Have you ever had a rough morning where you wake up on the “wrong side of the bed?" You know, a day that begins with bad news or an unpleasant feeling in your body. Possibly, you worked out hard during the previous day's gym session, and your body is sore. Emotions of sadness or anger could also be related to an argument with a romantic partner. For whatever reason, you wake up not feeling grateful or happy for seeing another day.
Each of us has experienced the feeling of getting up in the morning in an unhappy state and carrying that negative energy with you throughout the day. What if I told you there are multiple ways to start and end your day on a positive note? Yes, it is possible to begin each day with emotions that can lead to success in your personal and professional lives. These tricks do not require the purchase of any gadget or tool!
The four recommendations I offer you require intentional time made at strategic points in the morning and evening.
1. Do not log-on to social media or your email within the first 45 minutes of waking up!
The quickest way to give others control of your day can begin with the decision to open a social media app or email message within the initial moments of your morning. A negative email or comment on a post can stir up anxious, sad, or angry emotions that can inhibit your day if they are part of the first 45 minutes of your morning. Resist this temptation of reviewing your profile or inbox by placing your phone or smartwatch outside of your bedroom. Determine to reserve the first 45 minutes of your day for activities that are more likely to make a positive impact on your body, mind, and spirit.
2. Control your morning with prayer, meditation, reading, exercise, or a combination of these activities.
When you begin your day with taking time to recognize your thoughts and engage body, mind, and spirit activities, it can increase happiness, productivity, and overall success. Tony Robbins, Russel Simmons, and many other successful people have indicated the importance of controlling the start of your day with prayer, meditation, reading a positive book, exercising, or a mixture of these activities. Frequently, it will be impossible to control what you encounter once you leave your home. However, with some time made in the morning for meditation, exercise, reading a positive article or a mixture of these actions you can increase your chances for a wonderful day.
3. Take time in the morning and night to be grateful.
When was the last time you said thank you for a breath of fresh air? In Jeff Olsen’s book, The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success and Happiness, he talks about the importance of keeping a gratitude journal where you take time each day to identify three things, people, or ideas that you are thankful for in your life. It does not have to be complicated or grandiose. Oxygen, a glass of water, or a bed to sleep in at night can seem insignificant, but it is important to be grateful for the small things in life to attract happiness in other areas of your personal and professional commitments.
4. Look in the mirror and smile.
This final recommendation is simple and straightforward. If you want to start and end each day with a smile, then you must make it a priority to look in the mirror and smile. Soon after brushing your teeth in the morning and at night, take the 3-5 secs to smile at your reflection. This brief pause allows for the acknowledgment that it is a blessing to see another morning and to reach another night. Yes, the day might feel gruesome, and the way you spend your time might be influenced by a job, business, or personal relationship. Nonetheless, you can be intentional about starting and ending your day with a smile at the person in the mirror.
Whether you are reading this first thing in the morning or right before going to bed, remember that you can control some aspects of your life. It may require self-discipline or the accountability that a group of like-minded individuals can provide, but you are not powerless. If done consistently, the practice of the four recommendations mentioned above can increase your chances of success at the beginning and end of each day with intentional time for positive actions.
Today, is my birthday so make me smile and leave a comment in the thread!