1.
My morning routine, which includes a walk with my dog and meditation, is absolutely non-negotiable. No matter what is going on, it can wait until after I’ve done my morning routine.
First off, this combines the “outer energy” elements we talk about at Own It, and how certain actions have a huge physiological effect. The sunlight and movement give me the jolt of sympathetic hormones and dopamine that excite me for the day. I physically feel better, and by extension, mentally I’m ready.
If you take out these routines because you’re busy, you’re starting a vicious cycle where it’s harder to motivate yourself to do all the things you’ve set out to do. I remind myself that everything I get to do I can only do at a high level because I take care of myself first. This reminder helps me do the routine even when it’d be easier to just hop right onto my laptop and start working.
Tell People in Your Life About These Non-Negotiables
It’s funny, that once you set these boundaries, the people in your life who respect you, will respect your boundaries. Now I don’t have to tell anybody that I can’t do that 7am call, because they all know that my routines and myself come first.
Photo Credit Tatiana Rodriguez