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Wake up Early!

A few years ago, I read a book called “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod. Little did I know at the time, but this quick and easy read would help me improve my quality of life by a mile! Before reading this book, I would roll out of bed at 7:15am, shower, get dressed and head to work. At the time, I didn’t realize how much of an opportunity I was losing by not waking up earlier.

After I read the book, I had a new view on the importance of utilizing your mornings to the best of your ability. For the past couple of years I have been waking up at 5:30am, enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper and thinking in silence. Usually one of our cats will join in reading the paper with me!

This time has become so important for me as it enables me to jumpstart my brain by reading and start to think as I digest information. I also enjoy the silence of the morning, before my son and wife wake up. It allows me to sit in silence and just think….which a lot of us lack the time to do these days!

It also instills a sense of confidence and accomplishment as I begin my day. I have found that I have more confidence in making decisions during the day. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment, as I have already woken up early and read, before I even really start the day.

In the book “The Miracle Morning”, the author talks about 6 steps that make up the entire “Miracle Morning” routine. These 6 steps include the following: 1)Silence 2)Affirmations 3)Visualizations 4)Exercise 5)Reading 6)Scribing. For the first year of implementing the “Miracle Morning”, I followed these 6 steps EXACTLY. Now I only do Reading and Silence. I am ok with only doing 2/6 ongoing, because I have found what works for ME! I have learned throughout the years that I exercise better at night, so I save that one for the night! If you decide to read the book, I encourage you to try the plan exactly at first, and then through time you learn what works better for you!

Challenge: For one week straight, wake up 1 hour earlier and do at least one out of the following: Read, Write, or Exercise.

Bonus Challenge: Read “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod and start implementing the 6 steps ASAP!

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Disconnect from your devices

Last post, I wrote about the importance of taking vacation away from your 9-5. This past Friday, I took a vacation day from my work. I didn’t go on an expensive vacation or have a unique experience, in fact I spent $0 during that day. Instead, I went to a local park and walked a few miles in a natural path through the woods.

It was a great experience. It was quiet and great scenery. The best thing about it is that I left my phone in my car. I didn’t have headphones in listening to a podcast or music, it was just me alone with my thoughts, surrounded by a running creak, tall trees and a natural dirt path.

The walk reminded me of my childhood, before we had devices attached to us all day. As a child, I would escape in the woods behind my house for hours….jumping over creeks, visiting the local lakes, and using my imagination to play with friends. It was a great moment of nostalgia, as well as a great time to just think without having any distractions.

This was so important to get away and just walk around in silence with my thoughts. It was a great time to reflect on what I am doing and how I can improve in certain areas in my life. Think about it…you are on your devices ALL DAY EVERY DAY. Take time to put them down for a few hours!

Challenge: Go on a walk or run without any headphones or electronics. Take this time to walk and just think. Trust me…you will feel great afterward.

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Use your Vacation days!

Today I decided to take a vacation day from my 9-5 job. I am not going anywhere, in fact I am just staying at home and relaxing….and that is 100% ok!

Too many people don’t use their vacation days they are given at work. They let their vacation days stack up. As a result, they are always working and never take time for themselves. Using your vacation days is so important for your mental health and quality of life!

I hear a lot of the same excuses….”I have so much work…I don’t have time to take off”….”If I take off, then I will have MORE work when I come back”. Guess what….work will ALWAYS be there. No matter if you are working or on vacation. The work will never stop coming…that is why the company hired you.

If you are in a job where you have strict deadlines and can’t take any vacation because you are always working to hit those deadlines….then it’s time to find another job. Once you are gone, no one remembers or even cares about the work you did. No job is worth you missing time with your family and risking your mental health!

Challenge: Right now, go ahead and find a day within the next month that you can take off for vacation.