You’ve created your own online business and you’ve worked out some great systems and processes for optimizing your day. But perhaps you want to take it one step further…
One thing you can do?
Create a morning routine or ritual.
When you think of your current morning… what does it look like?
*Alarm goes off* *Rubs eyes* *Jumps at computer to start work* *Chuggs coffee*
By the end of the work day, you may feel exhausted! You don’t have the energy and it can feel like all you can think about is your business. Don’t fret! We’re about to turn it all around because we know you created your business to create more freedom in all aspects of your life.
How to Make the Shift
If you want to start freeing up space and doing the things that really spark your creativity, then you may want to think about your morning routine and rituals.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I want to do every day? What is my ideal day?
- Am I overworking myself?
- Is there currently enough time in the day to do the things I want to do?
What did you come up with? – If you’re here… then, you’re probably not accomplishing all the things you really want to do each day.
If you want to make the shift from “resentful of your business” to “this is why I did it,” then here is how you can create a morning routine that will propel you and your business forward.
How to “Morning Routine”
A morning routine won’t solve everything, but it is an action you can take to get you and your business to a better place.
Your morning routine as a business owner may look completely different from someone with a 9-5, and it should! This is YOUR business, and you can run it how you please. Start believing that.
You don’t have to wake up at 5 AM to squeeze in all of those magical moments before work. YOU dictate when it all happens.
So… rather than waking up and jumping straight to the computer… what could you do instead? – Yes, pull out that handy dandy list of your ideal day.
Here’s a list of morning routine ideas:
- Go for a morning walk or exercise class.
- Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish.
- Create a list of gratitude or just write what’s on your mind.
- Continue the program you’ve been learning from.
- Go for a swim.
- Paint.
- Take a second to just be present – seriously… it can just be a second.
The list is endless. You can incorporate into your morning routine whatever you feel you need.
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How to NOT Morning Routine
If you’ve reached this point, then you may have noticed… “These aren’t your typical morning routine steps.”
You’d be right. Because your morning routine can light you up and set you up for maximum productivity during your work day.
BUT, there are a few things your morning routine shouldn’t include…
- Social media
- The news
- Your email
If you want to spend your morning learning something, then be sure to turn off notifications while you’re doing it. Your morning routine should bring you peace of mind and fill your cup without the distractions of social media and news reports.
Why a Morning Routine?
How often have you wanted to do something… but after you’re done with work for the day, you’re just tooooo tired to do it?
*yes, I see you.*
If you had to work 30 minutes or even an hour longer each day, but it guaranteed that you already got to fill up your cup, would you?
And that can be the difference between having a morning routine and not. You’re less likely to get to the things you want to because you’re exhausted come quittin’ time.
Morning routines and rituals can bring back the excitement you feel for your business. They keep you looking forward to the morning (especially if mornings aren’t your favorite. – ahem, that’d be me.)
Morning Rituals | Is There a Difference?
While morning routines and rituals are essentially the same concept, it’s the intention and attitude behind them that make the most difference.
While routines imply things you NEED to get done, rituals are actions and things you do that are meaningful practices.
How can you make the simplest of tasks even more fun and meaningful to you?
Here’s a few ways to get you thinking about it:
- Light candles in the morning to set the mood.
- Play your favorite song and pretend no one’s watching.
- Practice a daily gratitude ritual.
- Glamorize your coffee making practice. – Afterall, coffee is life, right?
Anything you do in your daily life can be… romanticized and ritualized. You want a long-lasting business, and implementing some of these practices can help you get there.
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About The Author
Rachel Gogos is a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a strong desire to help people by creating strong personal brands and businesses. She’s personally launched dozens of books, e-products, and services; and hundreds of products and services with her clients. She started her career at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, where she helped create the look and feel for the organization’s first website.
Today, in her current role running brandiD, Rachel channels over 15 years of marketing and communications experience into each and every website for brandiD’s clients.
And check out her brand new podcast, The Business of You!
Additional Reading
5 Tips for Managing Your Email List
How to Overcome Growing Pains at Every Stage of Your Business
Jeff Griffiths says
Totally agree Rachel. I’ve been working on this sort of routine for a while now, and as the owner of a small (but mighty!) consulting practice I’ve found that it really helps set myself up for success when I start the day right. 100% on “no email or social media” to start the day. In fact, I’d go one further – no screens, period! Work on yourself (brain, body, and intent for the day) BEFORE you crack open the computer. I find if I don’t, I get ‘sucked into the vortex’ and before I know it I’m chasing the day instead of being intentional about what I need to do.