I’ve been interested in routines and rituals for as long as I can remember.  I loved Mason Currey’s Daily Rituals.  I know that often times people can get caught up in the minutiae of  what “successful” people do everyday, but it fascinates me none the less.  It all goes back to the famous story when someone at a writers conference asked Stephen King what kind of pencil he uses.  It doesn’t matter at all, but some of us just love these little quirks.   I’m going to share my morning routine here but advise you to go check out http://mymorningroutine.com.  I followed the format here:

What is your morning routine?

• wake Up:  7-7:30am
• big glass of luke warm water
• feed/water cats
• brush teeth
• meditate for 15 minutes
•  5 minute journal
• start water for coffee/tea
• 23 push-ups
• make coffee/tea
• read for at least 1 hour
• gym/run

 

How long have you stuck with this routine so far?

 

I’ve stuck with this routine for the past 3 months or so.

What time do you go to sleep?

I generally try not to stay up past 11pm.

Do you use an alarm to wake you up in the morning, and if so do you ever hit the snooze button?

I use my iPhone although I have been leaning towards getting an alarm clock so I can get the phone out of the room.  I have really tried to make an effort lately not to snooze.  I recently read Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning  and he talks about how hitting the snooze is like saying:  I hate getting up in the morning—so I do it over, and over, and over again.

How soon after waking up do you have breakfast, and what do you typically have?

I typically don’t eat a meal until closer to noon or after my workout.  Often times I will still have breakfast food which is generally based around eggs…lots of eggs.

Do you have a morning workout routine?

I do like to do around 60 pushups in between all my various activities in the morning.  I usually like to get a run in before the day gets away from me.

Do you use any apps or products to enhance your sleep or morning routine?

I use the 5 minute journal and the Headspace App.

What and when is your first drink in the morning?

Water first thing, a little on the warm side.

What do you do if you fail to follow your morning routine, and how does this influence the rest of your day?

Just relax and remember that perfect is the enemy of good.  I do believe how you start your day influences how the rest of the day goes so I try and stick with it.