“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar
We all have bad days from time to time. Some days we may not feel like doing much. We might be tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed by stress. Its days like these where have to put a little extra effort into getting ourselves up and going. If we still want to get the most out of our day it’s our responsibility to take control of our attitude and state of mind. A helpful way to work through these down days is to have a morning routine to get us going. There are times when I’m not at 100% with my mentality and emotions and still have coaching or therapy clients to meet with. It is my responsibility to check my head and turn on a positive and supportive attitude. We all have the ability to shift our thinking and get ourselves pumped up. So, next time you’re not feeling as sharp or a focused as you would like, or you don’t naturally have the enthusiasm you need, try starting your day off with a motivational routine. Here are six steps to get you started.
1) Clear your mind
Take a few minutes to pause and take a deep breathe. Let go of whatever is bothering you. Shift your focus away from distant concerns so you can focus on what is at hand. Don’t worry about the list of things you intend to do or how you’re going to do them. Simply allow yourself to get centered and primed for your day.
2) Write 3 positive things about you
If we’re feeling discouraged it’s important to get our self-confidence back. Take 5 minutes to analyze yourself and jot down 3 good things about you. No matter how minor or major you may think they are, record them on a sheet of paper and keep it with you throughout the day to serve as a reminder.
3) Meditate and pray
The mind is the engine of the vehicle that is the human body; if it runs smoothly your day may do the same. Meditate for at least 10 minutes. Give your mind and body the chance for some solitude and solace. Meditation helps us get train our attention, think more clearly, and regulate our emotional state. Use this time to say some affirmative prayers about how you want your day to unfold or what miracles you want to encounter.
4) Put health first
Our physical health is everything when it comes to energy and productivity. It is an ongoing priority to make sure we stay active, eat well, and get adequate sleep.
- Exercise – We need energy and stamina to take on our day, so getting your blood flowing by exercising will be an important motivational tool. Try to get some form of exercise each day for 15 – 20 minutes. Even going for a walk can be rejuvenating.
- Diet – Diet is a major factor in our energy level. Pay attention to your body. Eat a protein rich breakfast. Drink plenty of water instead of another cup of coffee.
- Sleep – Sleep for at least 7-8 hours. Many people are sluggish simply because they are sleep deprived. Sleep is a primary tool for handling the rhythm of life.
5) Get inspired and uplifted
What are you feeding your mind first thing in the morning? Inspiration can come from listening to a podcast or music, reading a blog you really admire, or spending time outdoors. I have a handful of podcasts I follow throughout my week to keep me motivated. This is Your Life – Michael Hyatt 48 Days Podcast – Dan Miller Entreleadership Podcast – Dave Ramsey You might also get inspiration from taking a few minutes to do whatever you like. We can get our energy flowing when we do something fun and enjoyable. For instance, if I am feeling a little stuck I’ll play the drums for a bit to feel creative and get my brain flowing differently.
6) Do
You have prepared your internal and external self to tackle the day to day rigors of the world. Go out and make things happen. Get moving and just do one thing at a time. Realize there will be resistance to work through. So keep going and simply focus on the task at hand. These are just a few suggestions to help get your day rolling. Figure out a routine that works for you. What do you do to get motivated? What routines do you have that help get your day going?
