaps grab our phones and resume scrolling shortly after waking up. Have you ever woke up, checked your email, and saw something frustrating? I know I have, and this would impact how I “showed up” for the rest of my day. I’m not one to leave things to chance anymore – so I adopted a morning routine that ensures that EVERY day gets off to a good start (yes – even weekends). I don’t want anything that is beyond my control influencing how I feel in the morning. Here is how I like to “set the tone” for my whole day – kind of a step by step guide – if you will. This may not work for you, but I learn best when given step by step instructions, especially when I am trying something new. This all started for me several years ago when I read a book called “The Miracle Morning” from Hal Elrod. He talks about an acronym called “SAVERS” – which stands for Silence – Affirmations – Visualization – Exercise – Reading – Scribing (writing). I’ve modified and adapted this to work for me, and here’s how my mornings begin, every single day.

I wake up at the same time every day, and immediately begin to do a guided morning meditation for 15 minutes, sitting up in my bed. Since I knew nothing about meditating (I have super monkey brain) – I downloaded an app called “Insight Timer”, and use the guided mediation courses in there. It’s important that this is the 1st thing I do each morning (even before coffee) – since my mind is still at its calmest at that point.

Next, I do get my coffee, and grab my journal. I have a simple system for journaling – so I don’t have to “try to think” of what to write. I start by writing 3 good things or wins from yesterday. Just 3, and it does not matter how big or small of wins they are. Next, I write what today’s intention is. What are 2-3 things I want to accomplish today, and I decide in advance what my mindset will be & visualize those things happening. Next, Ill either write out a list of 15 “I am grateful for” statements, OR I will write out my top 3 goals in each “circle” of my life (Personal, Health, Family, Finances, Business). I alternate gratitude & goals every other day – so I am looking at my goals over 180 times a year.

Next, I grab a book (personal development) and read 20 pages. This only takes about 20 minutes, and allows be to read 600 pages a month (that’s 2 big books). Last year I read 27 books, only reading 20 minutes a day. I am learning a lot.

Time to lace up my shoes and go for a 20 minute jog around my neighborhood. This is simply to wake up the rest of my body and break a sweat. Once I get back from my jog, I spend another 20 minutes stretching and doing some PT exercises with my shoulders. I finish out my exercise by doing 30 pushups, 30 sit-ups, and 30 crunches.

That’s it. It’s really simple – but the consistency of doing it daily is what matters most – and that part isn’t easy.

I wake up early, so I can do all of this before my kids wake up. As a parent, chaos can ensue while getting the kids ready for school, and I want to make sure the BEST version of me shows up for them in the morning. Other than using my phone for the meditation app, I do not take in any other social media, news, texts, or email until after I have finished my morning routine. This consistent practice has made me a much better Dad, a better Husband, a better friend, and a better professional.

Like Wayne Newton said in “Vegas Vacation”, my body is my instrument, and I believe in keeping it finely tuned.