First Five

Beyond reflecting on the alignment between our time and values, the start of a new year is an awesome opportunity to focus on optimizing our morning routine.

An intentionally crafted morning routine lays the foundation for a vibrant and productive day.

I’ve had periods of time in my life that I’ve begun each morning by repeatedly hitting snooze while I lay in bed dehydrated — emerging from hours without water — mustering up the energy to mindlessly scroll through the notifications on my phone.

I’ve had periods of time in my life that I’ve begun each day with intention and discipline.

The difference between the two not only impacts the waking hour, but profoundly affects the rest of the day as well.

I like to think of the latter as committing to the first five — the first five actions or activities that I begin each day with…and the actions or activities that I avoid.

There are no right or wrong items to include in this list. It matters less what we choose to do, and more that we are intentional and disciplined about what we select.

Your list might include hydration, exercise, meditation/prayer, reading, journaling, movement, time with loved ones, eating, fasting, consuming caffeine, avoiding caffeine, checking email, checking the news, checking social media, watching the sun rise, cold water therapy, stretching, walking your dog, waking up upon the first alarm, “strategically” sleeping through multiple alarms, ingesting supplements, setting daily goals, playing music, going outside….

Take some time this week to think about how you currently start your morning and what tweaks you might be able to make to lay a stronger foundation for the day.

What will your first five be each morning in 2021?

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