How I Start the Day
Win the morning, win the day.
I’m not going to sit here and pretend I have it all figured out because I can assure you I don’t. But I do believe that I have found a good way to start my days. And today, that is what I am breaking down for you. Let’s go.
My alarm goes off at 4:45. I think I have been an early riser all of my life. I am not sure what it is but it’s just hard for me to sleep late. And I know that is early but I have priorities in the morning and this time allows me to get them in!
My go to first move is to brush my teeth. Tongue scrape. Whole 9 yards. Then, a shower and workout clothes on (already laid out the night before, this is key).
Then it’s time to drink some water while I make my coffee. I got a Chemex years ago and I have used it almost everyday since. It is a slightly more inconvenient way of making coffee, however, I love it. It’s intentional. It requires my patience. And it tastes so much better.
Coffee in hand, time to sit down with my journal. I have a Daily Alignment outline that I follow. I try to keep it brief but I review the previous day, what’s on my mind, and look forward at the day ahead. Then my Bible. I’ve found that whatever gets into my head first tends to set the tone for everything after, and I’d rather it be Scripture than a headline. That quiet half hour, coffee going cold next to an open Bible, might be my favorite part of the whole day.
Then I hit a quick stretch, and then I train. The pre-dawn workout has one enormous advantage over every other time slot: nothing has ever come up at 5:30 in the morning. No meeting runs long, nobody needs a favor. It’s time that I can almost guarantee is open. My workout is usually something focused around hitting full body 3 times a week, lifting heavy, getting my heart rate up, and lots of core work lately.
Once I wrap that up, it’s time for the actual best part of my morning: breakfast with my wife. Eggs, protein, some fruit, and a slice of sourdough bread. This time is sacred. After that, get ready for work and I am out the door.
Now, why am I telling you all this? Mainly because I want you to have an outline, maybe some inspiration, to find something that works for you. I believe a stable morning routine sets you up for whatever the day throws at you. You don’t need any of my specifics. But find the hour nobody else has a claim on, decide what belongs in it, and do it in the same order every day. The morning gives it to you free. You just have to show up.
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
- Marcus Aurelius
