I first started implementing a morning routine about 10 years ago when I was working full-time as a property lawyer and launched my first business.
I reasoned that the only way I could generate some additional time to work on my startup, fit in exercise and work my day job, was to wake up earlier and be intentional about how I start my day.
And so my morning routine was borne. It has also evolved over time, while the benefits I've experienced from having a morning routine have been compounding every day.
You might be reading this thinking "Why should I start a Morning Routine?"
To help answer that question, I'm going to set out 5 benefits that I've experienced from my morning routine, which I hope will make you think twice about starting your own morning routine.
Self Discipline
I used to hate waking up early in the morning so it took me a lot of effort to get out of bed when the alarm went off.
Starting my business gave me a reason to wake up earlier and make sure that I got stuff done first thing in the morning before heading to work.
Over time, the repetitive act of waking up in the morning to work and work out before heading to my day job developed my self-discipline.
I developed a schedule of things I need to get done first thing in the morning and held myself accountable for doing those things before I left home.
If you're disciplined at the start of your day, that discipline will filter through to the rest of your day and impact your life.
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small, simple pride and 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.”
- General W.H. McRaven
Waking up early became my first task of the day, which set me up to complete more tasks during the rest of my day.
Fitness First
Other than waking up early, my morning routine is based on exercise. It's one of my non-negotiables.
Before starting a morning routine I used to head to the gym after work, which gave me plenty of excuses not to work out.
Basing my morning routine around fitness meant I could no longer use that excuse. To reduce the friction even further, I switched my workout routines from going to the gym to bodyweight workouts that I could do anywhere and at any time - no excuses.
Incorporating some form of exercise in the morning also boosted my energy levels and increased my awareness. Taking care of your body first thing in the morning helps wake up your brain.
"When the body moves the brain grooves."
- Jim Kwik
Through self-discipline and sticking to my schedule, I taught my body to wake up in the morning and work out.
Less Stress
I used to love the snooze button.
It was only after starting a morning routine that I started to understand how much stress the snooze button causes at the start of your day.
For me, hitting the snooze button meant waking up late, rushing around at home to get ready, and rushing to work, when more often than not, I was late.
That's a lot of rushing and a lot of stress at the start of your day, whether you realise it or not.
Having a morning routine meant I started the day on the right foot with less clutter on my mind and less stress in my system.
As a result, I was happier and less stressed in the morning, which meant I experienced a more grounded and productive day.
Increased Productivity
Following a morning routine has enabled me to find time to focus on my priorities every day.
I have a pre-planned morning routine, which means that I don't have to think about what I need to do first thing in the morning because it's already been decided.
As a result, I suffer less decision fatigue and conserve my willpower first thing in the morning, which enables me to better utilise both later in the day when I need them.
“Focused, productive successful mornings generate focused, productive, successful days – which inevitably create a successful life.”
- Hal Elrod
Time for Learning
Studies have shown that the first two to three hours of your day are when you have your peak thinking and productivity window.
Thanks to my morning routine, I use this time for personal development and self-reflection, rather than rushing around to get ready and leave the house.
I've started a journalling habit, incorporated a regular meditation practice, and created time for learning thanks to waking up earlier and following a schedule.
Final Thoughts
It's easy to underestimate the benefits of having a morning routine when you don't currently have one.
I never anticipated the impact having a morning routine would have on my life and how it's helped me grow as a person.
Waking up an hour earlier and planning what to do with that time might sound hard right now.
However the long-term payoff far outweighs the short-term pain, so why not start your own morning routine?