We all have a morning ritual. The consistent routine that happens first thing in our day. For some, this routine is short and for others it can last several hours. Our ritual depends on the time available, energy, and personal goals.
Below is a 5-step process to consider and intentionally design your morning ritual.
Step 1 – Audit Your Current Routine
Before creating something new, you need to understand what you are currently doing. Start by documenting your morning routine. What are the elements? How much time does it take? What do you like? What do you dislike?
Step 2 – Consider Your Time & Energy
Not all stages of life allow for the same morning rituals. Based on your current life stage, how much time do you have for your morning ritual? When do you wake up? When does your time start to be driven by other responsibilities (family, work, etc.). Be realistic and know that time available goes up and down. Design your ritual for what you have now.
After understanding your time, be realistic about your energy. Some people (morning people) want to jump out of bed and start doing things, their morning routines tend to be more active. On the flip side, others (night owls) often need to ease themselves into the day with relaxing, energy giving activities.
Step 3 – Morning Ritual Goals
Next, turn attention to your goals for your morning. Consider these questions: How do I want to feel? What is the purpose of the routine? Are there any activities that are non-negotiable, even on a busy day?
Step 4 – Dream
What could be part of your morning ritual that would create the feeling you are looking for and serve the primary purpose? Pull out a piece of paper and brainstorm. Dream about all the things that could be part of the ritual. Go beyond what you are doing. Consider creating the environment. How could you engage all 5 senses in the experience? What would set you up for the kind of day you want to have? Would the weekend ritual be different from the weekday ritual? If so, what could be included in each?
Step 5 – Design the Ritual
Now, it’s time to create the experience. Define when it starts and then plan out what comes first, what’s next, and how does it conclude. Consider the environment and all the ideas from the dream step.
Your Turn
Do you have a morning ritual you love?
Are there any ideas here that have you considering updates?
Does it make sense to replace one aspect of your routine with something else?