Start a Morning Routine

For a long time I've been reading and hearing how a solid morning routine can have a positive impact on your productivity. It always made sense to me, but I never took the time to implement one.

I was always the type of person to lay in bed until the last possible minute and end up rushing out the door with my hair still wet from the shower and the last bite of my breakfast still in my mouth.

Over the years I have became more of a morning person. But I still did not embrace a deliberate morning routine.

About a year ago that changed. On a whim, I decided to give it try.

• Rise out of bed at or before a set time.
• Stretch and exercise for a few minutes.
• Read.
• Plan my day.

Right away I saw results. I was more organized and focused. I got more done in the morning, whether at work on the weekends. I noticed I was getting more out of my most precious and nonrenewable resource: my time.

Over the last year or so, my morning routine has been refined and improved to better meet my needs. My only regret is that I didn't start focusing on this years ago. 

But I guess self improvement is like planting trees. The best time to start is twenty years ago, the next best time is right now.