Tag: writing

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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!

Power of a piece of paper and a pen!

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This week has been VERY busy for my wife and I. Kids activities, church activities, work, housework, etc. How do I ensure I am doing everything that I need to do? It’s simple…..I use a piece of paper and a pen.

Every Sunday night, I do the simple 5 minute task of writing out everything I need to accomplish the next week on a piece of paper. I physically write it down...no typing it on your phone or computer…I will explain why in a little.

This simple act keeps my week organized and ensures everything gets done. I don’t need a fancy pre-printed sheet of paper, just a plain piece of notebook paper! When I have a really busy day, I write down what time I need to get these things done! So why do I think its important that you physically write these things down on a piece of paper and avoid writing it down on a digital device?

The answer to that is simple. There is a special sense of accomplishment a person gets when they can physically put a line through a completed task! When I complete a task, I put a big line through it and immediately feel accomplished as I move to my next task. If you are feeling like you are not getting things done in a timely manner or need a better way to get organized, then give it a try!

Challenge: This Sunday night, go ahead and write everything you need to do for the week on a piece of paper using a pen! As the week progresses and you get things done, cross them off your list. At the end of the week, check your list and see how much you got done!

Jon