Each day runs kind of like a train. Turns, twists. A sequence of events. Occasionally a crash…
In one breath, we’re in this present moment, but at the same time, we’re on some kind of journey to a future version of ourselves (the good, the bad or the ugly!)
It’s like when we wake up, we have two options in terms of how we kick this thing off.
We either repeat historical events mindlessly, or we execute with intent as we move towards something we’re consciously trying to create or build.
Every time we go on autopilot and repeat the past, we reinforce a pattern. This further cements a kind of “fixed” perception of ourselves.
How does that look? Maybe it’s checking the phone right when you get up, turning on a TV, or looking at emails and feeling a like you get hit by a bus when you think about work…
On the other hand, every time we execute with intent, we obliterate past patterns! This boosts our personal power and ability to create a new direction.
It’s hard work though. Our personal history carries a ton of momentum. It’s effectively our whole identity.
So, it seems that first thing in the morning can kind of key. It certainly it is for me. It seems to set a tone…
Personally, I’ve found a few things to be helpful here – of course, none of it being new – this is the stuff that has been around since the beginning of time:
- Start with meditation. Different silence or stillness practices have really helped me in the last decade. In could be short – a few conscious breaths, long or something in between. My approach is messy, and not really worth talking about, but finding your way to sit in the space long enough to open your perception up and drop some of that mind chatter is helpful. For me, right when I wake up is best. It’s easier to execute with intent when we have space to become more present to the moment.
- Move, exercise, journal, walk, do your thing that’s in line with where you want to go – we aren’t even talking about the physiological or physical benefits, but the fact that you’ve executed with intent. You’ve shown yourself that you have control of your actions and you’re not a slave to your phone, computer or your boss or anyone else! Nice work!
- Remind yourself. When you get stuck, in a rut, or off track later in the day, or miss a session at the gym, it’s not about beating ourselves up. Remember you have the ability to execute with intent. You did it earlier this morning! Your personal power is growing. It’s a practice. So even when you find yourself off track, you can rest, take some time, go for a walk and re-create intent at any time to jump back on the court.
- Create a posse. If you can hold yourself accountable, excellent. If you aren’t there yet, no problem – find a group, community or cohort to keep you on track. A crew that won’t let you hide, that will (gently) call you out, so you can stay on track and keep your intent high.
- Use timeframes. We can’t sprint all year. Reflect each month, or quarter. What worked, what didn’t? How might you tweak your morning (or any other part of the day) to get more alignment with how you want to be showing up?
Like all things, if it was easy, we’d be executing with intent until the sun went down and crushing goals like they were popcorn.
Things take time, but the practice of setting up a morning not “routinely,” but intentionally might be worth exploring.
