Morning routines build momentum

Over the years, I have cultivated a daily routine, particularly for the first few hours of my day. This routine allows me to accomplish key tasks, building satisfaction and momentum for a productive day. Here’s how it goes:

Every day, I wake up around 5:30 am, a habit ingrained by my father since I was 10 years old. Regardless of the weather or type of day, I maintain this wake-up time. Then, I have a bowel movement – another healthy habit encouraged by my father. Afterward, I brush my teeth and weigh myself.

Next, I drink three glasses of water, adding a pinch of salt to the first glass and warming it if possible.

Then, I devote 15 to 20 minutes to prayer. My prayer schedule is also routinized:

• Mondays for college mates;
• Tuesdays for church members;
• Wednesdays for family;
• Thursdays for myself and work;
• Fridays for the country and its leaders;
• Saturdays for friends; and
• Sundays for church services.

After praying, I put on my workout clothes and either jog or exercise at home. I jog for an hour three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays), often joined by my eldest son as we cover six kilometers. On other days, I work out at home for about 30 minutes.

Following my workout or jog, I shower and prepare for breakfast. During this meal, my sons and I discuss homeschooling progress and their learning experiences. Afterward, my wife and I hold hands in prayer before diving into the day’s tasks.

As you can see, this morning routine sets me up for a successful and fulfilling day. Within the first three hours, I’ve taken care of my health, nurtured my spirituality, prayed for others, groomed myself, and spent quality time with my children. This robust start helps me feel energized and motivated to excel throughout the day.

By establishing a daily routine, you eliminate the need to constantly decide what to do next or negotiate with yourself. Negotiation can be difficult, especially when it’s an internal battle. A well-structured routine allows you to smoothly transition from one task to another, building momentum as you progress through the day. This momentum enables you to tackle challenges and navigate uncertainties with confidence, knowing that you have already accomplished so much.

If you haven’t yet established a routine, I highly recommend giving it a try. Start with small steps and gradually build upon your successes.